Mother’s Day in Melbourne 2026: gift ideas, outings & high tea
A Melbourne Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate Mum, Grandmum, or that special mother figure with a thoughtful gift, a memorable day out, or a delicious meal.
Whether she loves the arts, enjoys a spot of high tea, or appreciates a unique present, this guide has what you need to make her Mother’s Day in Melbourne extra special.
This year, I’ll be doing something a little different too—joining my Mum for a Spanish cooking class booked through ClassBento, which feels like a fun way to spend time together and create something (hopefully delicious) along the way.
Related reading: 19 Best Experience Gifts Melbourne Has to Offer
Best Melbourne Mother’s Day Gift Shops
If you prefer to pick out the perfect gift in person, these Melbourne stores offer a great selection of gifts:
- Queen Victoria Market – A treasure trove of artisan gifts, gourmet foods, and handcrafted goods.
- Royal Botanic Gardens gift shop – A wonderful selection of nature-inspired gifts, including homewares, books, and garden accessories.
- Clementines on Degraves Street – A boutique store offering locally made gifts, gourmet treats, and stylish homewares.
- Koorie Heritage Trust Shop, Fed Square – Beautiful Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artworks, jewellery, and gifts that celebrate First Nations culture.
- St Paul’s Cathedral Shop – Unique religious and spiritual gifts, including books, jewellery, and handcrafted items.
Find more ideas in our article: 10 Delightful Gift Shops in Melbourne for Shopping Fun
Related reading: Local Faces: Melanie Ashe of Clementine’s on Degraves Street
Thoughtful Mother’s Day Gifts
A heartfelt gift is a wonderful way to show appreciation, and there are plenty of locally available online options to choose from. Here are some top picks:
- Charity Hampers – Give a gift with a purpose by selecting a hamper that supports a good cause.
- Verve Portraits – Professional portraits your family will love. Use code SIM30 for 30% off until 30 June.
- Petals Network – A reliable online flower delivery service offering stunning floral arrangements for every occasion.
- The Australian Ingredients Kitchen: Simple Recipes Using Bush Foods – These no-fuss and family-friendly recipes introduce native ingredients into the homes of all Australians.
- The Bradford Exchange – Unique and collectible gifts, including jewellery, home décor, and limited-edition keepsakes.
- By Charlotte – Elegant jewellery pieces that make for a stylish and memorable Mother’s Day gift.
- QBD Books – A great selection of books for mums who love to read, from bestsellers to timeless classics.
- ClassBento Experiences – Gift an unforgettable experience with ClassBento’s artisan workshops across Australia, including creative activities, from pottery to cooking classes.
- Sofa Sommelier – An at-home wine tasting experience guaranteed to create a memorable night. Read our review of Sofa Somellier here.
- Bagsmart – For the travel lovers, find a stylish, durable and lightweight travel bag. Current offer: save 30% off gift sets.
- Edible Beauty – Luxurious natural skincare products designed to pamper and nourish.
More Mother’s Day gift ideas worth exploring
For a broader mix of ideas, take a look at our curated list of Gifts for Women, with something to suit every personality and interest.
Prefer to give an experience rather than a physical gift? Our Experience Gifts Guide is packed with memorable ideas!
Not every mother figure is Mum—if that sounds like you, our Gifts for Him guide has some great ideas too.
If you’re keen to support local, explore our Guide to Australian-made Gifts, filled with thoughtful finds crafted right here at home.
For a truly restful treat, these Easy-to-Book Wellness Packages in Melbourne and Victoria make spoiling Mum simple.
Sending something from afar? Our round-up of Flowers for Australia-wide Delivery makes it easy to surprise Mum wherever she is.
Outings and Shows for Mother’s Day in Melbourne 2026
If Mum enjoys the arts or history, why not treat her to a show or exhibition?
Here are some of Melbourne’s best cultural experiences happening around Mother’s Day in Melbourne:
- MOTHER – National Gallery of Victoria (until 12 Jul 2026). This powerful exhibition brings together more than 200 works from Australian, First Nations and international artists, exploring the many dimensions of motherhood. Free entry.
