This 10th of May, celebrate Mum with meaningful experiences that go beyond the usual gifts. Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to come together as a family and create moments that reflect the love, care, and strength she brings into your lives every day. From leisurely lunches and elegant dinners to relaxing outdoor escapes and hands-on creative workshops, there are countless ways to make her feel truly appreciated. In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the best Mother’s Day activities that you and your mum can enjoy together across Melbourne

Mother’s Day Lunch in and Around Melbourne

1

Treat Mum to Bottomless Yum Cha Delights at Salted Egg

The queen deserves a feast! Salted Egg serves a Mother’s Day lunch in Melbourne that will make your mum feel like royalty with an endless parade of freshly prepared yum cha dishes. Top it off with 1.5 hours of bottomless bubbles, and if you’re feeling extra fancy, go for a bottle of champagne (for an additional fee). Its vibrant yet cosy atmosphere makes it an inviting place for families to sit down and share family stories over multiple plates of Asian-inspired dishes.

 

 

Where: Salted Egg, 509 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

When: 10 May 2026, from 12 PM

2

Celebrate Mum with a Mother's Day High Tea Buffet

Stamford Plaza Melbourne offers a refined and elegant high tea experience that’s perfect for a meaningful light Mother’s Day lunch in Melbourne. Mums are welcomed with a glass of Moët and receive a small take-home gift as a memento. At the high tea buffet, you’ll get to indulge in sweet pastries, savoury creations, and delicate desserts exclusively prepared for the occasion. With live music in the background, the atmosphere feels both warm and intimate, creating the perfect setting for families to slow down, share conversation, and make Mum feel truly appreciated.

 

 

Where: Stamford Plaza Melbourne, 111 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

When: 10 May 2026, 1 PM to 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM to 5 PM

3

Sail Into a Sweet Celebration with Searoad Ferries’ High Tea on the High Seas

If you want a mini getaway without going too far, Searoad Ferries offers a unique experience that combines scenic travel with indulgent high tea. Departing from Sorrento or Queenscliff (both around 1.5 to 2 hours from Melbourne), the High Tea on the High Seas treats mums to a beautifully curated selection of sweet and savoury delights while cruising Port Phillip Bay. Take in the sea breeze, spot playful dolphins from the deck, and enjoy the ever-changing coastal scenery as you unwind together. This 2-hour return bay sail invites you to slow down and enjoy quality time against the backdrop of one of Victoria’s most picturesque coastal journeys.

 

 

Where: Esplanade, Sorrento VIC 3943, Australia (Sorrento, Mornington Peninsula) | 1 Wharf St E, Queenscliff VIC 3225, Australia (Queenscliff, Bellarine Peninsula)| 

When: Sundays at 2 PM (departing Queenscliff) and at 3 PM (departing Sorrento)

Mother’s Day Dinner in Melbourne

4

Indulge Mum with a Premium Steakhouse Dinner at The Meat & Wine Co.

For a refined Mother’s Day dinner in Melbourne, The Meat & Wine Co. offers a sophisticated dining experience centred around premium cuts of steak. With multiple locations across the city, each venue presents an upscale atmosphere perfect for families looking to celebrate mums with a memorable evening meal. From expertly prepared dishes to an extensive wine selection, it’s an ideal setting to sit back, savour delicious food, and enjoy quality time together in a relaxed and elegant environment.

 

 

Locations:

The Meat & Wine Co Chadstone: Chadstone Shopping Centre, Shop HT002/1341 Dandenong Rd, Chadstone VIC 3148, Australia

The Meat & Wine Co Hawthorn East: 482 Riversdale Rd, Hawthorn East VIC 3123, Australia

The Meat & Wine Co South Yarra: The Como Centre Shop 4 Corner Toorak Road &, Chapel St, South Yarra VIC 3141, Australia

The Meat & Wine Co Southbank: Freshwater Place, 3 Queens Bridge St, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia

When: 10 May 2026

5

Raise a Slice of Handmade Pizza at the 48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar

There’s something incredibly heartwarming about sharing comfort food like pizza with family, and only a few places do it better than 48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar. With locations in Elsternwick and South Yarra, you can enjoy a Mother’s Day meal surrounded by the aromas of freshly leavened pizza dough and handmade Italian dishes. It’s a local favourite known for its award-winning pizzas and melt‑in‑your‑mouth gnocchi, crafted with traditional techniques that give every bite authentic flavour and texture. Finish off with a classic Italian dessert, and you have a casual yet memorable Mother’s Day dinner.

