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Where to take your mum out on Mother’s Day in 2026

Credit: Saké Restaurant

Show gratitude to the best woman in your life with a heartfelt meal.

Mothers are superwomen in our lives, and they deserve appreciation all year round, but Mother’s Day is the perfect annual excuse to go the extra mile. And what better way to do that than with a memorable, delicious meal (that you can enjoy too)? Without further ado, our top picks to consider for your reservation plans around Australia.

Where to celebrate Mother’s Day in NSW

Ananas, The Rocks, Sydney

Cost per person: $115
Open for: lunch and dinner
Where: 18a Argyle St, The Rocks, NSW

steak frites
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a mouthwatering plate of steak frites au poivre. (Credit: Steven Woodburn)

You can book a trip to France, or you can also treat the woman of the hour to a decadent meal in The Rocks – it comes close. Say merci with a meal at Ananas, a newcomer boasting the experience of the art of French dining in true brasserie style.

A relaxed yet sophisticated waterfront precinct provides the perfect backdrop for a long, indulgent lunch featuring a specially crafted four-course set menu. Toast with a glass of Champagne, linger over decadent desserts and soak up a setting that’s simply perfect.

Vitelli’s Upstairs, Redfern, Sydney

Cost per person: $129
Open for: lunch
Where: Corner of Cleveland &, Baptist St, Redfern, NSW

spaghetti at Vitellis
The spaghetti with pork and fennel meatballs is unmissable. (Credit: Steven Woodburn)

If mum’s love language translates to phenomenal carbs, a lively atmosphere and a chic New York-Italian vibe, it’s time to book Vitelli’s Upstairs in Redfern. This Mother’s Day, they’re pulling out all the stops for a fun, deeply delicious long lunch that promises to spoil her.

Dive into an epic eight-dish feast that hits all the right comfort notes. We’re talking crispy fried lasagne bites, fluffy garlic focaccia plunged into parmesan dip and glorious bowls of pipe rigate all’vodka. With hearty mains like chicken parm and barramundi piccata hitting the table, you’ll definitely want to pace yourself for the grand finale: a classic New York cheesecake, no less.

Saké, The Rocks/Double Bay, Sydney

Cost per person: $155
Open for: lunch and dinner
Where: 12 Argyle St, The Rocks, NSW; 33 Cross St, Double Bay, NSW

Japanese spread at Sake restaurant
The eight-course contemporary Japanese menu is a star. (Credit: Supplied)

Reminisce on some memories or simply manifest a family trip to Japan with an elegant display of contemporary Japanese dining. Available at both The Rocks and Double Bay outposts, Saké’s menu brings together seasonal ingredients and traditional techniques for a truly memorable meal.

While the full à la carte menu is on offer, the $155 eight-course set menu is the real star. Diners will enjoy Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bug tempura, followed by an impressive MB6-7+ hanger steak. Just be sure to save room for the rich chocolate mousse to finish!

Where to celebrate Mother’s Day in Victoria

Beverly, Melbourne

Cost per person: $120
Open for: lunch
Where: Level 24/627 Chapel St, South Yarra, Vic

Beverly Rooftop
Highlights of the feast include the Old Bay rotisserie chicken, made more flavourful with blue cheese sauce, ranch dressing and dill pickles. (Credit: Supplied)

With unmatched panoramic views over Melbourne, head over to Beverly Rooftop for a stunning setting to show your appreciation.

Head chef David Ball has crafted a generous four-course menu where seasonal produce takes centre stage. Diners will be treated to bluefin tuna crudo, lobster and wild-caught prawn casarecce pasta and an Old Bay rotisserie half chicken, all finished with a poached mango pavlova. Going all out? Elevate the afternoon with Champagne on arrival, an oyster tasting flight or a few caviar bumps. The little ones are completely sorted too, with a dedicated two-course menu just for them.

