The Tea Centre

The Tea Centre has established itself as a premier destination for specialty loose leaf tea in Canberra. Located on Level 1 of the Canberra Centre at Shop DG32/148 Bunda Street, this tea house serves the Australian Capital Territory with a carefully curated selection of over 150 premium teas sourced from growing regions across the globe. The Canberra location is part of a proudly Australian-owned network that has been introducing Australians to the world of fine tea since 1993.

Shoppers visiting The Tea Centre in Canberra’s CBD will find a retail environment dedicated to the ritual and enjoyment of tea. The store offers in-store shopping and a convenient in-store pickup option for online orders. With operating hours stretching from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM on most days, and extended hours until 8:00 PM on Thursdays, the shop accommodates both weekday shoppers and those looking for a later visit. A tasting bar allows customers to sample a variety of brews before making a purchase, complementing the expert guidance provided by the staff.

Menu Highlights at The Tea Centre Canberra

The Tea Centre’s menu features a vast selection of loose leaf teas, tea bags, and carefully assembled tea gifts. The product line is organized into intuitive collections, making it easy for customers to find their preferred style or strength. Teas are categorized by type, origin, and benefit, with options available for every palate and time of day. Popular items consistently recommended by the tea specialists include the French Earl Grey, Australian Breakfast Tea, and Assam Dimakusi.

The Canberra store carries exclusive blends that cannot be found elsewhere. The Canberra Earl Grey, mentioned by local reviewers as a must-try, is an exclusive available only in this ACT location. Other local favourites include the East India Earl Grey and the Decaf Mumbai Chai, which reflect the company’s commitment to offering globally inspired, consciously crafted blends. For customers seeking wellness-oriented infusions, the Turmeric Tonica and Chamomile teas represent the herbal and wellbeing collections.

The brewing guide available through The Tea Centre helps customers understand how to prepare each tea type correctly. Whether someone prefers a strong black tea served warm with milk or a light herbal tisane for relaxation, the staff can direct them to the right product. The menu also extends beyond tea leaves into a full range of teawares, including modern and traditional teapots, teacups, mugs, travel flasks, infusers, and gift boxes suitable for any occasion.

The Tasting Experience

The Tea Centre Canberra is designed to be more than a retail shop — it is a space where customers can engage with tea before buying. The in-store tasting bar is a defining feature, allowing visitors to sample teas currently on offer. This sensory experience helps customers distinguish between different varieties, from the smoky notes of Lapsang Souchong to the bright citrus character of the Stockholm Blend.

The shop’s layout on Level 1 of the Canberra Centre provides a calm, focused setting amid the broader retail environment. Knowledgeable staff offer bespoke recommendations, tea chats, and practical advice on brewing techniques. The overall impression is one of guided discovery: a place where both experienced tea drinkers and newcomers can learn about the origins, processing methods, and flavour profiles of teas from China, Japan, India, Australia, and beyond. This consultative approach aligns with the company’s broader philosophy of embracing the traditions surrounding tea time and the art of brewing the perfect cup.

Customer Reviews & Ratings

The Tea Centre holds a 4.5-star rating on Google Maps based on 59 reviews, placing it among the highly regarded tea retailers in the area. Google Maps reviewers consistently mention the quality of the loose leaf tea and the professionalism of the staff. One local guide, Thien Vuong, remarked that the shop carries some of the best loose leaf teas in all of Canberra, stating a preference for The Tea Centre over T2 and other premium tea stores. Another customer, Estelle, highlighted the excellent customer service and strongly recommended trying the Canberra Earl Grey, describing it as a favourite exclusive to the region.

What Customers Appreciate

Reviewers frequently note the friendliness and expertise of the staff. The service is described as attentive without being pushy, and the team’s ability to guide customers toward teas that match their taste preferences is a recurring theme. The quality of the tea itself features prominently, particularly the freshness and aroma of the loose leaf selection. The in-store tasting bar also receives positive mentions as a valuable feature that enhances the shopping experience.

Areas of Constructive Feedback

Some reviewers have raised concerns about pricing relative to perceived changes in tea quality. One customer noted that while the service remains very friendly and professional, the quality of a recent purchase seemed to have diminished while the price had increased, describing the tea as having almost no scent despite its high cost. Such feedback reflects the expectations that accompany a premium tea retailer, and it provides balance to the predominantly positive reviews.

The Tea Centre in Canberra’s CBD

The Canberra location is situated within the Canberra Centre on Bunda Street, a central shopping hub in the ACT’s commercial district. Being on Level 1 places the shop in a convenient position for visitors to the mall, surrounded by a mix of national retailers, dining options, and specialty stores. The address, Shop DG32/148 Bunda Street, Canberra ACT 2601, is easily accessible by public transport and private vehicle, with several parking facilities available within and near the Canberra Centre.

For those unfamiliar with the mall layout, The Tea Centre’s position on the first floor makes it a short escalator ride from the main entries. The shop accepts credit cards and offers the convenience of click-and-collect through its website, which benefits shoppers who prefer to browse online and pick up their selections in person. The store’s hours — 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, with late closing at 8:00 PM on Thursday and 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Sunday — accommodate a range of schedules for both local residents and interstate visitors.

Hours, Contact & Service Options

The Tea Centre Canberra can be reached by phone at +61 2 6262 6395 or via email at info@theteacentre.com.au for inquiries about stock, brewing advice, or wholesale partnerships. The store provides two primary service modes: in-store shopping and in-store pickup for online orders. While a delivery service is not directly highlighted for the Canberra location itself, the national website provides free shipping on orders over $70 for customers who prefer home delivery.

Customers planning a visit should note the varying closing times across the week, with Thursday offering the latest operating window. The store is closed early at 5:30 PM on weekdays other than Thursday, and Sunday hours are shorter, beginning at 10:00 AM and ending at 4:00 PM. Contacting the shop directly is recommended for real-time confirmation of hours on public holidays or during special centre-wide events.

Common Questions

Does The Tea Centre Canberra offer a tasting bar?

Yes, the Canberra location features an in-store tasting bar where customers can sample a selection of teas before purchase. This service complements the expert advice provided by the staff.

What is the Canberra Earl Grey?

The Canberra Earl Grey is a tea blend exclusive to The Tea Centre Canberra location. It is a local favourite and frequently recommended by reviewers for its distinctive flavour, making it a sought-after purchase for visitors to the ACT.

Can I order online and pick up in store?

Yes, The Tea Centre offers an in-store pickup option. Customers can place orders through the official website, theteacentre.com.au, and select the Canberra location for convenient collection during shopping hours.

What are The Tea Centre Canberra’s opening hours?

The store operates from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Thursday hours are extended from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Sunday hours are 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Does The Tea Centre Canberra accept credit cards?

Yes, debit and credit card payments, including Visa and Mastercard, are accepted at the Canberra store. The website also supports a range of secure online payment methods.

Is The Tea Centre an Australian-owned business?

Yes, The Tea Centre is proudly Australian owned and operated. Founded in 1993, the company has grown to eleven locations across Queensland, New South Wales, and the ACT, with its Canberra store forming part of this national network.

What types of tea does The Tea Centre Canberra sell?

The store carries over 150 premium loose leaf teas, including black, green, oolong, white, herbal, fruit tisanes, matcha, chai, rooibos, and decaf varieties. Australian teas, organic selections, and ethically sourced blends are also available, alongside tea bags, gift boxes, and teawares.