Mother's Day Melbourne 2026 — Best Brunch, High Tea, Gifts & Things to Do

Mother's Day Melbourne 2026 — Best Brunch, High Tea, Gifts & Things to Do

Your complete guide to making Mum feel special on Sunday 10 May 2026 in Melbourne.

Mother's Day is one of those days where the thought really does count — but a little planning goes a long way. Whether your mum loves a leisurely brunch with bottomless mimosas, an elegant high tea in a grand ballroom, a handmade gift from a Melbourne maker, or simply a walk along the beach followed by fish and chips, this guide has you covered.

We've rounded up the best brunch spots, high tea experiences, restaurant bookings, unique experiences, gift ideas from local makers, free and budget-friendly plans, day trip ideas, and everything else you need to make Mother's Day 2026 in Melbourne absolutely unforgettable.

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📅 When Is Mother's Day 2026 in Australia?

Mother's Day 2026 falls on Sunday 10 May.

In Australia, Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May every year. It is not a public holiday, which means:

• All shops and shopping centres are open on normal Sunday trading hours (typically 10 am – 5 pm for most major centres)
• Public transport runs on a Sunday timetable
• Restaurants, cafés, and attractions operate as usual — but expect them to be very busy, so book ahead
• Parking at popular brunch spots and shopping precincts will fill up quickly

Pro tip: Make your restaurant bookings at least 3–4 weeks in advance. Mother's Day is one of the busiest dining days of the year in Melbourne — many top venues sell out by mid-April.

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🥞 Best Brunch Spots for Mother's Day

Melbourne is the brunch capital of Australia (we said what we said), and there's no better way to kick off Mother's Day than with a long, lazy brunch. Here are our top picks, organised by area.

CBD & Surrounds

Higher Ground 📍 650 Little Bourke St, Melbourne 🌐 highergroundmelbourne.com.au 💰 Mains $24–$38

Set inside a converted power station with soaring ceilings and mezzanine levels, Higher Ground is a stunning venue for a special occasion brunch. The ricotta hotcakes are legendary, and their seasonal specials never disappoint. Expect a Mother's Day-specific menu — book well ahead.

Cumulus Inc. 📍 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne 🌐 cumulusinc.com.au 💰 Dishes $18–$36

Andrew McConnell's iconic all-day eatery is a perennial favourite. The open kitchen, natural light, and refined-yet-relaxed vibe make it perfect for treating Mum. Try the roasted bone marrow with anchovy toast, or keep it classic with their beautiful eggs.

Журнал (Journal Café) 📍 253 Flinders Lane, Melbourne 💰 Mains $19–$28

A Melbourne institution tucked down a laneway, Journal offers a calm, sophisticated brunch experience. Great coffee, excellent eggs Benedict, and a lovely wine list if Mum fancies a glass of bubbles with breakfast.

Operator 25 📍 25 Wills St, Melbourne 🌐 operator25.com.au 💰 Mains $20–$32

Southeast Asian-inspired brunch with stunning presentation. The pandan waffles and Korean fried chicken burger are crowd favourites. A great choice for mums who love something a bit different.

Inner Suburbs

Lune Croissanterie 📍 119 Rose St, Fitzroy 🌐 lunecroissanterie.com 💰 Croissants from $7.50

The croissant that launched a thousand queues. Grab a box of Lune's extraordinary pastries and pair them with a thermos of good coffee for a picnic-style Mother's Day breakfast at Edinburgh Gardens. Or eat in at their Rose Street space — the twice-baked croissants are life-changing.

Touchwood 📍 480 Bridge Rd, Richmond 🌐 touchwoodrichmond.com.au 💰 Mains $19–$29

A Richmond local favourite with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Their brunch menu covers all the classics — smashed avo, big breakfasts, excellent pancakes — and they do them all really well. Good for families with kids too.

Top Paddock 📍 658 Church St, Richmond 🌐 toppaddockcafe.com 💰 Mains $22–$34

From the same team behind Higher Ground, Top Paddock is a beautiful space with a menu that punches well above typical café fare. The ricotta hotcakes with honeycomb butter are a must-try, and the coffee program is excellent.

Proud Mary 📍 172 Oxford St, Collingwood 🌐 proudmarycoffee.com.au 💰 Mains $20–$32

One of Melbourne's finest specialty coffee roasters with a killer brunch menu. The food is inventive and seasonal, and the single-origin filter coffees are among the best in the city. The name alone makes it a fitting Mother's Day choice.