The Lodge, Melbourne

Cost per person: $125
Open for: lunch
Where: Level 1/280 Little Collins St, Melbourne, Vic

cocktails at The Lodge Group
Elevate Mother’s Day with exclusive cocktail flavours. (Credit: Daniel Sortino)

For a refined twist on tradition, The Lodge Dining Room is reimagining high tea with a seasonal, elevated menu designed to celebrate mum.

Expect a thoughtful progression of savoury and sweet – from tuna tartare with Oscietra caviar to warm truffle rarebit – before a polished dessert spread featuring banoffee choux, raspberry rose Ispahan and house-made scones with blackberry and thyme jam. The experience can be elevated further with curated cocktails or a bottomless option, with inclusive menu variations ensuring everyone is catered for.

Taxi Kitchen, Melbourne

Cost per person: $95
Open for: lunch
Where: Transport Hotel, Level 1 Federation Square, Melbourne, Vic

Taxi Kitchen views
The perfect backdrop for a celebration at the heart of Melbourne. (Credit: Supplied)

Perched above Federation Square, Taxi Kitchen offers sweeping views across the Yarra River and the city skyline. It’s a spectacular backdrop for a sophisticated celebration right in the heart of Melbourne.

Known for its bold Australian-Asian fusion, the restaurant is offering an optional three-course set menu alongside its regular à la carte offering, making it ideal for those who prefer a flexible long lunch. Expect standout dishes like kingfish sashimi with umeboshi, Szechuan-spiced duck with a five-spice caramel, and a decadent double chocolate soufflé to finish.

Where to celebrate Mother’s Day in Queensland

Medley Kangaroo Point, Brisbane

Cost per person: $90
Open for: breakfast and lunch
Where: 62 Wharf St, Kangaroo Point, Qld

Medley Restaurant riverside views
Medley makes a case for a relaxed Mother’s Day meal. (Credit: Supplied)

If you wanna keep things relaxed, Medley, situated along the river point at Kangaroo Point, has the perfect spot. This Mother’s Day, they’re keeping the celebrations cosy and warm with sweeping water views, live music and of course, a lineup of specials made with TLC.

Their three-course menu is certainly packed with fresh, seasonal crowd-pleasers. Start with zesty kingfish ceviche or artisan charcuterie, before moving on to mains like Mooloolaba scallop risotto or a hearty lamb yiros. To finish, the whole table can dig into a shared dessert platter loaded with carrot cake and double chocolate brownies.

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Wild Canary, Brookfield, Brisbane

Cost per person: $95
Open for: breakfast and lunch
Where: 2371 Moggill Rd, Brookfield, Qld

If your mum loves a lush, produce-driven feast, Wild Canary is serving up a stunning three-course lunch that hits all the right notes. It’s the perfect excuse to gather the family for a relaxed afternoon of spectacular food and great company.

The feast kicks off with a generous shared starter packed with cured meats, Australian cheeses and house-baked garlic focaccia. For the main event, diners can take their pick from comforting dishes like a farmhouse chicken ballotine or slow-cooked veal. Make sure to save room for dessert, you wouldn’t want to miss the decadent dark chocolate brownie or lemongrass rice pudding crème brûlée!

Southside Restaurant, South Brisbane

Cost per person: $75-$99
Open for: lunch
Where: 63 Melbourne St, South Brisbane, Qld

Southside dumplings
Exclusive dumplings are crafted for the special day. (Credit: Markus Ravik)

Tucked beneath a canopy of emerald leaves and soaring greenery, this stunning urban oasis is the ultimate spot to toast to your dearest mother.

Whether you opt for the signature à la carte menu, dive into a celebrated banquet, or indulge in Southside’s classic Sunday yum cha, the food is guaranteed to impress. Executive chef Benny Lam has even crafted two exclusive specials just for the occasion: a pork and truffle pumpkin dumpling and a sweet baked ‘snow mountain bun’ filled with Nutella custard. Wash it all down with a $20 glass of Perrier-Jouët Champagne, pouring all day long to keep the celebrations bubbling!

