Mums deserve the world and Mother’s Day is a great opportunity to go the extra mile and show yours some love. This year, ditch the flowers and do something a little special to mark the big day. Luckily enough, Sydney offers a number of great options for every budget and interest. There’s sweet treats, high teas, fancy spas and special set menus to choose from. Here are a few ideas for a memorable time with your mum over the Mother’s Day weekend.
1. Buy something special at the Barangaroo Artisan’s Market
The Artisan Market in Barangaroo is back on the Mother’s Day weekend with a diverse variety of stalls with locally sourced products including ceramics, prints, homewares and jewellery. Also on the agenda: entertainment, gourmet treats and live music to keep you entertained while you browse. It’s all happening this Saturday, May 11 from 10am to 4pm. Shop from over 60 excellent stalls and support local businesses while you’re at it. Find more info here.
2. Take your mum to a Candlelight Concert
Show your mum how much she means to you, with a gift card to a Candlelight Concert. There are many concerts to choose from, in various iconic venues in Sydney, and each performs classical renditions of different music genres. The venues are all filled with thousands of glimmering candles, creating an enchanting atmosphere that will take your breath away. This is the perfect way for your mom to unwind and enjoy an evening of music. Purchase a gift card here.
3. Enjoy a free day out with Merlin Entertainment
In honour of Mother’s Day Merlin Entertainment is offering free entry to mums on all their attractions including SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Madame Tussauds and Sydney Sydney Tower Eye. The offer is valid on General Admission tickets and only on one attraction and you can make your bookings online.
4. Treat your mum to lunch at Sydney Common
If you want to beat the weekend crowds and spend some quality time with your mum, consider a three-course lunch at Sydney Common this Mother’s Day. The lunch includes Tuna Crudo, a 200g wagyu sirloin with smoked fat vinaigrette and anchovy butter and a delicious dark chocolate tart with pedro ximenez and a a complimentary glass of champagne overlooking Hyde Park. Book here.
5. Celebrate for free at Funlab venues
Another place slinging free offers to show their appreciation this Mother’s Day is Funlab. The entertainment hub’s offerings including Holey Moley, Strike bowling and Hijinx Hotel will offer free selected activities on Mother’s Day. Use the code the promo code MUMFREE while booking online.
6. Book a high tea at Novotel Parramatta
Treat your mum to a delicious high tea at Novotel Parramatta complete with traditional scones with clotted cream and jam, beetroot and goat’s cheese arancini and tasty finger sandwiches. There are a number of kid-friendly options available including fairy bread, cheeseburger spring rolls and mini cupcakes. Make a booking here.
7. Book a rejuvenating spa treatment
Did you know an authentic Japanese spa is hidden in the Blue Mountains? It’s the ideal day trip out of town with private buros, individual soaking tubs and outdoor hot pools. There is also a herbal steam room on-site and a team room serving teas and healthy snacks. Plus, you get to spend quality time over the picturesque 2-hour drive. Start planning your trip here.
8. Experience some Mother’s Day magic at Maho Magic Bar
Give your mum a magical evening adventure with a gift card to Maho Magic Bar. Inspired by the famous magic bars in Japan’s nightlife districts, this pop-up bar transports visitors to a neon-lit Tokyo night of mischief and amazement. Inside guests will be able to watch professional magicians and illusionists straight from Japan, as they perform close-up magic tricks right at your table. Order Japanese-inspired snacks and cocktails from the bar, and prepare to be dazzled. Get the gift card here.
9. Try your hands at making fine jewellery
If you want to do something different this Mother’s Day, head to Four Hundred Bar & Kitchen in North Sydney and enjoy three hours of fine jewellery-making while sipping on champagne and binging on a zesty Mexican feast all for $120pp. You can also take home two handmade pieces including letter-stamped initial necklaces and pearl and disc cluster earrings. Book your spot here.
10. Explore the art of Banksy at this fascinating exhibition
Treat your mum to a cultural experience with a gift card to The Art Of Banksy: “Without Limits”. The exhibition at Sydney Town Hall is one of the most complete Banksy exhibitions and includes over 180 artworks. There will be an assortment of Banksy’s stencilled images, his sculptures and various drawings and paintings. A significant portion of Banksy’s iconic stencilled works has also been meticulously reproduced, accompanied by detailed explanations and captivating backstories. The exhibition is an incredible opportunity to learn more about Banksy’s rise to fame and his career as the world’s most elusive street artist. Get the gift card here.
11. Enjoy a Mother’s Day High Tea at The Grounds
Enjoy a delicious high-tea menu specifically created for Mother’s Day at the most Instagrammable restaurant in the world. If you’re planning to spend some quality time with mum surrounded by picture-perfect florals and freshly baked goods, head here over the weekend. There will be a selection of sweet and savoury bites and there is even a menu for the little ones who would like to join in on the fun. Book a table here soon, as there are limited spots available.
