A Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast high tea that’s as sweet as it is supportive.
A Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast high tea that’s as sweet as it is supportive.
There are high teas, and then there are high teas that take things to a whole new tier. The kind that not only serve towers of bite-sized deliciousness but also make you feel like you’re doing something good while you’re shamelessly demolishing a macaroon.
This spring, Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast has teamed up with the National Breast Cancer Foundation to deliver just that, the Pink Ribbon Spring High Tea, a pink-tinted afternoon of indulgence, bubbles, and bite-sized brilliance that will leave your belly, your heart, and your penchant for pink overflowing.
Running daily from October 1 through to November 30, this limited-edition high tea is your golden ticket to channel your inner Bridgerton, but with more Moët right in our beautiful Main Beach.
On arrival, you’ll be handed a glass of Moët Impérial Rosé (because pink bubbles trump regular bubbles every day of the week and twice on Sundays) before settling into Pearls Bar to graze your way through an almost-too-pretty-to-eat line-up of sweets and savouries.
And let’s just say, Sheraton Mirage has really raised the tiered stand here. On the sweet side, think Rose and Vanilla Éclairs, Raspberry Opera Slices, Victorian Sponges, and a Lemon Curd Tart crowned with toasted lime and strawberry marshmallow that is basically dessert royalty. Belgian White Chocolate and Raspberry Macarons are also in the mix, because you can’t spell “high tea” without at least one macaron that you take a photo of before inhaling.
Balancing out all that sugary sass is a spread of savoury stunners: Spiced Prawn Cocktails with spring onion crème fraîche, delicate Roast Turkey with egg and chives, a Prosciutto, Pear and Asparagus Remoulade, and a Heirloom Tomato and Basil Cream Tart that is sunshine on a plate. Throw in some Nimbin Valley Monte Nardi Cheese with fruit chutney, and of course, the MVP of any high tea’; fresh-out-of-the-oven Scones with vanilla clotted cream and strawberry compote.
And because hydration is key (and champagne doesn’t technically count), you’ll also be treated to unlimited Tavalon teas and freshly brewed coffee. Which means you can happily sip your way from Earl Grey to herbal blends while debating whether it’s socially acceptable to lick lemon curd off your fingers in public (it is).
But here’s the best part – this isn’t just about indulging. For every booking, Sheraton Grand Mirage will donate $5 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, helping fund vital research and community support. So, you can feel extra smug knowing your sugar fest is supporting something way bigger than your sweet tooth.
To really lean into the vibe, guests are encouraged to wear a touch of pink. Think Barbie-core, Mean Girls Wednesdays, or Elle Woods at Harvard – whatever shade of pink you pick, you’ll be fitting right in.
The setting inside the luxe beachfront paradise that is Sheraton Grand Mirage Gold Coast was made for a high tea of this calibre. With its sparkling lagoons, tropical gardens, and salty sea breezes, it’s basically the Amalfi Coast’s glamorous cousin who just happens to live at Main Beach.
What are the finer details you ask? It’s $79 for adults and $34.50 for kids (aged 5–12) and runs daily from 12pm to 4pm. Bookings are essential (and trust us, this one will book out faster than a Taylor Swift presale), so round up your girlfriends, your mum, your partner, or even your boss (#BrownyPoints) and lock in a date. There’s a minimum two people, because what’s the point of high tea without someone to swap scones with?
So, dust off your pink blazer, shine up your champagne flute (jokes – it’s not BYO glassware), and get ready for an afternoon that serves all the right notes: delicious, decadent, and downright meaningful. After all, when else can you justify eating four types of cake and call it philanthropy?
Bookings can be made via Pearls Bar or by phoning the hotel directly on (07) 5577 0000. Trust us – your tastebuds, your Insta grid, and the National Breast Cancer Foundation will thank you.