Where to celebrate Mother’s Day in Tasmania

The Point Revolving Restaurant, Hobart

Cost per person: $175
Open for: lunch
Where: 410 Sandy Bay Rd, Sandy Bay, Tas

Set high above the city with ever-changing views over Hobart’s harbour, The Point Revolving Restaurant is the place to be for a refined Mother’s Day lunch centred on seasonal Tasmanian produce.

The experience includes a three-course menu with an amuse-bouche on arrival, followed by a choice of elegant, produce-led dishes that showcase the region’s best. With its slow-turning panoramic backdrop and polished dining experience, it’s a considered way to make mum feel properly celebrated.

Mudbar Restaurant, Launceston

Cost per person: à la carte
Open for: lunch and dinner
Where: 28 Seaport Blvd, Launceston, Tas

Treat Mum to a laidback yet polished long lunch at Mudbar Restaurant, where the celebrations kick off with a complimentary glass of Delamere sparkling rosé just for her. With gorgeous views over the Tamar River, it’s a beautiful spot to settle in and make her feel completely spoiled.

Alongside their beloved signature dishes, the kitchen is rolling out a handful of fresh new menu additions especially for the occasion. It’s the perfect excuse to order up a feast, clink glasses and linger by the water’s edge all afternoon long.

Telegraph Hotel, Hobart

Cost per person: $33
Open for: lunch
Where: 19 Morrison St, Hobart, Tas

Beautifully restored to its former glory, the Telegraph Hotel – affectionately known as the Tele – is the perfect spot for a relaxed, no-fuss Mother’s Day. If the influential lady in your life prefers a laidback pub vibe over a stiff fine-dining room, this community-focused favourite has you covered.

Kick off the celebrations by soaking up the atmosphere with cocktails on the brand-new rooftop bar. Afterwards, head down to the dining room to treat mum to the pub’s signature $33 Sunday roast. It’s a hearty, comforting classic made for sharing good times around the table.

Where to celebrate Mother’s Day in WA

Gibney, Cottesloe, Perth

Cost per person: à la carte
Open for: lunch and dinner
Where: 40 Marine Parade, Cottesloe, WA

Treat the leading lady in your life to a touch of seaside glamour this Mother’s Day at Gibney. Perfectly positioned right by the water at South Cottesloe Beach, this polished dining room pairs impeccable service with uninterrupted ocean views that are guaranteed to impress.

Rather than locking diners into a set menu, the venue is offering its full à la carte experience throughout the day. It gives families the ultimate freedom to settle in, order a round of Champagne, and graze through a luxurious long lunch – or leisurely evening meal – while watching the waves roll in along the coast.

Intuition Wine and Kitchen, Subiaco, Perth

Cost per person: $130
Open for: lunch
Where: 279 Rokeby Rd, Subiaco, WA

If a Mediterranean-inspired feast sounds like the ideal way to celebrate this Mother’s Day, Intuition Wine & Kitchen is here for you. This stylish spot has crafted a beautifully curated dining experience designed to make the occasion truly memorable.

Guests will be treated to a generous four-course set menu packed with vibrant flavours – promising a day of raising a glass, sharing great food and making new memories around the table.

Petition, Perth

Cost per person: à la carte
Open for: lunch and dinner
Where: State Buildings, St Georges Tce and Barrack St, Perth, WA

Steeped in cultural history, Petition offers a truly beautiful Mother’s Day date. Tucked inside the city’s iconic state buildings, this contemporary Australian eatery is all about celebrating local, seasonal produce in a space where crowds have gathered for over a century.

With a menu that stretches from the early morning right through to the evening hours, it gives families the ultimate flexibility to celebrate. Pair a beautifully curated meal with a drop from the neighbouring Wine Merchant, and settle in for a memorable day out.

