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Written by Finn
Who doesn’t love receiving gifts? Tearing open Christmas wrapping paper, biting into an Easter egg or breathing in a fragrant bouquet of Valentine’s flowers is sure to bring joy year-round. But planning the perfect present for our loved ones is its own reward. With Mother’s Day just around the corner, what better way to show appreciation to the mother figure in your life than with one of Australia’s best Mother’s Day experiences?
Read on for this year’s best Mother’s Day experiences in Australia.
When is Mother’s Day 2026?
For Australians, Mother’s Day falls on the second Sunday of May each year. In the lead-up to Sunday 10 May 2026, we’re here to get you ready for all the maternal merriment you can manage. Whether you book a Sunday spa treatment or choose a mid-week treat to avoid the crowds, honour the occasion with our top Mother’s Day experiences.
Our top 10 Mother’s Day gifts
1. Treat them to a Luxury Escapes Gift Card
This one’s sure to please all round: a quick win for you, and the ultimate gift of choice for them. At the end of the day, there’s really no greater present than the promise of travel (or a day out closer to home, as it can also be used for dining and spa experiences). With a Luxury Escapes Gift Card, you’ll unlock a world of blissful retreats and bucket-list moments. Show mum that thoughtful gift-giving doesn’t have to preclude a sense of adventure.
2. Dine in style on Sydney Harbour
Fine dining is the way to the hearts of many, but some experiences are a cut above. At Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant, in the historic Campbell’s Stores at The Rocks, fresh catches prepared with an Australian twist are served with a side of unrivalled views over Sydney Opera House. Enjoy three courses with a bottle of wine for lunch or dinner; you might start with flash-fried baby calamari, parsley, lemon and wasabi aioli, followed by pan-roasted Humpty Doo barramundi, and creamy, pillowy soft layers of tiramisu. Or perhaps it’ll be roasted carrot with pumpkin, zucchini and torched tofu, grilled Pinnacle striploin and Le Conquerant Camembert with maple syrup and pink peppercorn lavosh. Whatever your preference, it’ll be an occasion to remember.
3. Walk through a field of flowers in Canberra
This Mother’s Day, forgo the typical bouquet for a whole city of flowers with tickets to Canberra’s Floriade Festival in September. Admire some 300,000 blooms across town and the 250-hectare National Arboretum on a guided tour, culminating in a visit to the rainbow-coloured Tulip Top Gardens. From the green-fingered to those who simply appreciate the uplifting beauty of a blanket of scented flowers, it’s quite the spectacle for all who visit.
4. Take a spa day on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula
When it comes to spa treatments, few people need much convincing. Body scrubs and massages are the perfect way to break free of the everyday and focus on relaxation and rejuvenation. Gift a luxurious bathing experience at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa in geothermal forest pools, complete with a two-course meal of seasonal produce at Thyme, designed by award-winning chef Karen Martini.
5. Take a hot air balloon flight over the Gold Coast
Make this Mother’s Day truly memorable with a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the glittering skyline, white-sand shores and emerald hinterland of the Gold Coast. Take in views of the city from above in early morning serenity, with an optional bubbly breakfast at the five-star Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort the perfect way to round out an unforgettable morning.
6. Discover the fine wines of SA’s Barossa Valley
The Barossa Valley’s leafy vines, cellar doors and gourmet dining make this historic wine region a great choice for a special Mother’s Day celebration. Whether you set your own itinerary with a Double Barrel tasting at the world-renowned Jacob’s Creek, join a minibus tour or even take a guided flight by helicopter, there are endless ways to make the experience your own.
7. Indulge in high tea in Melbourne
High tea is a classic Mother’s Day treat and it’s given a real sense of occasion within this landmark neo-Gothic building in Melbourne’s CBD. Beyond the grand architecture of the facade, beneath the glass atrium of the Alluvial Restaurant, sit to an indulgent spread including chicken Waldorf sandwiches, king prawn brioche rolls, buttermilk scones, dark chocolate ganache, orange cake and more, accompanied, of course, by a range of fancy teas (we like the sound of the Pink Flamingo variety).
8. Explore the NT’s best national parks
For the Mum who loves the great outdoors, this full-day tour to Katherine Gorge is an awe-inspiring gift she won’t forget. Cruise through the ancient sandstone gorges of Nitmiluk National Park, cool off beneath the cascading waters of Edith Falls, and discover the rich spiritual history of the region through its remarkable Aboriginal rock art — all with the ease of return hotel transfers and a included lunch buffet. It’s a chance to share something truly extraordinary together, deep in the heart of the Northern Territory.
9. Enjoy a morning of culture at MONA in Hobart
Treat Mum to an unforgettable Hobart day out this Mother’s Day, combining a guided city tour with a scenic cruise along the Derwent River to one of Australia’s most iconic cultural destinations. From the charming laneways of Battery Point to the sweeping views from Rosny Hill Lookout, a knowledgeable local guide brings the city to life before you board the ferry to MONA – where world-class art and a stunning riverside setting make for a truly special shared experience.
10. Take a cocktail masterclass in Perth
If Mum loves a good cocktail (and let’s be honest, she’s earned it), this two-hour masterclass at Perth’s Cocktail Gastronomy is the perfect Mother’s Day treat. Kick things off with a glass of champagne and a charcuterie and cheese grazing table, then step behind the bar to shake, stir and sip your way through some seriously impressive cocktails – from a perfectly balanced gin and tonic to a velvety espresso martini. It’s a fun, hands-on celebration that’s just as much about the laughs as the drinks, and she even gets the recipes to take home.
