15 lovely things to eat and do in Sydney this Mother’s Day

Camden Valley Inn is stretching Mother’s Day into a full weekend affair, with countryside views and a packed lineup of feel-good events. Things kick off with the return of its popular Night Markets, where more than 25 local makers set up shop with everything from handcrafted ceramics to bespoke jewellery—ideal for a thoughtful, last-minute gift.

The following morning, the Beer Garden hosts a Bottomless Bubbles & Brunch, pairing scones, cheeses and quiche with free-flowing mimosas across two relaxed sittings. Come Sunday, the celebrations continue with live music, fresh florals and a limited-edition spritz made for the occasion. Whether you’re dropping in for a browse, a brunch or a long lunch, it’s an easy escape from the city with plenty of charm.

Elevate Mother’s Day with a high-energy combo at Cardea: a live Dirty Dancing musical performance paired with bottomless brunch from 12:30pm to 3pm. Dig into a curated menu of brunch favourites while enjoying 2.5 hours of unlimited cocktails, wines and soft drinks in the venue’s cosy, elegant space—with everyone on their feet by the finale. The show brings the classic to life with iconic dances, duets and that unforgettable soundtrack, perfect for feel-good family vibes. Mums celebrating with kids score a complimentary permanent jewellery piece as a wearable keepsake. At $140pp, it’s a stylish, interactive twist on the day.

For something a little unexpected this Mother’s Day, Mind Games—Art Alive! is inviting families to step into a world where nothing is quite as it seems. This immersive experience blends interactive art, optical illusions and sensory installations designed to play with perception and spark curiosity—making it a fun pick for mums who’d rather explore than sit still.

Expect rooms that shift your sense of reality, hands-on exhibits and plenty of moments that’ll have you second-guessing what you see and hear. To mark the occasion, mums are treated to complimentary bubbles and 10% off entry from May 4 to 10, adding an extra celebratory touch to this mind-bending outing.

Indulge Mum’s sweet tooth this Mother’s Day with a decadent Chocolate High Tea on Sunday May 10 in The Bar, kicking off with sparkling wine and premium teas. The menu balances delicate savouries like smoked ham and Swiss cheese sandwiches, cucumber egg sandwiches and bean-kale tarts with chocolate-heavy sweets—cherry vanilla torte, orange chocolate cadeaux, white chocolate lemon myrtle truffles, triple chocolate terrine and chocolate scones with mousse cream. At $80 per adult or $40 per child, it’s an elegant, book-ahead treat blending whimsy and luxury.

Bistrot Bisou is leaning into the art of a long, indulgent lunch this Mother’s Day, with a generous sharing menu designed to bring everyone to the table. From 12:30pm, expect a procession of crowd-pleasers—from salmon crudo and beef bolognese fritters to hearty mains like braised lamb shank, wagyu roast beef and monkfish—finished with classic desserts worth lingering over.

It’s the kind of meal made for passing plates and stretching out the afternoon, with kids under 12 dining free from a dedicated menu. To top it off, every booking comes with a thoughtful takeaway gift for Mum, including a bottle of wine and artisan chocolate—so the celebration doesn’t end when lunch does.

Trade the usual brunch for something truly special this Mother’s Day: a guided sunrise kayak tour with Sydney by Kayak, where you’ll watch the dawn light explode behind the Opera House sails. Launching from serene Lavender Bay, the signature “Sunrise Kayak and Coffee” experience lets you paddle gently across the harbour, sipping a hot brew as the city stirs awake—perfect for a mum who loves adventure or quiet moments with a view.

It’s an intimate, bucket-list way to celebrate, with easy access by ferry or car and options like warmer-month “Kayak and Ice Cream” tours for extra fun. Book ahead to claim this peaceful, golden-hour memory.

If you’re looking to spoil Mum beyond the usual lunch booking, Hyatt Regency Sydney is making a strong case for a full-blown city staycation. Set right on Darling Harbour, the hotel pairs sweeping water or skyline views with newly refreshed rooms and plenty of ways to settle in for the weekend.

Days can start with a generous buffet breakfast at Sailmaker before rolling into rooftop drinks or a visit to the hotel’s immersive cocktail bar, Jackalberry. The Park, Stay & Play package sweetens the deal with perks like complimentary CBD parking, dining discounts and a cocktail per person—making it an easy, all-in-one escape that feels a little more special than your standard Sunday outing.

The Day Spa by Chuan is serving up pure pampering this Mother’s Day with two indulgent 90 minute packages starting at $305. The Mother and Daughter Escape lets you unwind together—a 60-minute relaxation massage followed by a 30-minute facial, then champagne or herbal tea poolside for those priceless shared moments.