 

 

Where:

48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar - Elsternwick Restaurant

48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar - South Yarra

When: 

10 May 2026, from 12 PM

Pampering & Creative Mother’s Day Activities

6

Shape Special Memories with Mum at the Mother’s Day Pottery Workshop with High Tea

Get creative together at a Mother’s Day Pottery Workshop with High Tea, where you and your mum can enjoy a hands-on clay experience followed by a delightful high tea. In this beginner-friendly workshop, you’ll be guided by an experienced instructor through basic hand-building techniques to sculpt and decorate your own ceramic piece. After working with clay, you’ll sit down to enjoy a selection of sweet and savoury treats and tea, and with a luxury ticket, you’ll even get a sparkling wine to toast with your mum. It’s a good way to spend quality time together while also creating something to take home as a gift and memento.

 

 




Locations (vary by date):

16 Clairmont Avenue, Bentleigh VIC

1 Pickett Drive, Altona North VIC

2 Alfred Place, South Melbourne VIC

5 Abbott Street, Alphington VIC
 

Available Dates for Public Classes:

10 May 2026 (10 AM to 12 PM) at Altona North, Bentleigh, South Melbourne, and Alphington locations

10 May 2026 (12:30 PM to 2:30 PM) at Altona North, Bentleigh, South Melbourne, and Alphington locations

10 May 2026 (3 PM to 5 PM) at Altona North, Bentleigh, South Melbourne, and Alphington locations

7

Pamper Her with a Luxurious Spa Day at the Orchid Day Spa & Spa Bar Melbourne

Who doesn’t love a spa day, especially on a special occasion like Mother’s Day? Orchid Day Spa & Spa Bar Melbourne offers a tranquil oasis where mums can unwind with a range of luxurious treatments. But the experience doesn’t stop with rejuvenating facials and spa rituals. Downstairs, there’s a Spa Bar where you can get your mani-pedi while sipping on champagne, wine, or a signature cocktail. It’s one of the most indulgent Mother’s Day gifts you can share this year.

 

 

Address: 62 Hardware Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Opening Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM (Monday), 10 AM to 7 PM (Tuesday to Friday), 9 AM to 6 PM (Saturday), 10 AM to 5 PM (Sunday)

Active & Outdoor Mother’s Day Activities

8

Start Mother’s Day Strong at the Mother’s Day Classic Melbourne Half Marathon

Kick off Mother’s Day with purpose at the Mother’s Day Classic Melbourne, a community-driven event that brings people together to walk or run in support of breast and ovarian cancer research. Among the many Mother’s Day activities, this event stands out as a meaningful way to honour mums while giving back to a cause that impacts countless women.

You can choose from a variety of run and walk options to suit different fitness levels and ages, with the full 21.1 km Half Marathon, a new 12 km run, 8 km runs, and multiple 4 km runs. For walkers, there are 8 km and 4 km walks, offering plenty of options for families to participate together at a pace that feels right for them. 

 

 

Where: Alexandra Gardens, The Tan

When: 10 May 2026, from 6:45 AM or 6:50 AM

9

Reconnect with Nature at Royal Botanic Gardens: Melbourne Gardens

Royal Botanic Gardens: Melbourne Gardens offers 38 hectares of walking trails, serene lakes, and beautifully curated plant collections that mums and families can explore at a relaxed pace. Royal Botanic Gardens is also one of the most dog-friendly places in Melbourne, so fur parents can enjoy scenic strolls with their four-legged companions.

 

 

Best Mother’s Day Activities in the Melbourne Gardens:

Forest Therapy (1 March to 31 May, 2026; Sundays only)

Learn simple nature connection as well as sensory and creative practices to help calm your mind through guided “forest bathing.”

Aboriginal Heritage Walk (1 January to 31 December, 2026; Tuesday, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays)

Listen to stories of the First Peoples of Australia and learn about their rich history and thriving culture in a cultural tour led by First Peoples guides.

