Every Sunday afternoon, Firewater Grille inside Duxton Hotel Perth serves a high tea that has earned a 2021 Gold Plate Award. This review answers the practical questions that matter before you book: current pricing, menu inclusions, dress code expectations, and how the experience stacks up against other Perth high tea options. All data comes from the hotel’s official site, independent review platforms, and social media promotions.
Last checked: 2026-06-27
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Venue: Firewater Grille, Duxton Hotel Perth · Address: Level 1, Duxton Hotel Perth, 1 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000 · Phone: (08) 9261 8025 · High tea schedule: Sundays, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM · Adult price: $85 AUD (standard); $95 AUD with a glass of Daosa sparkling · Kids high tea price: $40 AUD (ages 4–12)
How we researched this
Last checked 2026-06-27.
Sources reviewed: official hotel website, Instagram and Facebook posts from the property, independent review platforms (High Tea Society, TripAdvisor, Yelp), a TikTok guest review, and etiquette guides from Sandhya Garg and Chado Tea.
No on-site visit, no staff interview, no menu item tasting was conducted; pricing and offerings are based on published materials and guest reports.
Duxton high tea at a glance
- $40 AUD per child (ages 3–12) including unlimited soft drinks and tea (Duxton Hotel Perth – High Tea)
- Every Sunday, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Duxton Hotel Perth – High Tea)
- 2021 Gold Plate Award winner for best high tea in Perth (High Tea Society)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Venue | Firewater Grille, Duxton Hotel Perth |
| Address | Level 1, 1 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000 |
| Phone | (08) 9261 8025 |
| High tea schedule | Sundays, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM |
| Adult price (standard) | $85 AUD |
| Adult price (with sparkling) | $95 AUD |
| Kids high tea price | $40 AUD (ages 3–12) |
| Award | 2021 Gold Plate Award Winner |
How much is the Duxton High tea?
As of March 2025, the standard Duxton high tea costs $85 AUD per adult and includes free‑flowing gourmet teas and barista coffee. Adding a glass of Daosa sparkling wine brings the price to $95 AUD (official Instagram promotion). Children aged 3–12 pay $40 AUD, which includes unlimited soft drinks and tea.
Earlier in 2023, High Tea Society reported a starting price of $65 per person for tea and coffee, with bubbles at an additional cost (High Tea Society, 2023). More recently, an Instagram reel from April 2026 advertised tiered options: $49 for tea and coffee only, $59 for bottomless sparkling and house beverages, and a cocktail‑inclusive tier. These rotating promotions suggest the hotel tests different price points throughout the year.
Standard adult pricing
The baseline $85 package covers a full selection of savouries, scones, and sweets plus unlimited barista coffee and gourmet teas. Valet parking is a separate $35 per vehicle for up to six hours (Duxton high tea page).
Kids high tea pricing
The children’s menu mirrors the adult structure in miniature, with smaller finger sandwiches and kid‑friendly sweets. The $40 price has been consistent across the hotel’s website and social media since at least 2023.
Sparkling wine upgrade
For an extra $10, guests can begin the meal with a glass of Daosa sparkling wine. Some past promotions have bundled the sparkling into a bottomless package for $59 per person.
The bottom line: Duxton high tea currently sits at the higher end of Perth high tea pricing, but recent tiered promotions indicate occasional discounts for budget‑conscious visitors.
What is the best time of day for high tea?
The Duxton high tea is served strictly on Sundays from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This is a single seating window typical of luxury hotel high teas in Perth. Most guests stay between 1.5 and 2 hours, though the venue does not enforce a strict time limit.
Duxton’s Sunday service window
Historically, the hotel offered high tea on Fridays and Saturdays as a buffet ($48 per person in February 2020, according to a Facebook post). That format has since been replaced by the current plated Sunday service. A 2014 TripAdvisor review confirms the hotel has run high tea for at least a decade (TripAdvisor).
Why 1:00 PM is standard
Afternoon tea is traditionally a midday meal, and the 1:00 PM start allows guests to enjoy it as a late lunch or early afternoon treat. The hotel’s Firewater Grille also serves breakfast, dinner, and weekend brunch outside high tea hours.
Duration of the experience
Plan for at least 90 minutes. The service is leisurely, with courses brought out sequentially: savouries first, then scones, then sweets.
What to watch: Because high tea is only offered Sundays, booking well in advance is essential — especially for groups. The hotel recommends 72 hours’ notice for special dietary menus.
“Absolutely exquisite high tea at Duxton Perth – about $80 per person including a glass of sparkling.”
— TikTok review by @simplymrsshelley, August 2024
What are three rules for afternoon tea?
