High tea
Experience high tea at Parliament of Victoria – a tradition that members and visitors have enjoyed since 1924.
Serving days, times and cost
High tea is served in our Strangers Corridor restaurant at 2.00 pm on Thursdays when Parliament is not sitting.
Cost: $85 per person. Parliament House is now a cash-free environment. Please pay by card.
Dates for High Tea in 2025
November
Thursday 27th
December - Christmas Theme $110 per person
Thursday 11th, Tuesday 16th and Thursday 18th
Dates for High Tea in 2026
January - 22nd and 29th
February - 12th and 26th
March - 12th and 26th
April - 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th
May - 7th, 21st and 28th
June - 11th and 25th
July - 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd
August - 6th and 20th
September - 3rd, 10th and 24th
October - 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th
November - dates TBC
December dates TBC
High tea menu
Our freshly baked scones with jam and cream, exquisite pastries and finger sandwiches served on tiered stands are well known. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine, freshly brewed tea and coffee. View our High Tea Menu
Ask about vegetarian option when you book.
We no longer accommodate the following dietary intolerances and or special dietary needs of no; sugar, flour, eggs and or dairy.
If you or your guests have any of the above intolerances, we recommend coming for lunch instead.
Make a booking
Bookings are essential. Phone (03) 9651 8223 or email catering@parliament.vic.gov.au
Hours
Hours
8.30 am – 5.30 pm
Monday – Friday
Closed on weekends and public holidays
Address
Parliament House
Spring Street
East Melbourne Victoria 3002
Contact
Phone: (03) 9651 8911
Email: info@parliament.vic.gov.au
Getting here
Tours depart from the Vestibule, located inside the main building entrance on Spring Street.
Public transport
By train: exit Parliament station at Bourke Street.
By tram:
- route 35 – stop 10 (Spring St/ Bourke St)
- routes 86, 96 – stop 9 (Bourke St/Spring St).
Parking
There is no public parking at Parliament House.
Street parking and private parking is available in surrounding streets, but please note there is limited parking on Spring Street.
Identification requirement
Anyone wishing to visit the Parliament of Victoria to attend a tour, use our catering facilities, attend an event or watch the proceedings of the two houses in the public galleries, must provide their name and address, and present one of the following forms of identification:
- driver's licence
- learner's permit
- proof of age card
- passport
- Australian birth certificate
- Australian citizenship certificate.
Information about the information we collect from our visitors is available fom our Privacy collection notice - visitors to Parliament House.
Security
Visitors to Parliament House are required to pass through a security checkpoint before entering the building. This involves a walk-through scanner and baggage scanning. Visitors with pacemakers should ask to be scanned using handheld scanners.
Bags must be left at reception when taking part in a tour or sitting in the public galleries.
Items you cannot bring to Parliament
The following items are not permitted at Parliament:
- weapons
- any types of blades (e.g. Swiss army knives, lock knives, eating utensils), hooks, scissors and other sharps
- liquids over 100ml and glass bottles (except water)
- any alcohol
- 'selfie' camera sticks and camera tripods
- chains and padlocks
- voice recorders, two-way radios and speakers
- handcuffs
- any tools (e.g. screwdrivers, multi-tools, bike tools, measuring tapes, metal rulers)
- helmets (e.g. bicycle and motorcycle)
- whistles
- permanent markers
- aerosols
- jet lighters
- long umbrellas
- balls and balloons
- signs or placards
- studded belts.
Any of the above items will be held by security for the duration of your visit. They will be returned when you leave or may be confiscated permanently in some cases.
More information
If you have any accessibility needs or concerns with security screening, please email security.team@parliament.vic.gov.au or call us on 03 8682 2980 ahead of time so we can accommodate your visit.
Accessibility
Accessible entrance
People with a mobility or physical disability can access Parliament House through the side entrance on Spring street or the rear entrance on Macarthur Street.
Map
Toilets
Accessible toilets are located on the ground level and level one.
Audio loop & Auslan Tour
Audio loops are available in the Legislative Chambers. These can be used in conjunction with hearing aids.
Auslan videos are provided at points of interest on our public tours by scanning QR codes with your smartphone.
Contact
For any enquiries regarding disability access and inclusion please email disabilityaccess@parliament.vic.gov.au
Social stories
Two social stories are available to accompany a visit to Parliament House. These have been designed for visitors who are neurodiverse who may like to read them in preparation for their visit. One is intended for readers of all ages, the other focuses on the experience of a school visit to parliament house.
Parents
A baby change and feeding room is located on level two on the Legislative Assembly side. Facilities include comfortable chairs, change table, basin with hot and cold water, a fridge, and a microwave.
Privacy Collection Notice
Our Privacy collection notice - visitors to Parliament House applies to your visit to Parliament House and the parliamentary precinct.
It explains what personal information is collected when you visit Parliament House and the parliamentary precinct.
For information about our broader privacy practices and how we handle personal information generally, please refer to our Privacy Policy.