Monk Bodhi Dharma 📍 202 Carlisle St, Balaclava 🌐 monkbodhidharma.com 💰 Mains $17–$26

A wonderful option for plant-based mums. Fully vegan menu with creative, flavourful dishes that even non-vegans love. Beautiful courtyard out the back, excellent specialty coffee.

Bayside & Beach

Stokehouse 📍 30 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda 🌐 stokehouse.com.au 💰 Mains $32–$55

Upstairs for fine dining with sweeping views of St Kilda Beach, or the more casual Pontoon downstairs. Either way, it's hard to beat the combination of ocean views and excellent food. They typically run a special Mother's Day menu.

Cerberus Beach House 📍 Half Moon Bay, Black Rock 🌐 cerberusbeachhouse.com.au 💰 Mains $28–$45

Named after the famous HMVS Cerberus shipwreck visible from the restaurant, this is a gorgeous bayside spot. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the bay, modern Australian cuisine, and a lovely wine list.

The Pantry 📍 15–17 The Esplanade, Brighton 💰 Mains $22–$34

A Brighton institution with a relaxed coastal vibe, right on the foreshore. Excellent for families — the kids can run around on the grass while Mum enjoys a coffee in peace.

Seaside at the Pier 📍 46 New Quay Promenade, Docklands 🌐 seasidepier.com.au 💰 Mains $30–$48

Waterfront dining at Victoria Harbour with impressive views and a menu focused on fresh seafood. A lovely spot for a Mother's Day lunch with the family.

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🫖 High Tea Experiences

If your mum loves the finer things, a Mother's Day high tea is pure magic. Melbourne has some of Australia's best high tea experiences, and most venues offer special Mother's Day sittings.

The Langham Melbourne — Aria Bar & Lounge

📍 1 Southgate Ave, Southbank 🌐 langhamhotels.com/melbourne 💰 From $89 per person (Mother's Day special pricing may apply) 🕐 Multiple sittings available — typically 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm

The Langham's afternoon tea is widely regarded as one of the best in Australia. Served in the elegant Aria Bar & Lounge overlooking the Yarra River, it features a three-tier stand of delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with Chantilly cream and jam, and an exquisite selection of petits fours and pastries. The Langham typically creates a bespoke Mother's Day menu with special treats. Pair with a glass of Moët & Chandon for the full experience.

Book early — The Langham's Mother's Day high tea sells out weeks in advance.

The Hotel Windsor — 111 Spring Street Tea Rooms

📍 111 Spring St, Melbourne 🌐 thewindsor.com.au 💰 From $85 per person 🕐 Sittings at 11 am, 1:30 pm, 4 pm (check for Mother's Day schedule)

Melbourne's grand dame hotel has been serving high tea since 1883. The ornate tea rooms, with their crystal chandeliers and period features, make this one of the most atmospheric high tea experiences in the city. Expect classic finger sandwiches, scones, and beautifully crafted pastries. A Melbourne tradition that feels truly special.

Stamford Plaza Melbourne

📍 111 Little Collins St, Melbourne 🌐 stamford.com.au 💰 From $79 per person 🕐 Multiple sittings on Mother's Day

Set in the elegant surrounds of the Stamford Plaza, their high tea features a curated selection of savoury bites, scones, and sweet treats. The setting is refined without being stuffy, and they typically offer a special Mother's Day package with added extras like a glass of sparkling and a gift for Mum.

The Conservatory at Crown Melbourne

📍 Crown Towers, 8 Whiteman St, Southbank 🌐 crownmelbourne.com.au 💰 From $85 per person 🕐 Check Crown's website for Mother's Day sittings

A stunning garden-inspired setting within Crown Towers. The Conservatory offers an impressive spread with panoramic views. Their high tea includes an array of sweet and savoury items, and the presentation is always Instagram-worthy.

Hopetoun Tea Rooms

📍 Block Arcade, 282 Collins St, Melbourne 🌐 hopetountearooms.com.au 💰 From $60 per person 🕐 Open from 10 am

A Melbourne icon since 1892, nestled inside the beautiful Block Arcade. The Hopetoun Tea Rooms are famous for their display cabinet of handmade cakes, but their traditional afternoon tea is equally special. It's more intimate and less formal than the hotel options — perfect for mums who prefer charm over grandeur. Note: it's a small venue, so book ahead or be prepared to queue.