12. Try something different with Dining in the Dark
Why not try something a little different from your average dinner plans, and gift your mum the experience of Dining In The Dark. Beast&Co offers special sessions where guests can enjoy their meal, with a twist. They are blindfolded! This unique way to dine allows your senses of taste and smell to be heightened, and you can experience your food in a whole new way. Dining in the dark is also currently offering a Mother’s Day promo, with 15% off tickets when you use the code AUMOTHER15 at checkout. You can purchase a gift card to this exciting dinner experience here.
13. Spend the day at The Rocks
There are plenty of excellent places to dine in Sydney’s oldest neighbourhood, from a high-tea buffet at Shangri-La Sydney to a bespoke five-course menu overlooking the Sydney Harbour at Altitude. After your meal, make a beeline to The Rocks’ weekend market and buy your mum a souvenir to mark the day. See everything that’s happening at The Rocks on Mother’s Day here.
14. Shop at a specialty mini-market
Hole-in-the-wall cafe Cavalier 1.0 is hosting a mini-market on Sunday, May 12 from 7am to 2pm showcasing local makers and artists. Grab a cup of coffee with a wholesome toastie then head out and fill your bags with flowers, cookies and more. Get more details here.
15. Plan a road trip to a small town near Sydney
If you and your mum love a bit of adventure, we have a list of beautiful country towns just two hours away from Sydney. From the historical village of Berrima to the quaint town of Leura in the Bleu Mountains, Sydneysiders are spoilt for choice. With plenty of options to eat and drink and artisan markets and wineries to explore, this is the perfect gift for the mum who loves a bit of spontaneous fun.
16. Book lunch at Little Pearl
Little Pearl in Manly is doing their bit to make your mum’s day extra special. On offer are hawker-style dishes like spicy chicken dumplings, seafood Sri-Lankan Curry, Cone Bay barramundi, tiger king prawn more. The shared lunch includes a delicious spritz on arrival and desserts include deep-fried ice cream, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, shredded coconut, fresh raspberries, strawberries & blueberries. Book a seat here.
17. Head to a First Nation’s Mother’s Day celebration
Enjoy a free celebration at Damulay Ngurang, located at Walumil Lawns in Barangaroo. Expect interactive Aboriginal dance performances, weaving workshops, native flora crown-making workshops, and storytelling sessions in this special event on Sunday, May 12 from 9am to 1pm. Food and beverage will be on-site courtesy of Walkabout Coffee Van. Get more information here.
18. Find a host of special offers at Four Seasons Hotel
Pamper your mum at Four Seasons Hotel with delectable culinary offerings, spa treatments and more. Enjoy a delicious three-course menu crafted exclusively for Mother’s Day Lunch and Dinner at Mode Kitchen & Bar or spend quality time over afternoon tea at Executive Club Lounge 32 featuring a menu of savoury bites, handmade pastries and lush desserts.
19. Sign up for Tokyo Lamington’s high tea workshop
Cricut, Salvos and Tokyo Lamington are hosting a Mother’s Day High Tea workshop focused on upcycling on May 4. Personalise a pre-loved tea cup and saucer set and decorate your own lamingtons from Tokyo Lamington in this wholesome afternoon activity. It will take place at The Cannery in Roseberry on level 2. Book here.
20. Dine in style at Manly Pavilion
Book a breezy three-course luncheon on May 12 from 12.30pm to 3.30pm and celebrate the day with a glass or bottle of Chandon Blac de Blancs or a refreshing garden spritz at Manly Pavilion flanked by gorgeous water views of Manly Cove and Sydney Harbour. There will also be a photographer at the venue so you can take a complimentary photo to take home. Find more information here.
21. Celebrate Mother’s Day at The Butler
Dig into a curated lunch or an a la carte feast on Sunday, May 12 at The Butler in Potts Point. The special $85pp banquet menu features a stacked list of dishes including cured Ōra king salmon with pickled pasilla, burrata with fresh salsa verde and black garlic focaccia and more. The a la carte menu will be available to order for lunch and dinner. Book here.
22. Have an indulgent high tea at G&Tea
Did you know The Star Sydney has a hidden tea room called G&Tea? With a lovely high tea offering both sweet and savoury options and lush botanical interiors to boot, this is the ideal way to spend quality time together. G&Tea’s extensive menu also offers some fine gin cocktails. Find more info here.
23. Pack a picnic to this lovely autumn garden
The leaves are turning in Nooroo Garden and it looks absolutely delightful. The picturesque Mount Wilson spot is perfect if you’re looking to get out of the city and spend a day in nature. Mother’s Day is also the perfect time to visit as you can expect the trees to be bursting with colour. Find all the information including opening hours here.
24. Try painting under neon lights
Neon Brush is a fun new experience where you can sip on your drink and unleash your inner Picasso, all under neon lights. Tickets are available throughout May, get yours here.
25. Check out The Ordinary Surry Hills pop-up
Love skincare? Head to The Ordinary’s Surry Hills pop-up from 7AM – 2PM on May 11 and 12 and grab free coffees and full-size samples of the new Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner. At the cafe pop-up guests will also have the opportunity to send a postcard to their loved ones free of cost making it a wholesome day out with the mum. Find it at Shannon Reserve, Collins St & Foveaux Street in Surry Hills.
Additional words by Monro Grier