Where: Pearls Bar, Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, 71 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
When: 12pm – 4pm, Wednesday 1 October to Sunday 30 November
Words by Bianca Trathen
STORY SPONSORED BY SHERATON GRAND MIRAGE RESORT GOLD COAST
The world is your oyster at the new look Pearls Bar.
If you’ve been seeking a place to sit back and sip on delicious cocktails while indulging in delicious bar bites then stop looking – we’ve found it. And did we mention it’s beachfront?
One of our favourite Main Beach gems has had a polish up and while we’re tempted to be shellfish and keep it to ourselves, we’re here to tell you that Pearls Bar is looking (and tasting) extra fine!
Tucked away in the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Pearls Bar’s zhushed interior feels contemporary and elevated. Forest green hues are perfectly complimented with gold accents for a seriously luxe new feel. It truly feels like an oasis and it’s exactly where you’ll find us kicking back with a cocktail in hand.
With the new look comes new menus. Think luxe and designer inspired fare that’ll keep you coming back for more. With a name like Pearls Bar it’s only fitting the menu is all about oysters. With a splash of creativity, might we add.
Take yours a la natural or venture out of the ordinary with a twist of champagne watermelon or Patrón and finger lime. The shared menu was consciously crafted with closeness in mind, bringing people together through the art and love of food.
They say food is the way to the heart. And with offerings like Lobster Rolls with Salmon Caviar served on a buttery brioche bun, consider our heart’s won.
Seafood lovers will want to get a taste of the Scallop Ceviche, perfectly balanced with chilli, lemon, mint, coriander and shallots. Call us cheesy but we can’t go past a Baked Brie moment, with calvados and honey, walnuts and toasted rye the flavour combo speaks for itself.
From classic to new signature cocktails, the Designer Cocktail Menu marries together the best of flavours you know and new ones to discover. Cocktail connoisseurs – this one’s for you, the Pancho’s Pearls brings a burst of flavour with peach infused pearls to finish this tequila and champagne based bevvy.
If you’re here to put your pinky up and get a little boujee then the Oysters & Caviar cocktail has your name written all over it – because who doesn’t fancy a caviar moment (we’re starting to see a theme here)? This delicious gin-based drop comes with its own side of fresh oyster with finger lime caviar – it’s giving sophisticated.
Did we mention there was a gin bar? If you’re partial to a cheeky gin and tonic then you’ll want to get well acquainted with their hand picked selection of local and imported gins, paired with your own bespoke boutique tonic selection for drink that’s deliciously ‘you’.
In the spirit of keeping on theme, Pearls Bar are giving the people what they want with the launch of Patrón & Oyster Fridays from the start of May, serving up $3 Pacific Oysters with any of their epic cocktails like the Spicy Marg, Mezcal Marg or Grapefruit Paloma – we’ll take a dozen, thanks!
If you don’t live in Main Beach look away now, or risk extreme jealousy. Every Wednesday and Sunday through the month of May, Gold Coast locals* will be treated to 25% off their bill (yes, you read that right) when they dine between 5pm and 7pm. You’d be losing money not going at this point #girlmath.
Where: 71 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
When: Daily from 12pm – midnight
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.
STORY SPONSORED BY SHERATON GRAND MIRAGE RESORT
*Proof of Gold Coast, QLD address must be supplied to receive the Locals Offer.
Sweet dreams are made of (high) teas.
Undoubtedly, one of life’s greatest pleasures is sitting in front of a multi-tiered tray, delicately filled with morish bite-size eats and paired with a cuppa. Or bubbles. Okay both.
And just when you thought high tea couldn’t get any fancier, a lot of places are now serving up seasonal theming with their tiers- think themed décor, seasonally adapted ingredients, and a twist on the classics. It’s high tea with a seasonal spin, and we’re absolutely here for it.
In all honest-tea, here are 13 of the best high tea haunts on the Coast, listed north to south. Bake a leg and get bready to tick them off your must-visit list, one by one. And go!