Ricketts Point Tea House

📍 13 Marine Parade, Beaumaris 💰 From $45 per person for tea service 🕐 Check ahead for Mother's Day bookings

For a more relaxed, bayside alternative, this charming tea house sits right on the waterfront at Ricketts Point. It's a lovely spot for a quieter, coastal-style afternoon tea experience. Less formal, but utterly delightful.

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🍽️ Restaurant Bookings — Fine Dining, Casual & Family-Friendly

Fine Dining

Vue de Monde 📍 Level 55, Rialto, 525 Collins St, Melbourne 🌐 vuedemonde.com.au 💰 Degustation from $280 per person

Shannon Bennett's flagship restaurant at the top of the Rialto tower delivers one of Melbourne's most extraordinary dining experiences. Floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic city views, impeccable service, and a degustation menu that showcases the best Australian produce. If you're going big for Mum, this is it.

Attica 📍 74 Glen Eira Rd, Ripponlea 🌐 attica.com.au 💰 Degustation from $320 per person

Ben Shewry's world-renowned restaurant (regularly on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list) offers a deeply personal, produce-driven dining experience. It's an intimate setting — book months in advance if you want Mother's Day.

Lûmé 📍 226 Coventry St, South Melbourne 🌐 restaurantlume.com 💰 Degustation from $225 per person

A theatrical dining experience with inventive, boundary-pushing cuisine. Each course is a work of art. Best for adventurous mums who love a culinary surprise.

Gimlet at Cavendish House 📍 33 Russell St, Melbourne 🌐 gimletmelbourne.com 💰 Mains $45–$75

Andrew McConnell's stunning Art Deco brasserie. The glamorous setting — green marble bar, leather banquettes, brass accents — makes every visit feel like an event. The whole roasted Murray cod is legendary.

Casual & Neighbourhood

Tipo 00 📍 361 Little Bourke St, Melbourne 🌐 tipo00.com.au 💰 Pasta dishes $26–$38

Hand-rolled pasta perfection in a relaxed, buzzy setting. The aglio e olio is deceptively simple and utterly beautiful. A fantastic option for pasta-loving mums.

Daughter in Law 📍 37-41 Little Bourke St, Melbourne 🌐 daughterinlaw.com.au 💰 Mains $22–$38

Jessi Singh's modern Indian restaurant with bold flavours and a fun atmosphere. The butter chicken is a cult classic. The name is a fun coincidence for Mother's Day (or maybe not — depending on the family dynamics).

Chin Chin 📍 125 Flinders Lane, Melbourne 🌐 chinchinrestaurant.com.au 💰 Mains $24–$42

Still one of Melbourne's most popular restaurants after all these years. The South-East Asian menu is vibrant and shareable — perfect for a family gathering. They don't take bookings for small groups, so arrive early or be prepared to wait.

Maha 📍 21 Bond St, Melbourne 🌐 maharestaurant.com.au 💰 Mains $36–$52

Shane Delia's Middle Eastern fine dining meets Melbourne laneways. The lamb shoulder is a showstopper, and the set menus are great for groups. A refined but warm atmosphere that Mum will love.

Family-Friendly

The Terminus Hotel 📍 492 Queens Parade, Clifton Hill 🌐 theterminus.com.au 💰 Mains $22–$38

A beautifully restored pub with a fantastic food menu, roomy beer garden, and a welcoming atmosphere for families. Great for a relaxed Mother's Day lunch where the kids can play and Mum can actually finish her meal.

The Botanical 📍 169 Domain Rd, South Yarra 🌐 thebotanical.com.au 💰 Mains $28–$42

Overlooking the Royal Botanic Gardens, The Botanical offers a beautiful setting for families. The menu is crowd-pleasing, the wine list is solid, and there's space for kids to move around.

Half Acre 📍 2 Acacia Pl, Abbotsford 🌐 halfacre.com.au 💰 Mains $20–$35

A massive warehouse-style venue in the Collingwood/Abbotsford area with indoor and outdoor dining, excellent wood-fired dishes, and a very family-friendly setup. There's genuinely space for kids to explore, which means Mum can actually relax.

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✨ Unique Experiences for Mum

If your mum values experiences over things, Melbourne has you covered with some truly special options.