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Where to celebrate Mother’s Day in SA

Monarto Safari Resort, Monarto

Cost per person: $89 per adult; $39 per child
Open for: lunch
Where: 63 Monarto Rd, Monarto, SA

champagne at Monarto
Monarto offers a unique and “wild" Mother’s Day treat. (Credit: Supplied)

For a Mother’s Day she’ll be talking about for years, Monarto Safari Park’s Wild Tea is unlike anything else on this list. Overlooking the sweeping plains of Wild Africa, this elevated high tea leans into native ingredients and South Australian produce with serious flair.

Graze through savoury bites like grilled haloumi skewers with lemon myrtle glaze and pulled lamb sliders with bush tomato relish, before moving on to wattleseed brownies, macaroons and a very good cream cheese and bacon scone. Adults are welcomed with a glass of sparkling – and if you’re lucky, a giraffe will photobomb the moment entirely.

Wined Bar, National Wine Centre of Australia, Adelaide

Cost per person: $89
Open for: lunch
Where: Cnr of Botanic and Hackney Rd, Hackney, SA

Wined Bar
Mum deserves a chef-curated treat showcasing the best of local cuisine. (Credit: Duy Huynh)

Right on the doorstep of the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, Wined Bar is making Mother’s Day effortlessly elegant. Kick things off with a glass of sparkling rosé before working through a chef-curated multi-course spread of prawns in creamy garlic and chilli, grilled halloumi with roast pumpkin, sous vide beef rump and Mediterranean herb-baked salmon. A Basque cheesecake seals the deal.

For the wine lovers, add on the sommelier-curated pairing for an extra $35 – three wines matched to each course. Mum deserves it!

Harry’s Deli, McLaren Vale

Cost per person: $90
Open for: lunch
Where: 255 Strout Rd, McLaren Vale, SA

McLaren Vale locals, this one’s for you. Head chef Taiaha Ngawiki of Harry’s Deli has put together a generous three-course shared menu built around seasonal produce – the kind of unhurried, delicious lunch Mum actually deserves. Every lady is welcomed with a glass of Wirra Wirra dry grenache rosé, which honestly sets the tone perfectly. 

Where to celebrate Mother’s Day in the NT

Saltwater @ Bundilla, The Gardens, Darwin

Cost per person: à la carte
Open for: breakfast, brunch, and lunch
Where: 19 Conacher St, The Gardens, NT

No set Mother’s Day menu here – but honestly, who needs one? Perched inside the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory with sweeping ocean views, Saltwater is an iconic NT dining destination worth knowing about. Proudly local and produce-driven, the menu gives mum a genuine taste of the Top End – a pretty special setting to celebrate her in.

Lasseters Hotel, Alice Springs

Cost per person: $95
Open for: lunch
Where: 93 Barrett Dr, Alice Springs, NT

Alice Springs doesn’t do things by halves. Lasseters Hotel is marking Mother’s Day with a glamorous live music-backed banquet inside the Alice Springs Convention Centre – think prawn tacos, chicken karaage, grilled salmon and a mini chocolate board to finish. Lively, indulgent, and right in the heart of the Red Centre.

Ella by Minoli, Darwin

Cost per person: $110 (chef’s selection menu)
Open for: lunch
Where: 20 West Ln, Darwin City, NT

For a Mother’s Day lunch that’s genuinely unlike anything else, Ella by Minoli is a must-try. Founded by MasterChef alumna Minoli De Silva, this Darwin gem offers a contemporary take on Sri Lankan cuisine – personal, story-driven and absolutely delicious. Let the chef’s selection menu do the work and take mum on a flavour journey she won’t forget.

Where to celebrate Mother’s Day in the ACT

The Marion, Canberra

Cost per person: $85
Open for: lunch
Where: Act Parks Depot, Barrine Dr, Parkes, ACT

Canberra’s The Marion is quietly one of the most impressive lunch spots in the country, and Mother’s Day is the perfect excuse to finally book. The French-leaning menu is seriously considered – think scorched mackerel with buttermilk dressing, herb-crusted white Pyrenees lamb backstrap with pickled muntries and juniper-crusted venison loin with sauce grand Veneur. Each dish comes with an optional wine pairing, making it easy to turn lunch into a proper occasion. Finish with the lavender and orange crème brûlée, and mum will be absolutely glowing.