Following a multi-million dollar refurb, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort is looking better than ever, as is the ever-elegant High Tea menu, hosted in Cove Cafe from 1–4pm every Saturday and Sunday. Elevate your weekend with decadent morsels such as slow-cooked 12-hour Beef Cheek with a Chimmi Churri Doughnut and Milk Chocolate, Hazelnut, Disaronno Amaretto Layer Cake.
Plus, since they also have the bragging rights as the first hotel to feature globally renowned Tea Forté teas, you can rest assured you’ll be treated like royal-tea, starting with a welcome of Tea Forté-infused towel and palate-cleansing iced tea piccolo from your host. You can also upgrade your tea time to include their signature ‘Pear-tea-ni’ cocktail, NV Jansz Premium Cuvee or NV Miguel Torres ‘Santa Digna – Estelado’ Pais Sparkling Rose, with more options to choose from! Prices start at $69 per person.
Where: Cove Cafe, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove
Have you tried a Middle Eastern high tea yet, and if you’re shaking your noggin, we’re about to open up a whole new world of d-lish. Boasting exotic sweet and savoury bites a-plenty, it will become your new normal to meet your mates here. Tuck into three tiers brimming with treats such as Orange Blossom Cheesecake and Halloumi and Eggplant Skewers, with unlimited barista-made coffee and tea, and a sparkling wine or mocktail on arrival. $65 pp, minimum of four people.
Where: 18/10 Santa Barbara Road, Hope Island
This eclectic fave with warm mood lighting for days is known for its rotating seasonal high teas. From now until May 31, they invite us all to celebrate the ethereal hues of a Gold Coast sunrise with their Golden Aurora High Tea. The limited-time high tea, served daily from 12–4pm, is a tribute to our fave time of day- golden hour! The warm glow of sunrise will come to life in every dish, from the Smoked Salmon with Citrus Cream, Cucumber and Onion Pickle on Rye, the Lemon Meringue Choux Craquelin and Passionfruit & Gold Leaf Sponge.
It all gets better with a Gilded Spritz– a radiant cocktail featuring gin, Angostura bitters, lemon, honey, and organic prosecco, elegantly garnished with a golden rim and raspberries dipped in edible gold dust. $79 per adult or $39 per child (aged 5-12 years), which includes a glass one Gilded Spritz cocktail (over 18 only) and unlimited Tavalon tea and coffee.
Where: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
The Imperial Hotel, Seaworld Drive’s HQ of luxury, might be sporting a fresh new name – but thankfully, they’re serving up that same fabulous Couture High Tea experience we know and love. Bringing a fashionable culinary experience to the perennial classic – you’ll feel very high socie-tea indeed, sipping bubbles surrounded by the sparkling crystal chandelier and grand vaulted ceilings.
There are two high tea options (fancy and fancier) – depending on how boujee you’re feeling. You have the Couture High Tea with all the embellishments for $69 per person. You begin with Buttermilk Scones with English Breakfast spiked Sultanas, White chocolate and treacle, served alongside Double Thick vanilla-bean cream and House-made Preserve– just to give you an indication as to where tea is going (somewhere marvellous, that’s where). Or for a slightly less extravagant experience (that doesn’t skimp on the delish factor), there are also four curated mini-spreads to pick from (think Devonshire tea) starting from $25 per person.
Where: Imperial Hotel, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Located in the luxurious JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, high tea at Chapter & Verse is an unmissable resort tradition created by their esteemed culinary team. Using local ingredients, this team take their high tea business seriously – sharing that each homemade morsel is inspired by the echo of birds in the resort’s peaceful and tranquil surrounds. So excuse us as we channel our inner seagull and duke it out over the likes of JW lavender, honey, white chocolate chip scones with fig and peach jam and fresh cream and Lobster crumpet with citrus aioli… we kid, of course – only our best etiquette for a classy establishment like the Marriott. There’s also a cute mini-me version for the little ones, Teeny Tiny Tea for $39 per child. Prices start from $79 per adult.