While Duxton does not publish a formal etiquette code, general high tea guidelines apply. Here are three rules commonly referenced by etiquette resources and relevant to the Firewater Grille setting.
Dress code expectations
Smart casual is the baseline. According to etiquette blogger Sandhya Garg, “luxury hotel teas may have stricter dress codes” and guests should avoid trainers, shorts, and sportswear (Sandhya Garg). Chado Tea advises that neat denim jeans paired with a smart top can be acceptable at many venues (Chado Tea). The Duxton’s own Instagram content — crisp white tablecloths, white‑glove service — suggests a dressy atmosphere.
Tea pouring and stirring etiquette
Stir tea back and forth (not in circles) to avoid clinking the spoon against the cup. Place the spoon on the saucer behind the cup, not left in the cup.
Scone eating order
Scones should be split with both hands, not cut with a knife. Traditionally, jam is applied first, then cream.
The pattern: Duxton’s setting leans formal but does not require a jacket or tie. Ripped jeans, thongs, and sportswear are best avoided.
Who owns the Duxton Hotel?
The Duxton Hotel Perth is part of the Duxton Hotels group, a privately held collection of properties. Ownership details are listed on the hotel’s official website and confirm that the group operates hotels in Australia and internationally. The Firewater Grille restaurant is the in‑house dining venue responsible for the high tea service (Duxton Hotel Perth – Firewater Grille).
Why this matters: Brand ownership often influences consistency of service and menu updates; Duxton’s high tea has been a dedicated product line for over a decade.
Can I wear jeans to afternoon tea?
Yes, jeans can be acceptable at Duxton if they are neat and paired with a smart top or blazer. The hotel does not publish an explicit dress code, but the general smart‑casual norm applies. Avoid ripped or distressed denim, and skip gym wear, flip‑flops, and hats indoors. One etiquette source notes that “women can appropriately wear dresses, skirt‑and‑blouse outfits, dress slacks or even neat denim jeans” (Chado Tea).
The catch: If you want to match the elegant atmosphere shown in the hotel’s promotional imagery, opt for a dress or tailored separates rather than casual denim.
What not to wear to a high tea?
Avoid ripped jeans, shorts, sportswear (including tracksuits and sneakers), and thongs. Hats should be removed once seated indoors. Strong perfume is also discouraged, as it can interfere with the tea tasting experience. These guidelines are consistent across etiquette resources and the visual cues from Duxton’s Instagram reels showing white‑glove service and champagne flutes.
The implication: Duxton’s high tea is a dress‑up occasion. Even without a written rule, most guests arrive in smart‑casual or semi‑formal attire.
What is the unhealthiest tea to drink?
Bubble tea (boba) typically contains the highest calorie count, with over 300 calories per serving due to sugar and tapioca pearls. Sweetened iced tea also packs significant sugar. For a lighter option, unsweetened green tea has nearly zero calories. These points are based on general nutrition data and not specific to the Duxton menu — the hotel serves only gourmet teas and coffee, not bubble tea.
The trade‑off: Duxton’s high tea menu is indulgent (scones, pastries, desserts) but the tea itself is a low‑calorie beverage choice.
Tip for first‑timers
Ask the staff about the tea selection before ordering. The free‑flowing offer includes a range of black, green, and herbal options — you can switch between them during the meal.
What not to do at high tea?
Key etiquette don’ts include: do not slurp tea, do not place used utensils back on the tablecloth (use the side plate or saucer), and do not talk with food in your mouth. Also avoid stacking plates or reaching across the table. These rules are standard for formal afternoon tea and apply equally at Firewater Grille.
The bottom line: Relax and follow the pace of the service — the staff will guide you if unsure.
What’s on the menu?
The Duxton high tea menu changes seasonally, but recurring items include a warm exotic mushroom tart with truffle oil and crispy leeks, smoked turkey on spinach milk bread, curried chicken toast, and a smoked salmon bagel (High Tea Society, 2023). Scones are served warm with jam and cream. Desserts in recent reviews include yuzu lemon cheesecake and apple tea tart (High Tea Society – spring review).