Solo mums can opt for Mum’s Moment, blending a 45-minute Chuan Body & Soul treatment with a 45-minute LED-enhanced facial for total restoration. Both deliver that glowing, tension-free reset, making it an ideal way to honour the day with serenity and sparkle.

Get your hands dirty in the best way this Mother’s Day with Print Paint Pot’s Muddy with Mum wheel-throwing class, running at their Artarmon studios including the new Pink Pottery Studio. In this BYO-friendly two-hour session, dive into soft clay for unlimited attempts at the potter’s wheel—guided by experts who make the therapeutic, zen-like process accessible even for total beginners.

You’ll walk away with a glazed stoneware pot, apron included, and plenty of laughs along the way. It’s ideal for mums and kids, date nights or family bonding, and a perfect intro before their four-week courses.

PARKROYAL Parramatta is hosting a Mother’s Day feast at Table 30 on 10th May from 12:30pm to 3pm, with an unlimited seafood-heavy buffet that’s built for lingering. Load up on prawns, Sydney rock oysters, octopus and mussels salad, alongside gourmet hot dishes, fresh salads and a live crepe station—capping off with a chocolate fountain, pastries and fruit.

Mums kick things off with a glass of Tar & Roses wine, plus a surprise gift to take home, all soundtracked by live entertainment and backed by free parking. Priced from $69 for kids to $139 adults, it’s hassle-free indulgence in Parramatta’s heart.

Ditch the brunch and team up for thrills this Mother’s Day at Escape This Sydney, where immersive escape rooms promise laughs, teamwork and memories that last longer than a meal. Dive into movie-like sets in their CBD or Manly Beach locations—think pirate quests, wizard chambers or family-friendly adventures for ages 9+—with 60 minutes to crack puzzles, uncover clues and beat the clock.

It’s perfect for cool mums who’d rather solve mysteries with the crew than sip mimosas, and rooms fit 4-10 players for group fun. Book now for a heart-pumping escape that’s way more exciting than the usual.

Skip the scones for a desi twist on high tea this Mother’s Day, featuring a spread of Indian inspired savouries and sweets designed for sharing at Delhi ‘O’ Delhi. Start with a welcome G&T, then dig into crispy Chowk Ke Potli, Kanda Bhajiya, pulled chicken tikka rolls, paneer skewers and buttery bhaji sliders—paired with chai or coffee.

Sweeten the deal with saffron-soaked Shahi Tukda, mango shrikhand, chocolate pista fudge and warm gulab jamun. Add 1.5 hours of bottomless Prosecco, Riesling or Shiraz for just $15pp to stretch the family afternoon. Sessions run Sunday, 10th May from 11:30am to 2:30pm.

Make Mother’s Day unforgettable with a three-hour lunch cruise gliding past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, complete with live jazz, a welcome glass of bubbles and a chrysanthemum for Mum. Feast on a freshly carved seafood spread and hot carvery dishes, followed by decadent cakes, seasonal fruit, coffee and tea—while the bar keeps things flowing.

This Sydney staple has delighted locals and visitors for over 30 years, blending restaurant-quality dining with unbeatable views for family gatherings. It’s the laid-back, scenic way to celebrate without the fuss.

Harry Potter fans, this Mother’s Day calls for a trip to Harry Potter: The Exhibition, opening 14th May at Paddington Pavilion in Sydney Olympic Park. Dive into the wizarding world with authentic film props, costumes and interactive zones where you can conjure a Patronus, test your Quidditch skills, brew potions or pot a Mandrake—perfect for mums who grew up with the series or sharing the magic with kids.

Explore recreated spots like Hagrid’s Hut and the Great Hall, snap photos throughout and grab exclusive merch like Chocolate Frogs. An audio guide adds behind-the scenes stories to deepen the fun. It’s a nostalgic, hands-on outing that’s thrilled millions worldwide.

The Rocks just got a shiny new French spot with Ananas opening its doors on 7th May, making Mother’s Day one of the first chances to snag a table. The $115 four-course set menu channels classic bistro vibes, kicking off with line-caught fish crudo and chicken terrine before diving into mains like confit duck leg or steak frites au poivre.

It wraps with a generous dessert spread—rosé grapefruit sorbet, liquorice crème caramel and Armagnac-laced chocolate tart. For mums who appreciate being ahead of the curve on Sydney’s dining scene, this fresh arrival delivers timeless flavour in a historic setting.