Where: 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Tucked peacefully a stone’s throw from the Budds Beach waterfront, Surfers stalwart Bumbles has long been a beloved spot to meet for coffee and some grazing action (and now cocktails – thanks to neighbouring big sis sip spot, Blue House #squee).
Inside the most charming little cafe in 4217 (and perhaps, the entire coast), there’s a mix of themed private rooms that branch off the main space – so it figures that it also makes a particularly spesh spot for a fanciful high tea soiree. Acquaint yourself with the divinely appointed Library (or luxurious Hamptons room, perhaps) and tuck into a spread of smoked salmon blinis, pint-sized quiches, fruit tarts and tea sandwiches. Bookings for the “regular” high tea (a misnomer if ever we’ve heard one) come in at $50 per person, with dietary and bubbles options also available. La-de-dah indeed.
Where: 19 River Drive, Surfers Paradise
This is no ordinary high tea! … well, okay, technically speaking, they do offer an ‘Ordinary’ High Tea option, but since you know QT Gold Coast is all about infusing the unexpected into everything they do – trust us when we say it’s anything but. The variety of pinky-popping menus also includes a champas-studded Extraordinary High Tea experience, a Man Tea for a more savoury take and a mini spread for your little Q’Ties for $39 per child.
Here, the typical savoury tea fare has been treated to a tapas-style twist, such as Spiced Tempura Cauliflower and Smoked Salmon and Cucumber Poppers to excite the taste buds – so, move over cucumber sandwich, you culinary snooze-fest you (there, we said it). And don’t get us started on the Caramello chiffon and Mini Pavlova. Prices start at $69 per adult with a variety of boozy upgrade options, such as jugs of Aperol Spritz and Pink Gin Spritz to really enhance your experience.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
A pretty little gem nestled just inside the lobby of Hilton Surfers Paradise, Ms Margot’s certainly knows a thing or two about being boujee. Along with serving up superb sips and all-day bites, the signature High Tea spread is available from 11:30–3:00 daily for whenever the urge for a lavish light lunch hits. Gather your gal and/or guy pals for a glam #SATC style rendezvous, and spill the tea over Roast Duck Bao Bun with Hoisin, Slaw and Kewpie mayo, Gelato Bon Bon, and, of course, Freshly Baked Scones with Dollop Cream, Blackberry Jam and Berries (plus more). The Signature High Tea comes in at $49pp with an optional upgrade to bottomless Mimosas or Sparkling Wine for an extra $25pp- very Carrie approved!
Where: Hilton Surfers Paradise, 6 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Every Sunday, locals and visitors alike flock to HOTA not just for their arty fix or a spot of market browsing, but to tuck into a delightful High Tea. Served in the critically acclaimed and ever-popular Palette restaurant, superstar Executive Chef Dayan Hartill-Law has curated the ultimate high tea experience. A couple of highlights are the Glazed ham with wattle mustard, smoked cheddar and pickle, the Coronation chicken and the Caramel pecan millionaires shortbread. Divine! Prices start at $70 per adult with bubbly upgrades available.
Where: HOTA Gallery, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
With its pavilion backdrop, lush gardens, and tranquil setting, this centrally located secluded oasis is the home of high tea. Not only high tea, though! They also have High Cheese! What’s High Cheese, you ask? It’s basically a tour through cheese land with 8 decadent dishes and a wine in hand. Say less! Stop one- champagne poached pear with gorgonzola. Stop two- house specialty carrot cake with cream cheese, and so on. That dairy dream boat is $85pp.
They also have a French Inspired high Tea- think Spinach Choux with Creamed Eggs and French Apple Tart Tatin for $68pp. Also, a Vegan High Tea for $78pp, a Gluten Free High Tea for $78pp and a Junior High Tea (babycinos included!) for $39 per child. No one misses out!
Where: 8/6 Ashmore Road, Bundall
Okay, so technically this one is officially called an Afternoon Tea, but when it comes to sumptuously snacking our way through bite-sized helpings of Opera cake made with coffee, almond and 54% dark chocolate Callebaut and tarts of crispy prosciutto, mushroom, truffle mousse, and fried quail egg.