- MCO Overgrown Paths (7 – 10 May 2026). This evocative performance weaves together poetry and music, with Sophie Rowell and Helen Morse guiding a reflective and immersive artistic experience. Use the promo code MCOFAN10 for 10% off, read more here.
- Botanica Festival at Rippon Lea (Sun 10 May 2026). A celebration of gardening, sustainability, and our natural environment. Explore guided tours, sales, and local crafts while enjoying delicious scones. Proceeds support the National Trust’s efforts in Victoria’s heritage.
- The Book of Mormon (until 30 Jun 2026). This nine-time Tony Award® winner promises laughter with its outrageous storyline of two missionaries sent on a wild mission.
- WAITRESS The Musical (1 May – 21 Jun 2026). This heartwarming and empowering musical tells the story of Jenna, a small-town waitress and expert pie maker who longs to escape her rocky marriage and start again.
- BODY WORLDS: The Anatomy of Happiness – Docklands (until Jul 2026). A globally acclaimed immersive exhibition arrives in Melbourne for the first time, revealing how joy and emotion affect the human body through real anatomical specimens and interactive displays that explore the science of happiness.
- Candlelight Concerts (various dates 2026). Discover the beauty of Candlelight Concerts in iconic venues across Melbourne and regional Victoria, showcasing a variety of musical genres under the soft glow of candlelight. Various dates and venues. Tickets from $25. Book tickets here.
- The Jazz Room, (various dates). Set in the charming Brunswick Ballroom, enjoy an hour of dynamic music, improvisation, and delicious dining. Secure your tickets!
- The Q Train Experience – Q Class (Mondays, Thursday & Fridays). Swerve your way through the heart of the Bellarine Peninsula as you dine on the iconic Q Train departing Drysdale.
- Punting on the Lake (daily until 31 May 2026). Glide gracefully across the Ornamental Lake in a comfortable wooden punt while enjoying the vibrant greenery and wildlife.
More outing ideas
If Mum enjoys live music, our Guide to Concerts in Melbourne is a great place to find something special happening around Mother’s Day.
For theatre lovers, don’t miss our Melbourne Musicals – it’s Showtime Guide, packed with standout productions worth booking ahead.
If you’d prefer something relaxed and outdoors, our Melbourne City Walking Tours Guide is full of easy, interesting ways to explore together.
Want even more ideas? Our regularly updated What’s on in Melbourne this Week Guide is perfect for last-minute inspiration.
You might also be interested in our list of Sunday Markets across Melbourne.
Spoil Her with Mother’s Day High Tea in Melbourne
A leisurely high tea is a classic Mother’s Day experience, offering delicious sweet and savoury treats in an elegant setting. Happening throughout May, here are some of our favourite places to indulge:
- Park Lounge – Indulge in an elegant weekend high tea at Park Lounge, perched on Level 19 with stunning city skyline views.
- Hopetoun Tea Rooms – Located in Block Arcade, this historic tea room is a beloved Melbourne institution, serving a beautiful selection of pastries and teas.
- Parliament House High Tea – Indulge in a traditional high tea experience in one of Melbourne’s most historic buildings, featuring an elegant selection of sweet and savoury treats.
- Altus Rooftop, Chadstone Hotel – Delight in exquisite handcrafted savoury and sweet creations, accompanied by TWG Tea and a selection of fine beverages.
- Duldig Studio – A charming Mother’s Day Tea and Tour on Sunday 10 May 2026, from 11am to 3:45pm.
- Yarra River High Tea – Board a luxury catamaran and delight in a selection of dainty sandwiches, scones, and desserts, all while enjoying stunning views of Melbourne’s skyline.
- NGV High Tea – Experience an elegant high tea at the National Gallery of Victoria, where fine art meets exquisite cuisine.
With so many ways to celebrate, we’d love to hear your plans—what are you doing this Mother’s Day, and what would you add to our list?
Heading off on your own Melbourne adventures? Join our Facebook Group and share your stories, ask questions and connect with others for further inspiration.
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