The Boat House, Canberra

Cost per person: $120
Open for: lunch
Where: Grevillea Park, Menindee Dr, Barton, ACT

The Boathouse views
The views at The Boathouse will surely charm your mum. (Credit: James Souter)

Lakeside views, a three-course set menu, and a dedicated kids’ option – The Boathouse has Mother’s Day well and truly covered.

Kick off with Abrolhos scallop and braised pork cheek, before choosing between white Pyrenees lamb with smoked eggplant and kefir or Humpty Doo barramundi with mussels and prawn bisque. A pumpkin honeycomb cheesecake with cardamom caramel ice cream finishes things off beautifully. The little ones are sorted too, with chicken tenders or spaghetti followed by ice cream with iced magic – a menu they’ll be just as excited about. 

Louis Dining, Canberra

Cost per person: $110
Open for: lunch
Where: 18 National Circuit, Barton, ACT

Mum arrives to a complimentary glass of sparkling – already a great start. Louis is serving up a beautifully considered three-course menu with plenty of choice at every turn. Tuna crudo or beef tartare to start, blue eye cod or flat iron steak for mains and a strawberry elderflower coupe or chocolate mousse to finish. Elegant without being fussy – exactly what Mother’s Day lunch should be. 

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Cass Lazaro
Cass Lazaro is Australian Traveller's Content Producer, helping develop compelling travel and lifestyle features that resonate with readers. She is a Manila-based creative, armed with a Bachelor of Development Communication from the University of the Philippines. Her love for storytelling led her to pursue a career in content writing, landing her roles in tech start-ups and lifestyle and fashion publications. Cass was previously an Editor for Cosmopolitan Philippines and a Social Media Strategist for Sydney-based agency If and When. Outside of work, she likes to try out new cafes, watch F1 and get lost in a good book. On her travel bucket list is to catch the picture-perfect sunsets of Santorini in Greece.
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Tropical islands, good food & world-class shows: Your eventful guide to a holiday in Townsville

    Lee Mylne Lee Mylne
    Townsville is buzzing as the events capital of North Queensland, with a host of festivals, international sporting and arts events on offer.

    Perched between the Coral Sea, the towering pink monolith of Castle Hill, and fringed by ancient rainforest ranges, Townsville North Queensland is a genuine tropical playground.

    Here, find postcard-worthy landscapes all the way from nearby Magnetic Island to inland swimming holes and waterfalls – all dotted with an array of endemic wildlife. Get the heart racing with adrenaline water sports. Soak in a world-class arts scene. And take advantage of a culinary offering that punches well above its weight.

    And, then there’s the fact that Townsville has fast become the destination to an outstanding line-up of events – from live music to top-level sporting contests.

    Whether you have a weekend or weeks, there’s plenty here to fill your tropical getaway.

    Day 1: An eventful day

    Morning

    The Strand in townsville
    Explore The Strand.

    Daily flights offer easy connectivity from all capital cities to Townsville Airport, and within 10 minutes’ drive, you’re in the city centre. Start your stay by recharging with breakfast or coffee at the city’s newest spot, Botaniq Cafe, on the ground floor of the award-winning Bridgewater restaurant on the banks of Ross Creek.

    Start exploring on a breezy walk along the 2.5-kilometre foreshore of The Strand. Here, a waterfront path stretches all the way to the headland of Jezzine Barracks parklands. Admire more than 35 sculptures and artworks, as well as stunning views from the top of the park. Further along, Queens Gardens, established in 1870, offers a cool retreat and is Townsville’s oldest botanic garden.