Punting on the Lake (1 September to 31 May, 2026; Daily)

Take your mum on a serene cruise around the Ornamental Lake and experience one of the world’s finest gardens from a unique perspective.

Address: Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia

Opening Hours: Daily, from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM

10

Take Her on a Day Trip Outside Melbourne for a Change

A day trip is one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate Mother’s Day. It’s the perfect opportunity to take a break from the usual routine and simply enjoy each other’s company in a new place. Beyond the hustle and bustle of Melbourne, there are plenty of destinations that offer a wide range of activities to do on Mother’s Day. Here are some of the best places to visit for a day trip from Melbourne:

Queenscliff

Queenscliff’s historic seaside town is known for its Victorian architecture and maritime history. Visitors can explore heritage Queenscliff attractions that transport you into the 19th century, and a range of Queenscliff accommodation options make it easy to enjoy a family staycation.

Mornington Peninsula

Mornington Peninsula offers stunning coastal scenery and a variety of beaches perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or coastal walks. It is also home to plenty of restaurants and wineries that give you a taste of the freshest local produce and cool-climate wines. Popular Mornington Peninsula day trip destinations include Sorrento, Portsea, Rosebud, and Cape Schanck.

Geelong

In contrast to Melbourne’s bustling cityscape, Geelong has a more laid-back vibe. More than just a “Gateway City,” it is a worthy destination in itself with its mix of scenic Geelong attractions, family-friendly activities, and top-notch restaurants. 

Phillip Island

Phillip Island is one of the most family-friendly destinations in Victoria. Travellers can experience a variety of things to do in Phillip Island, including the famous Penguin Parade. A day trip from Melbourne is enough to see the major highlights of the island, making it an ideal Easter break destination.

Cultural Mother’s Day Activities

11

Celebrate the Meaning of Motherhood at Mother: Stories from the NGV Collection

Since ancient times, the beauty and complexity of motherhood have been subjects of many contemporary and historical artworks. Mother: Stories from the NGV Collection presents more than 200 works exploring the universal and culturally specific experiences of motherhood, from societal expectations to intergenerational trauma and loss and profound individual journeys. Visiting the exhibition is one of the deeply moving Mother’s Day activities that can spark meaningful conversations and encourage reflection on what it means to be a mother.

 

 

Where: The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Federation Square, Flinders St &, Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

When: 27 March to 12 July 2026, from 10 AM to 5 PM

11

Discover Inspiring Stories at the HERstory: Remembering Australia’s Military Women

In HERstory: Remembering Australia’s Military Women, you’ll encounter powerful portraits and personal reflections that honour the courage, resilience, and contributions of women who have served in Australia’s military forces from 1942 to today. The exhibition, presented at the Shrine of Remembrance, celebrates more than 200 women through compelling photography and storytelling, bringing to light voices and experiences that have often been overlooked in traditional military history. The exhibition invites families to reflect on strength, service, and the diverse ways women have shaped Australia’s story.

 

 




Where: Shrine of Remembrance, Birdwood Ave, Melbourne VIC 3001, Australia

When: Until 30 August 2026, from 10 AM to 5 PM

Celebrate Your Mum the Way She Deserves This Mother’s Day

At its heart, Mother’s Day is about appreciation, connection, and creating moments that truly matter. However you spend this special occasion, the goal is to spend quality time together and make mum feel genuinely valued and celebrated. A simple Mother’s Day lunch in Melbourne, a memorable day trip beyond the city, or even a quick scenic escape across the bay with Searoad Ferries can turn an ordinary day into something a little more special.  The most important gift you can give is your time, your presence, and the memories you create together.

Travellers rate us 4.5 out of 5 on Trip Advisor
Simple and enjoyable process
Really enjoyed taking the ferry. Not very busy, easy to get on and off with car and nice ship. Comfortable lounge and even had a sandwich. Really like the driving it saved us. Put us in great shape for starting the Great Ocean Road.
Enjoy the drive..Take The Ferry
Why would you bother driving through all that city traffic when you can just hop aboard the ferry to get from one side of the bay to the other?
Excellent way to cross the bay
We took the car over the bay. What an easy trip. No need to book. Boat is in excellent condition and crew were great. High recommended.