Spa & Wellness

Chuan Spa at The Langham 📍 1 Southgate Ave, Southbank 🌐 langhamhotels.com/melbourne/wellness 💰 Treatments from $150; packages from $350

Based on traditional Chinese medicine principles, Chuan Spa is one of Melbourne's most luxurious day spa experiences. Book a Mother's Day spa package that includes a facial, massage, and access to the thermal suite with vitality pool, sauna, and steam room. Pair it with the Langham's afternoon tea for the ultimate indulgence.

Aurora Spa Retreat 📍 Level 3, Adelphi Hotel, 187 Flinders Lane, Melbourne 🌐 auroraspa.com.au 💰 Treatments from $120

A hidden gem above Flinders Lane. Known for their organic and natural products, Aurora offers a tranquil escape in the heart of the CBD. Their signature body treatments are deeply relaxing. Look for Mother's Day spa packages.

Peninsula Hot Springs 📍 Springs Lane, Fingal 🌐 peninsulahotsprings.com 💰 Bathing from $45; spa packages from $200+

A stunning natural hot springs bathing experience on the Mornington Peninsula. The hilltop pool offers 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. Book the Bath House or the more exclusive Spa Dreaming Centre for a truly indulgent Mother's Day. Note: extremely popular — book weeks in advance.

Cooking Classes

Essential Ingredient 📍 60–62 Toorak Rd, South Yarra 🌐 essentialingredient.com.au 💰 Classes from $130 per person

Hands-on cooking classes covering everything from French patisserie to Asian street food. They often run special Mother's Day classes. A fun, interactive experience you can enjoy together — and you get to eat your creations at the end.

Alimentari Cooking School 📍 141 Bridge Rd, Richmond 💰 Classes from $110 per person

Italian-focused cooking classes in a beautiful kitchen. Learn to make fresh pasta, risotto, or tiramisu. A lovely option for food-loving mums who enjoy getting hands-on.

Wine & Food Tours

Yarra Valley Wine Tours 💰 Day tours from $150 per person Multiple operators including:

• Yarra Valley Winery Tours
• Vinetrekker
• Melbourne Wine Tours

A day out in the Yarra Valley visiting cellar doors, tasting premium cool-climate wines, and enjoying a long lunch at a vineyard restaurant. Many operators offer Mother's Day specials with sparkling wine on arrival and extra tastings.

Mornington Peninsula Food & Wine Tour 💰 Day tours from $165 per person Operators include:

• Amour of the Cape
• Mornington Peninsula Wine Tours

Combine wine tastings, cheese, chocolate, and stunning coastal scenery. A perfect gift for the mum who loves a good Pinot Noir.

Creative Workshops

Everlasting Flower Vase Workshop by Alula Fox 📍 The Atrium, Melbourne 🌐 eventbrite.com.au 📅 Sunday 3 May, 10:00 am (Mother's Day weekend lead-up event)

Create a beautiful everlasting flower arrangement with your mum — a keepsake she'll treasure far longer than a traditional bouquet.

Pottery & Ceramics Several Melbourne studios offer Mother's Day pottery workshops:

• Slow Clay Centre (Northcote) — slowclay.com — wheel-throwing classes from $85
• Melbourne Pottery (Collingwood) — melbournepottery.com — hand-building workshops from $90
• Northcote Pottery — open studio sessions from $75

Making something with your hands (however wonky it turns out) is a genuinely lovely way to spend Mother's Day together.

Perfume Making

• The Candle Lab Melbourne — candle and perfume-making workshops from $80 per person
• Scent Garden Co. — custom fragrance workshops

Create a custom perfume or candle together. Unique, creative, and Mum gets to take home something made just for her.

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🎁 Gift Ideas from Melbourne Makers

Skip the generic department store gifts and support local Melbourne businesses instead. Here are some beautiful options.

Flowers

Flowers Vasette 📍 187 Greville St, Prahran (+ CBD locations) 🌐 flowersvasette.com.au 💰 Bouquets from $65; Mother's Day specials from $85

Melbourne's go-to for beautiful, seasonal arrangements. Their Mother's Day range always sells out — pre-order from late April. Delivery available across metro Melbourne.

Mr Kitly 📍 381 Sydney Rd, Brunswick 🌐 mrkitly.com.au 💰 Plants from $25; pots from $30

If Mum prefers something that lasts, Mr Kitly offers gorgeous indoor plants paired with their iconic ceramic pots. A living gift that keeps growing.