    Stroll Gregory Street, off The Strand, for boutiques, homeware stores, cafes and restaurants, or follow a self-guided street art walking trail through the city centre, stopping to admire colourful works by big-name artists including Queenslander Fintan Magee.

    Afternoon

    concert in front of castle hill townsville events
    Time your trip for one of many Townsville events.

    For a casual lunch, stop in at Balabite for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired street food. Build your own pita with a choice of fillings, before enjoying a relaxing afternoon in preparation for one of Townsville’s big events.

    Whether it’s a concert from a big-name international band – think Foo Fighters or Guns ‘n’ Roses – or a night cheering on the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup, there’s plenty to entertain you.

    Time your visit for events like the Townsville Folk Festival (June 12-14), Supercars Townsville 500 (July 10-12), Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week (August 27-September 2), North Australian Festival of Arts (September 25 – October 11) or see the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup (coming in 2027).

    Day 2: Island dreaming

    Morning

    Pilgrim Sailing magnetic island
    Take a lunchtime sailing trip with Pilgrim Sailing.

    Fuel up with breakfast at Cbar on The Strand, looking out to your destination for the day: Magnetic Island (or ‘Maggie’ to the locals). Catch a quick ferry to spend the day exploring walking trails through national park, choosing from 23 beaches and trying a hand at the island’s water sports.

    The Forts Walk is the best place to see wild koalas in Australia, and you’re likely to find friendly wallabies at the Nelly or Geoffrey Bay headlands. Try guided snorkelling with Aquascene Magnetic Island or Pleasure Divers, or take a land-based tour with MI Ride Discovery Tours to the secluded west coast of the island.

    Pilgrim Magnetic Island offers four-hour lunchtime sailing trips aboard a 58-foot luxury yacht, dropping in to some of Magnetic Island’s remote bays for snorkelling or swimming and including gourmet grazing platters, drinks and ocean views.

    Afternoon

    picnic bay on magnetic island
    Head to Picnic Bay for delicious dining.

    Refuel after a morning of adventure. Seasalt Arcade at Picnic Bay has several good options. Savour craft brews and Latin tapas at Maggie Island Brewery, opt for bagels and light bites at Lava Lava cafe or fine dining at Restaurant Elsie.

    Now, it’s time to choose your own adventure. Stay the whole day on Maggie, or return to Townsville, where there’s plenty more to discover.

    Head to The Docks at Flinders Street Wharves for lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the beach or join Poseidon Adventures for water sport adventures.

    Evening

    Ardo's Rooftop townsville
    End your day watching the sunset from Ardo’s Rooftop.

    However your day looked, end it with cocktails and canapes at Townsville’s Ardo Rooftop. Find something more substantial at the hotel’s elegant but casual Chef-hatted Japanese restaurant Terasu, where each dish is a work of art.

    Day 3: Natural delights

    Morning

    couple holiding hands at the top of castle hill in townsville
    Join the locals for an early walk to the peak of Castle Hill. (Credit: My Colourful World)

    Join the local early morning pilgrimage to hike up Castle Hill for the best 360-degree views in town, before heading to breakfast at Spirited Goat for gourmet treats and locally brewed coffee.

    A trip to Townsville wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the outer Great Barrier Reef. For those with time, Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive runs full-day trips to the Museum of Underwater Art for snorkellers and divers to admire the reef’s stunning collection of submerged sculptures on John Brewer Reef, about two hours by boat from Townsville.

    Afternoon

    Shorehouse restaurant townsville
    Stop into the award-winning Shorehouse.

    Round off your Townsville getaway with lunch at Shorehouse, awarded Best Restaurant in the North Queensland People’s Choice Awards every year since 2023. Dine on the deck to catch the breeze and sample modern Asian cuisine as you watch the world go.

    Keen for something more to extend your stay? There are always more adventures –new, familiar and with a twist – in the events capital of the North.

    Plan your eventful visit to Townsville North Queensland at townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au.