Top 10 Mother’s Day gift experiences to spoil her that you can still book right now
Spend the day with mum cruising the waterways, indulging in high tea, climbing an Aussie icon and so much more.
Looking for a gift to make mum feel extra special this year? Once the mandatory flowers have been gifted, up the ante and take her out for a day filled with activities and experiences.
We've curated a list of the 10 best things to do with mum that are both thoughtful and unique – just like her.
They are all still available for 14 May 2023. However, if they've sold out most can be booked for alternate dates.
1. Delight in high tea
Lavish tea rooms, 3-tiers of savoury and sweet morsels, delicate china and a glass of sparkling. Who could want anything more? Tell mum to dress up to the nines and then treat her to this decadent pastime.
All across the nation teahouses, hotels and cafes host high tea.
Our picks? We personally love the High tea and gin cocktails for gin lovers, the Agnes High Tea experience at B Farm by Murray's for its charming atmosphere and the Swan Valley Three-Tiered High Tea Dining Experience for the views of wine country.
2. Cruise the waters
Warm weather calls for a day on the water and being an island nation there are more cruises than you can shake a stick at. Select one with all the trimmings such as an on-board meal, commentary, live entertainment and drinks to really make today sing.
Our picks? The Twilight Tall Ship Winter Dinner Cruise sees you board a unique timber tall ship and catch the sun as it kisses the harbour waters. In South Australia, hop on a Southern Ocean Adventure from Victor Harbour to spy seals basking on the rocks.
3. Climb an icon
Fuel mum's love of heights and adventure by booking her a spot on an iconic building. Here she can put her best foot forward and catch her breath as she takes in the best view of the city.
Our picks? Brisbane's Story Bridge Climb can offer you views as far as the Glasshouse Mountains while from the Adelaide Oval Roof Climb you can see Adelaide Hills.
4. Relax at the spa
From one mum to another, there's nothing more that I would love to do on Mother's Day than to kick back and be pampered. Whether it's a spa, sauna, massage or facial, pick mum's favourite and leave her to her own devices.
Our pick? Select Ella Baché venues offer facial and massage packages that are 2-hours of bliss. Alternatively, Groupon has heavily discounted beauty and spa vouchers.
5. Get arty
From paint and sips to pottery, floral arrangements to resin, whatever creative outlet your mum loves there's a class out there for her to show off her talents and develop her skills.
Our picks? This Ceramic Hand Building Workshop is a hands-on experience for beginners that runs for 3-hours. For something more on-theme try an everlasting dry posy workshop for a bouquet you can give her after.
6. Play a game
If you're the kind of family that loves a good game night then take that healthy competition out of the house. Think arcade games, mini golf, laser tag, escape rooms. The ideas are endless.
Our pick? One of the newest kids on the block is Hijinx Hotel. It's a wonderland of challenge rooms where you'll have to work together to earn precious points. The clincher? You only have 4 manic minutes in each room.
7. Treat her like a Disney Princess
Couldn't spring for a trip to Disneyland? The next best thing is a Disney experience in the big smoke. For example, The Grounds in Sydney is hosting a Disney installation until the end of the day and Pixar Putt Putt is swinging in Perth until 14 May.
Our pick? For something a little more intimate Viral Ventures Sydney has Through the Looking Glass and Hansel and Gretel immersive family-friendly experiences.
8. Snap that perfect family shot
Family photo shoots are the perfect excuse to get everyone dressed up proper and looking their best. A rare sight in some households, that's for sure. By the end of the session she'll have a beautiful portrait (or two) to hang in her home.
Our pick? The Australia On Location Destination Photo Shoot is suitable for up to 6 people and comes with 30 high resolution photos. For something more budget-friendly opt for a studio shoot.
9. Spend the day at the zoo
Families with young kids and animal lovers can make a beeline for their local zoo or wildlife park for a fun day out. On Mother's Day some offer free entry for mums.
Our picks? Until Mother's Day Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has 10% off tickets through ExperienceOz. For something a little different Seahorse World has guided tours with touch pools.
10. Send her to wine country
For the ultimate relaxing activity, book a babysitter and whisk her away to wine country where peace, quiet and wine are plentiful.
Our picks? Leave the car at home and hop on this Full-day small group tour of Adelaide Hills which includes transfers, visits to 4 cellar doors and wine tastings for 2. Or sail down the Swan River on this Taste Your Way Through Swan Valley guided tour which includes a river cruise from Perth, chocolate and cheese tastings and lunch.
Need more ideas? We handpick every gift on our Mother's Day gift guides to help you get it right.
This article was originally published on 5 May 2023. It was updated on 12 May 2023 with experiences that still have availability on 14 May 2023.