The Flower Merchant 📍 Shop 2, 619 Elizabeth St, Melbourne 🌐 theflowermerchant.com.au 💰 Bouquets from $60

Stunning hand-tied bouquets with a romantic, European aesthetic. They offer same-day delivery across Melbourne and usually have a dedicated Mother's Day collection.

Chocolates & Sweets

Koko Black 📍 Multiple locations including Royal Arcade, Block Arcade, Chapel St 🌐 kokoblack.com 💰 Gift boxes from $25; Mother's Day hampers from $60

Melbourne-born premium chocolatier. Their Mother's Day gift boxes are always beautifully presented. Try the signature truffle collection or a hot chocolate gift set.

Mörk Chocolate 📍 150 Errol St, North Melbourne 🌐 morkchocolate.com.au 💰 Drinking chocolate gift sets from $30

If Mum loves hot chocolate, Mörk is the answer. Their craft drinking chocolate is extraordinary — rich, complex, and nothing like the instant stuff. The gift sets are beautifully packaged.

Ganache Chocolate 📍 382 Lt Collins St, Melbourne (+ other locations) 🌐 ganachechocolate.com.au 💰 Gift boxes from $35

Hand-crafted chocolate with Australian flavours like wattleseed, lemon myrtle, and macadamia. Beautiful packaging and they do custom Mother's Day boxes.

Jewellery

e.g.etal 📍 Shop 13, Cathedral Arcade, 37 Swanston St, Melbourne 🌐 egetal.com.au 💰 From $80 for silver pieces

A gallery-style jewellery store showcasing contemporary Australian and New Zealand jewellers. Every piece is handmade and unique. A step above chain-store jewellery without the crazy price tag.

Lucy Folk 🌐 lucyfolk.com 💰 From $120

Melbourne-designed jewellery with a playful, nature-inspired aesthetic. Their delicate gold pieces make beautiful gifts that Mum will actually wear every day.

Talisman & Co. 📍 Various Melbourne stockists 💰 From $50

Local artisan jewellery with a focus on natural materials and Australian gemstones. Beautiful, meaningful pieces.

Hampers & Gift Boxes

The Melbourne Hamper Co. 🌐 melbournehamperco.com.au 💰 Hampers from $80

Curated hampers featuring Melbourne and Victorian producers — think Yarra Valley wine, Mornington Peninsula cheese, local preserves, and artisan chocolate. They do dedicated Mother's Day hampers with delivery.

Gewürzhaus 📍 Queen Victoria Market & Block Arcade 🌐 gewurzhaus.com.au 💰 Gift sets from $35

For the mum who loves cooking, a spice gift set from this Melbourne spice merchant is a wonderful choice. Beautiful packaging, and everything smells incredible.

The Source Bulk Foods 📍 Multiple Melbourne locations 🌐 thesourcebulkfoods.com.au 💰 Gift jars and hampers from $25

Build-your-own hamper with premium nuts, dried fruits, granola, and healthy treats. Great for health-conscious mums.

Experience Vouchers

• RedBalloon — redballoon.com.au — hot air balloon rides, spa packages, dining experiences from $50
• Adrenaline — adrenaline.com.au — adventure experiences if Mum's the thrill-seeking type
• Luxury Escapes — luxuryescapes.com — hotel stays and travel packages

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💛 Free & Budget-Friendly Mother's Day Ideas

You don't need to spend a fortune to make Mum feel loved. Some of the best Mother's Day moments are free.

Free Ideas

Breakfast in Bed The classic for a reason. Make Mum's favourite breakfast, serve it on a tray with a flower from the garden, and let her eat it in peace while you keep the kids occupied. Bonus points for freshly squeezed juice and actual real coffee (not instant — this is Melbourne).

Royal Botanic Gardens Walk 📍 Birdwood Ave, South Yarra 🌐 rbg.vic.gov.au

A morning stroll through Melbourne's stunning 38-hectare Botanic Gardens. The gardens are beautiful in May's autumn light — golden leaves, peaceful lakes, and the Ornamental Lake is always worth a visit. Pack a thermos and some pastries for a garden picnic.

Beach Walk — Brighton to Sandringham Follow the foreshore from Brighton Bathing Boxes south to Sandringham. It's a beautiful flat walk (about 3 km each way) with bay views, coffee stops, and the perfect excuse to buy Mum a bayside coffee on the way.