The hotel offers a mirrored gluten‑free menu if requested at least 72 hours in advance.
| Course | Examples |
|---|---|
| Savouries | Mushroom tart, smoked turkey, curried chicken toast, smoked salmon bagel |
| Scones | Warm plain and fruit scones with jam and cream |
| Desserts | Yuzu lemon cheesecake, apple tea tart, macarons |
| Beverages | Free‑flowing gourmet teas, barista coffee, soft drinks for kids |
Pros and cons of Duxton high tea
Pros
- Award‑winning: 2021 Gold Plate Award winner
- Seasonal menus with chef‑crafted items
- Dedicated kids high tea with lower price
- Free‑flowing premium teas and coffee
- Gluten‑free menu available with notice
- Central CBD location with valet parking
Cons
- Higher price point ($85–$95 per adult)
- Some TripAdvisor reviewers cite stale scones or small portions
- Valet parking adds $35 to the total cost
- Only available Sundays (no Friday/Saturday slots currently)
- No written dress code – uncertainty for first‑timers
Best for segments
- Families with children: The $40 kids menu with free soft drinks and a child‑friendly atmosphere makes this a convenient Sunday outing.
- Couples seeking a special occasion: The elegant setting, white‑glove service, and sparkling wine upgrade suit anniversaries or birthdays.
- Solo diners: The bar seating area (if available) or a small table in Firewater Grille allows solo guests to enjoy without rush.
- Groups celebrating: Yelp reviews mention events such as hen’s days; book ahead for tables of six or more.
Pricing band: Premium Perth high tea
At $85 per adult for the standard package, Duxton high tea sits in the upper tier of Perth afternoon tea options. For context, the hotel’s own promotional pricing has risen from $48 (buffet, 2020) to $65–$75 (2023 seasonal menus) to the current $85–$95 range, tracking broader hospitality cost increases. The bottomless sparkling tier at $59 (advertised in April 2026) offers better value for those planning to drink.
Location and getting there
Duxton Hotel Perth is located at 1 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, in the heart of the Central Business District. The venue is Firewater Grille on Level 1. Public transport options: Elizabeth Quay train station is a five‑minute walk, and multiple bus routes stop along St Georges Terrace. Valet parking is available for $35 per vehicle (up to six hours), or guests can use nearby paid lots.
Alternatives to Duxton high tea in Perth
If you’re still comparing options, the Crown high tea at Crown Towers Perth is the most frequently mentioned alternative in related searches. Crown’s afternoon tea is served daily in a grand lobby setting and typically priced in a similar $70–$90 range. Other Perth hotels such as The Westin and QT Perth also offer high tea, but Duxton’s dedicated kids program and Gold Plate Award give it a distinct edge for family outings and award‑conscious diners.
Our pick: Duxton high tea
We recommend Duxton high tea for first‑time visitors, Perth locals seeking a Sunday treat, and tourists who want a CBD experience with a view. The combination of a dedicated kids menu, seasonal chef‑driven menu, and the convenience of a central location makes it a strong choice — especially if you book the bottomless sparkling tier for better value. Budget‑conscious diners should watch for promotional pricing on the hotel’s social media accounts.
Related reading: Windsor Hotel Perth Menu: Prices, Dishes & Dining Guide · East Perth Suites Hotel 2026: Reviews, Parking & Location
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Duxton High tea?
Standard adult price is $85 AUD, or $95 with a glass of Daosa sparkling. Children aged 3–12 pay $40. Prices are from the hotel’s official Instagram (March 2025) and website.
What are three rules for afternoon tea?
Dress smart‑casual (no sportswear or thongs); stir tea back and forth; split scones with your hands, not a knife.
What is the best time of day for high tea?
Duxton’s high tea is served every Sunday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Most guests stay 1.5–2 hours.
Who owns the Duxton Hotel?
The Duxton Hotel Perth is part of the Duxton Hotels group. Ownership details are on the hotel’s official website.
Can I wear jeans to afternoon tea?
Yes, neat denim with a smart top is generally acceptable. Avoid ripped jeans, shorts, and sportswear.
What not to wear to a high tea?
Avoid ripped jeans, shorts, sneakers, thongs, and hats indoors. Strong perfume is also discouraged.
What is the unhealthiest tea to drink?
Bubble tea can exceed 300 calories per serving due to sugar and tapioca. Duxton serves only traditional gourmet teas.
What not to do at high tea?
Do not slurp tea, place used utensils on the tablecloth, or talk with food in your mouth.
Sources cited
- Duxton Hotel Perth – High Tea page
- Duxton Hotel Perth – Firewater Grille
- Duxton Hotel Perth Instagram – March 2025
- Duxton Hotel Perth Instagram reel – April 2026
- Duxton Hotel Perth Facebook – February 2020
- High Tea Society – review 2023
- High Tea Society – spring review
- TripAdvisor – Firewater Grille
- TripAdvisor – 2014 review
- Yelp – Firewater Grille
- Sandhya Garg – etiquette
- Chado Tea – etiquette
- TikTok – @simplymrsshelley