In a British nod to its namesake at The Langham, London, where traditional English afternoon tea was served over 150 years ago, the stunning Palm Court restaurant inside the hotel pays tribute to its heritage. Serving a bespoke offering of the traditional Afternoon Tea crafted by culinary experts, it’s time to start practising your tea drinking etiquette (no pinky!). Prices start from $95 per person.
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise
Nestled in leafy Mudgeeraba, the stunningly decorated and truly breathtaking Bon Appetea Teahouse exudes French charm and traditional elegance. Popular for bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays and basically any event you can think of, their Luxe High Tea is the definition of decadence. Think buttermilk scones with homemade jam and cream and a selection of petite patisseries, organic sandwiches and savoury bites. Oh and if you’re on the hunt for a truly beautiful, quaint, spot to tie the knot, this one’s a keeper. $55 per adult.
Where: 7 Johns Road, Mudgeeraba
It was only a matter of time before the Gold Coast’s fav boujee bakery and brunch spot threw their hat into the High Tea ring. Thank god they did, because now we have a gorgeous tea garden to drink tea and coffee and nibble on cakes, scones, and sweet treats amongst greenery. Could we ask for more? No, but they delivered more. Starting with Tiramisu Coffee, Traditional French Hot Chocolate (AKA a teapot of liquid chocolate), fresh-baked scones, mini pastries, ceremonial-grade matcha, batch-brew coffee and cloud drinks. My goodness! Walk-ins welcome or book ahead.
Where: 2 Thrower Dr, Currumbin
Words by Kellie Leader and Chelsea Ipsen
So much more than its million dollar views.
There’s no denying that Main Beach is one of those postcodes that has everything going for it. Surrounded by million dollar surf views and sprawling green space one way and the Broadwater the other – you don’t have to be Sherlock Holmes to figure out why locals are so frond of flocking to this breezy, palm-flanked suburb.
Bursting at the seams with boutique shopping, dining, luxury accom and entertainment options (heck, it even boasts its own theme park), there is never any shortage of things to do, see, or eat.
The sky – or, more accurately, your credit card – is the limit.
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort
We’re not sure if it’s the salt air, but clearly something magic in the air happening here. One of the many mainstays in Main Beach’s strip – Sheraton Grand Mirage has been going strong as our go-to for all things pampering since well before we were old enough to pay for our own seafood buffet (#tear). Recently refurbed and looking more luxurious than ever, whether it’s treating ourselves to a staycay or simply perching up poolside for a few hours with the famous Pearls Bar high tea, Sheraton never misses.
Where: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, 71 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Winey Cow
Just when we thought brunch couldn’t be any more perfect – its boozier, bottomless iteration entered the chat. Regardless of your enthusiasm for Croissant chilli scramble chased with several Spritz to start your day, Winey Cow does both with pizzazz. Bursting onto our brunch late last year, Mornington Peninsula’s famed crew of brekkie moo-vers and shakers arrived with awards out the wazoo and mimosas in hand. Next time you roll out of bed craving a Bagel Benny, Lobster Bao, or Bloody Mary, Main Beach’s bright and breezy brekkie gem has got you.
Where: 5/11 Woodroffe Ave, Main Beach
Imperial Hotel
Another luxury jewel in Main Beach’s crown, the Seaworld Dr landmark formerly known as the Palazzo Versace has housed many a high roller in its time. Of course, locals are equally welcome to swing by and soak up its spoils and waterfront views for a weekend or a few hours. If you’re in the mood for the latter, Le Jardin’s signature bubble-studded Imperial High Tea is an excellent starting point, or if you’re a sucker for a buffet, the opulent surrounds of Il Barocco Restaurant never disappoint.