Yarra Trail Walk or Bike Ride 📍 Multiple access points along the Yarra River

Follow the Yarra River trail from Southbank through to Abbotsford, Kew, or all the way out to Warrandyte. Flat, scenic, and easy. Hire bikes from the city or just walk.

Art Gallery Visit 📍 NGV International, 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne 🌐 ngv.vic.gov.au

The National Gallery of Victoria's permanent collection is always free. Wander through the galleries, have a coffee in the garden, and spend some quality time together. Check the NGV website for any special exhibitions running on Mother's Day weekend.

Queen Victoria Market 📍 Queen St, Melbourne 🌐 qvm.com.au ⏰ Sunday: 9 am – 4 pm

Wander through Melbourne's beloved open-air market. Browse the specialty food hall, pick up fresh flowers, try some street food, and soak up the atmosphere. It's free to enter, and you can spend as much or as little as you like.

Budget-Friendly (Under $50)

• Make a photo book — Use services like Momento or Snapfish to create a printed photo book of family memories. From $30.
• Cook Mum's favourite meal — Hit the Queen Vic Market or South Melbourne Market for fresh ingredients and cook her a restaurant-quality dinner at home.
• Write her a letter — In the age of texts and emoji, a handwritten letter telling Mum what she means to you is genuinely priceless.
• Plant a garden together — Grab some autumn seedlings from a local nursery (herb gardens are great for May) and spend an afternoon potting.
• Movie marathon — Set up a cosy lounge with her favourite films, homemade popcorn, and a block of good chocolate.

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🎉 Events & Activities for Mother's Day 2026

While specific Mother's Day 2026 events will be announced from March/April onwards, here are the types of events that Melbourne consistently offers each year:

Markets

• Queen Victoria Market — Open Sunday 9 am–4 pm. Look for special Mother's Day stalls and flower sellers.
• South Melbourne Market — Open Sunday (check hours). A more intimate market experience with great foodie gifts.
• Prahran Market — Another excellent food market. Pick up ingredients for a Mother's Day feast.
• Rose Street Artists' Market (Fitzroy) — Open weekends. Handmade gifts from local artists and makers.

Shows & Theatre

Mother's Day falls right in the middle of Melbourne's autumn arts season. Check these venues for matinée performances:

• Melbourne Arts Centre — artscentremelbourne.com.au — Check for musicals, plays, and concerts
• Her Majesty's Theatre — hermajestystheatre.com.au — Broadway-style shows
• Regent Theatre — marrinergroup.com.au — Major productions
• Melbourne Recital Centre — melbournerecital.com.au — Classical music, jazz, world music

Other Activities

• Melbourne Zoo — A lovely day out for families. The zoo often runs Mother's Day promotions. zoo.org.au/melbourne
• Melbourne Museum & Scienceworks — Great for families. Check for special exhibitions. museumsvictoria.com.au
• Melbourne Aquarium (SEA LIFE) — Kids love it, and it's indoor for unpredictable May weather. visitsealife.com/melbourne
• Moonlit Sanctuary — Meet native wildlife on the Mornington Peninsula. moonlitsanctuary.com.au

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🚗 Day Trip Ideas

If Mum loves a day out of the city, Melbourne's surrounding regions offer incredible options.

Yarra Valley Wineries

📍 1 hour east of Melbourne 🌐 yarravalleywineries.com.au

The Yarra Valley is Victoria's premier wine region, home to over 80 cellar doors. For Mother's Day, consider:

• Domaine Chandon — Sparkling wine tastings in a stunning architecturally designed building. chandon.com.au
• TarraWarra Estate — Beautiful winery with an acclaimed art gallery. tarrawarra.com.au
• Oakridge Wines — One of the best winery restaurants in the valley. oakridgewines.com.au
• Yering Station — Victoria's first vineyard (est. 1838) with gorgeous grounds and a great restaurant. yering.com
• De Bortoli Wines — Family-friendly with beautiful gardens, excellent cheese room, and top-notch restaurant. debortoli.com.au
• Healesville Sanctuary — Combine wine with wildlife. A wonderful bushland zoo dedicated to Australian animals. zoo.org.au/healesville

Tip: If you don't want to drive (or want everyone to enjoy the tastings), book a wine tour — operators pick up from the city and handle everything.

Mornington Peninsula

📍 1–1.5 hours south of Melbourne 🌐 visitmorningtonpeninsula.org

A stunning coastal region combining wine, food, hot springs, and beaches.

