Why not try a High Tea Tour of Australia?
The ABC Shop’s VIP Competition to win a Mothers Day High Tea gives a great list and an excuse to start exploring Australia. How many places have you been? If not, make it a goal to try some or even, better all of them!  Love to hear know how you went or where else you would suggest? Of course, we have to find ways to burn off those calories afterwards too. Perhaps we could start an Australian Rural High Tea Challenge starting with somewhere like the Shamrock Hotel at Bendigo or even in Central Australia, if there is one.  I didn’t find any but who knows what treasures are around the corner, especially in places that don’t cost an arm and a leg.

Funny I can’t find the link at the moment, perhaps because there’s a new competition, but I’ll keep looking and update. So here’s what the ABC suggested: Treat Mum to a luxurious high tea afternoon for four guests at one of the following destinations in each capital city:

Adelaide – Promenade Restaurant, Stamford Grand Adelaide Hotel
Take time out at Stamford Grand Adelaide with a touch of luxury. Indulge in a delicious high tea with family or friends whilst enjoying the sweeping ocean views from the comfort of The Promenade Restaurant.

Brisbane – McMahons Restaurant, Quay West Suites Brisbane
Join the tea party and rediscover a timeless tradition in the unique luxury and ambience of McMahons Restaurant. Enjoy an array of high tea delicacies, including finger sandwiches, a savoury selection and sweet treats, beautifully complemented by your choice of freshly brewed traditional teas or espresso coffee.

Canberra – The Tea Lounge, Hyatt Hotel Canberra
Enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea in the Heritage Listed Tea Lounge at Hyatt Hotel Canberra. Select from delicate finger sandwiches, savouries, slices and cakes. Each guest receives their choice of tea or coffee.

Darwin – SKYCITY Darwin
The perfect setting for a celebratory occasion or relaxed get-together with friends by the ocean. Indulge in a selection of sandwiches and savoury canapés, sweet treats and coffee or tea.

Hobart – Grand Mercure Hadleys Hotel
Treat yourself and friends to one of the finer indulgences; enjoy high tea serviced each afternoon at Grand Mercure Hadleys Hotel including traditional teas and finger sandwich and cakes.

Melbourne – The Hotel Windsor – have to visit competition page here

Perth – The George
This is no stuffy, nose-in-the-air type afternoon – it’s High Tea with a George twist. The kitchen works its magic as they deliver amazing finger sandwiches, succulent savouries, and of course homemade scones and raspberry and balsamic jam.

Sydney – The Tea Room QVB
Served on authentic British three-tiered silver stands with Royal Albert china, traditional high tea at The Tea Room QVB offers the chance to indulge in this timeless tradition. Delight in an array of delicately prepared sweet cakes and savoury pastries, finger sandwiches, homemade scones with preserve and cream and a wide selection of tea or coffee.
If you find the link and get the chance to enter, tell them in 25 words or less – why would your mum like to attend a high tea? Submit your entry by 4pm 21 May 2012.

Good luck!