Where: 94 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Sea World
Not merely a fixture of the Main Beach skyline and our childhoods, no matter how many birthdays pass us by, a trip to Sea World will always slap. Particularly so, because locals have the added perk of knowing the strategic times to sashay by (hello off season) for maximum thrillage and spillage (also hello, Storm Coaster front carriage #IYKYK). Swing by, spend a few hours chillin’ with the ocean critters, hit up a few rollercoasters, then bail with an ice-cream in hand. Happy days.
Where: Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Holy Ship
What do you get when you take two fishing trawlers in need of some sea-rious TLC and a trio of swashbuckling restauranteurs? Main Beach’s swell new eats and sips concept, Holy Ship Bar & Restaurant… obviousea! Teaming up with co-owner Jake Ruttley, the brains behind former local gem, Tonic on Chirn, Kane and Yvette McCarthy, have certainly moved on to bigger and berther things. Launching twin floating venues earlier this year – the team has set their sights on bringing their signature grazing-style eats and sips to the sea! You even might spy the distinctive duo – decked out in cobalt blue and white – milling about the Broadwater on private function business when they’re not at home in their Marina Mirage mooring. Good times, ahoy.
Where: Birth 7&8 Marina Mirage, Marina Commercial arm, Sea World Drive, Main Beach
Peter’s Fish Market
Can you really call yourself a Gold Coaster ‘till you’ve bookended your spit hangs (or failed fishing expedition) with a pit stop at Peter’s Fish Market? Another absolute Seaworld Drive staple, this place has been churning out the fresh seafood, fish and chippies just a stone’s throw from the Broadwater for some 30 years now. Often heaving but always worth the wait, next time you feel the Sunday scaries coming on, pack a picnic rug and head here for a feed of famously crispy chippies, fresh prawns and some of the tenderest calamari going (or, BYOB for a chip butty by the sea – bliss).
Where: 130 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Marina Mirage
Another of Main Beach’s long-standing draws, Marina Mirage has long been a local haven of all things fancy and foodie. The produce-packed farmers markets every Saturday are always fave, as are the stellar array of eateries and boutiques. Home to international and local labels such as Sonia Stradiotto Couture, when we’re in need of designer threads, Marina Mirage never fails to hook us up. When it’s world-class waterfront wining and dining we’re after, the likes of La Luna Beach Club, La Luna, Glass and Omeros Bros have got you sorted.
Where: 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
That Beach Entrance
In addition to the more obvious allure of spectacular beaches, this saltwater blessed suburb just so happens to also be home to one of the GC’s most insta-famous beach entrances. Tucked just behind Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, you’ll find the particularly picturesque beach access path framed by its synonymous and oft-papped swaying palms. Even the most seasoned locals could never tire of being greeted by that view (or snapping just one more pic on those days when the weather is really turning it on).
Where: Head to Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort and look for the giant palms.
Rosé Gelateria
Dishing up dreamy interiors every bit as delicious as its artisanal ice-based confections, it’s little surprise this upscale ‘hood is now home to one of three boutique Rosé Gelateria locations. Joining its dusty pink-bathed big sis in Sanc Cove, head here to be greeted by swoon-worthy interiors and grab a scoop (or three) of house-made gelato or freshly brewed specialty coffee. With gourmet flavours like Passionfruit Pavlova and Fig and Mascarpone, gracing its rotation, there’s always something lush and lick-worthy with your name on it.
Where: 19/21 Tedder Ave, Main Beach
Tedder Ave
Spanning the length of the suburb’s residential end, Main Beach’s ever-bustling Tedder Ave strip is an icon that needs no introductions. Packed with boutique shopping, dining and sipping spots galore, it is nigh on impossible to ever be bored or hungry here. If you’ve got time to kill post beach walk, perch up and people watch one of the cute cafés, or swing by Main Beach Bakery for your sweet treat fix. In the latter half of the day, must-visit foodie hotspots like Greek gem Xenia, Domanis and fine dining seafood destination, Shuck help this lively hotspot really come into its own.
Where: Tedder Ave, Main Beach
Words by Kellie Leader