• Peninsula Hot Springs — Natural hot springs with hilltop views. The ultimate relaxation experience. peninsulahotsprings.com
• Montalto Vineyard & Olive Grove — Beautiful winery with sculpture garden, excellent restaurant, and cellar door. montalto.com.au
• Point Leo Estate — Dramatic sculpture park overlooking Western Port Bay, plus a fine-dining restaurant (Laura) and casual Pt. Leo Cellar Door. ptleoestate.com.au
• Red Hill Market — If Mother's Day weekend aligns (first Saturday of month), this is a gorgeous community market. Check dates.
• Flinders & Mornington Villages — Charming coastal towns for browsing galleries, boutiques, and cafés.

Daylesford & Hepburn Springs

📍 1.5 hours north-west of Melbourne

Australia's spa capital. The mineral springs, boutique shopping, and excellent food make it a perfect Mother's Day destination.

• Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa — Historic bathhouse fed by natural mineral springs. Day spa packages from $150. hepburnbathhouse.com
• Lake House — One of regional Victoria's finest restaurants with accommodation. A degustation lunch overlooking Lake Daylesford is unforgettable. lakehouse.com.au
• Daylesford Sunday Market — If visiting on Mother's Day Sunday, browse this long-running community market at the railway station.
• Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens — Beautiful autumn colours in May. Free entry.
• Boutique Shopping — Vincent Street is lined with antique shops, galleries, homewares, and gift stores.

Bellarine Peninsula & Geelong

📍 1 hour south-west of Melbourne

• Jack Rabbit Vineyard — Stunning views over Corio Bay, excellent restaurant. jackrabbitvineyard.com.au
• Geelong Waterfront — Baywalk, restaurants, and the famous Geelong Bollards. A lovely spot for a family stroll.
• Queenscliff — A charming heritage town with boutique shops, the Vue Grand Hotel for high tea, and ferry rides across to Sorrento.

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📝 Booking Tips for Mother's Day 2026

Mother's Day is one of the busiest hospitality days in Australia. Here's how to make sure your plans go smoothly:

1. Book restaurants by mid-April at the latest. Popular venues start filling up 4–6 weeks before Mother's Day. High-end restaurants and high tea experiences can sell out even earlier.

2. Set a reminder for early April. If you're reading this now, put "Book Mother's Day restaurant" in your calendar for the first week of April.

3. Call directly for special requests. If you want a window table, high chair, dietary accommodations, or a birthday/celebration setup, call the restaurant directly rather than booking online.

4. Consider Saturday or the Friday evening. If your preferred venue is booked out on Sunday 10 May, many restaurants offer Mother's Day specials on the Saturday night or even the Friday before.

5. Book spa treatments and experiences even earlier. Day spas and experience providers often sell out before restaurants do.

6. Pre-order flowers by late April. Melbourne florists get slammed on Mother's Day — pre-orders guarantee availability and save you from the Mother's Day morning panic at the petrol station.

7. Check for prix fixe menus. Many restaurants switch to a set Mother's Day menu (rather than their regular à la carte). Check in advance so there are no surprises.

8. Factor in travel time for day trips. If you're heading to the Yarra Valley, Peninsula, or Daylesford, leave early. Traffic can be heavy on Mother's Day morning.

9. Have a backup plan. If your first-choice restaurant is booked, don't despair — Melbourne has thousands of great venues. Try OpenTable, Dimmi, or The Fork for last-minute availability.

10. Don't forget siblings. Coordinate with brothers and sisters early to avoid doubling up on plans or gifts.

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For local businesses: turn Mother's Day spikes into evergreen growth

If you run a Melbourne venue, spa, florist, or retailer, use this seasonal traffic to build a repeatable organic system:

• Plan campaign pages and updates with Content Calendar and the calendar operating system guide.
• Build higher-quality pages with the SEO Brief Generator and this brief workflow.
• Improve metadata and click-through with the SEO Meta Generator plus the meta optimization guide.
• Follow up leads from these campaigns using the Email Sequence Builder.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When is Mother's Day 2026 in Australia?

Mother's Day 2026 is Sunday 10 May. It falls on the second Sunday of May every year in Australia.

Is Mother's Day a public holiday in Melbourne?

No. Mother's Day is not a public holiday in Victoria or anywhere in Australia. It's a regular Sunday — shops, restaurants, and public transport all operate on normal Sunday schedules.

Are shops open on Mother's Day in Melbourne?

Yes. Since it's not a public holiday, all shops and shopping centres open on their normal Sunday hours. Most major shopping centres (Chadstone, Melbourne Central, Highpoint, etc.) open 10 am – 5 pm or similar.

How far in advance should I book a restaurant for Mother's Day?

We recommend booking at least 3–4 weeks in advance. Popular brunch spots, fine dining restaurants, and high tea venues can sell out 6+ weeks ahead. If you're after a specific venue, don't wait — book as soon as they open reservations.

What's the best brunch spot in Melbourne for Mother's Day?

It depends on your mum's style! For elegance and a special occasion feel, try Higher Ground or Cumulus Inc. in the CBD. For bayside views, Stokehouse in St Kilda is hard to beat. For Melbourne's best croissants, grab a box from Lune Croissanterie in Fitzroy.

Where can I find the best high tea in Melbourne?

The top three are The Langham Melbourne (the gold standard), The Hotel Windsor (the heritage classic), and The Conservatory at Crown (modern and impressive). For something less formal, Hopetoun Tea Rooms in the Block Arcade is charming.

What are some free things to do for Mother's Day in Melbourne?

Plenty! Walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens, visit the NGV (free permanent collection), stroll the Brighton Beach foreshore, explore Queen Victoria Market, or ride the free City Circle Tram around the CBD. Breakfast in bed costs almost nothing and means the world.

What's the weather like in Melbourne in May?

May is autumn in Melbourne, so expect mild days and cool evenings. Average temperatures are 9°C – 16°C with a fair chance of rain. Dress in layers, bring a light jacket, and have an indoor backup plan. That said, Melbourne in autumn can be absolutely gorgeous — golden trees, crisp air, and some of the best light of the year.

What should I buy Mum for Mother's Day?

Our top local picks: Flowers Vasette for a beautiful bouquet, Koko Black or Mörk for chocolate, e.g.etal for unique jewellery, and Gewürzhaus for foodie mums. For experiences, consider a Yarra Valley wine tour, Chuan Spa day, or cooking class. Or just write her a heartfelt letter — genuinely priceless.

Can I combine a spa visit with high tea?

Absolutely. The Langham Melbourne offers both Chuan Spa and high tea — you could book a morning spa treatment followed by afternoon tea. Peninsula Hot Springs on the Mornington Peninsula can be combined with a winery lunch. Many hotels offer Mother's Day packages that bundle both.

Is it worth doing a day trip for Mother's Day?

Definitely, if your mum enjoys getting out of the city. The Yarra Valley (1 hour), Mornington Peninsula (1–1.5 hours), and Daylesford (1.5 hours) are all easy day trips with amazing food, wine, and scenery. Just leave early and book ahead.

What if I leave everything to the last minute?

No judgment — we've all been there. Here's your emergency plan:

1. Flowers: Head to the Queen Vic Market or South Melbourne Market early on Sunday morning for fresh blooms.
2. Brunch: Walk-in at a large venue like Chin Chin, Movida Next Door, or a hotel restaurant — they're more likely to fit you in.
3. Gift: Grab a Koko Black chocolate box from any of their stores, or a gift voucher from RedBalloon (instant delivery by email).
4. Activity: The Botanic Gardens, NGV, or a beach walk require zero booking.

Are there any Mother's Day markets in Melbourne?

Queen Victoria Market is open every Sunday and typically has special Mother's Day stalls. Rose Street Artists' Market in Fitzroy (weekends) is great for handmade gifts. Check Eventbrite and local event listings from April for pop-up Mother's Day markets.

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Final Thoughts

Mother's Day in Melbourne is a beautiful thing. This city has an incredible range of options — from world-class restaurants and elegant high teas to simple beach walks and homemade brunches. The most important thing isn't where you go or what you spend. It's showing up, being present, and letting Mum know she's appreciated.

Whatever you choose to do on Sunday 10 May 2026, plan ahead, book early, and make it personal. Your mum will love it.

Happy Mother's Day, Melbourne. 💐

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Last updated: February 2026. Prices and availability are indicative and may change. Always check directly with venues for the latest information and to make bookings. Some venues may offer special Mother's Day menus at different price points to those listed.

For more Melbourne guides and local tips, visit amirbrooks.com.au.