Where would we all be without our mums? Lost, most likely. While we should cherish the ground they walk on every day of the year, Mother's Day is our annual reminder to stop, say thank you and let the love flow. With May 14 fast approaching, we’ve rounded up some of the top spots to spoil your mum this year (sans perfume, scented candles and yet another pair of silky pjs).
Best Breakfast and Brunch Stops
Why have breakfast in bed when you can all enjoy waking up to the smell of eggs frying and sweet waffles toasting, with somebody else doing all the work?
In Adelaide, sit down for a nice bite in a gorgeous ballroom at the Stamford Grand Adelaide hotel on the shores of Glenelg Beach. The brunch buffet includes a three hour beverage package – perfectly complemented by the live pianist churning out classical tunes. A face painter will also be there to keep the kids smiling and entertained.
If it’s all about the view, the lovely Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel in Sydney flaunts stunning Sydney Harbour views which are easy to relax by over a delightful brunch (or lunch) at the award-winning Beach Club. Designed especially by the Executive Chef, you’ll get to choose between two menus that are designed to be shared, accompanied by a beautiful glass of sparkling rose.
Sit down to lunch at Sydney's iconic Icebergs.
More stunning views can be admired over a champagne brunch at Icebergs Dining Room & Bar at Bondi Beach. With a set menu created by executive chef Monty Koludrovic, expect it to be first-class fare. For an extra $60 you can also throw in a ‘bottomless’ Perrier Jouet Champagne. Perfect.
For a very special morning wake-up call, jump on the Mother's Day Breakfast Cruise with Captain Cook Cruises for a breakky banquet while gliding down the beautiful Swan River in Perth. There are some wonderful door prizes to win and live entertainment too. Children are welcome and infants under four years ride free.
DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin are also extending their breakfast offering until 11am just for Mother's Day – they are renowned for their delicious morning tempters.
Best Lunch Venues
Lunch is always a winner. Mum can sleep in (and so can you), plus there’s ample time for presents before the big midday outing rolls around.
For a unique experience that's a hit with tourists in Melbourne, but still an absolute must-try for locals, book into the Tram Car Restaurant. Climb aboard the classy and iconic 1927 tram for a ride through Melbourne to the tune of quality food, top-notch service and ever-changing scenery. Their Mother's Day lunch is a wonderful four-course affair, with drinks, and all in all it's bound to be an experience you'll never forget.
If there’ll be youngsters in tow, pop them down in the Kids’ Corner while you enjoy a buffet lunch inside the State Reception Centre at Fraser’s in Perth’s beautiful Kings Park. You can also arrange to have a bouquet of flowers ready and waiting for mum to arrive at the table. Children are also welcome (with kids pricing) for the set menu lunch at Fraser’s Restaurant next door.
Fraser's Restaurant in Perth.
Down by the riverside in sunny Brisbane, enjoy a side of more than just winding waters and fresh, sultry breezes at Riverbar & Kitchen. They’re putting on free chocolate and flowers and they’re churning out the tasty goods for not just lunch, but breakfast and dinner too! With that view, no doubt it’ll be hard to leave.
Want water views but in Hobart? Head to the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania for a Mother’s Day Luncheon that includes champagne on arrival – plus live music from one of Tasmania’s most-loved solo artists, Bill Whitton.
If the Barossa Valley sounds enticing to you, head straight for Kaesler Vineyard and Winery for a three-course Mother's Day lunch set amongst rolling vineyards and cellar doors. Mum will get her own special ‘Kaesler Royale’ cocktail, while under 14s can join in with a dedicated children’s menu for just $20.
At Sydney’s Casa Ristorante Italiano, your mum will be greeted with a free glass of sparkling and a special gift, before sitting down to a set menu or a la carte offering that spans wood-fired pizzas, hand-crafted pastas and freshly baked breads and delicious sauces.
For views as good as Sydney views get, zip up to 360 Bar and Dining for a revolving tour of the city over a delectable three-course feast, washed down with champagne and topped off with a cupcake that’s just for mumma.
Best High Teas
Dine like Marie Antoinette at a high tea event that’s sure to leave mum smiling and more than satisfied by petite bite-sized pleasures. Better yet, most high teas offer a special gluten-free and vegetarian offering for those fussy eaters out there.
One of the most beautiful Mother’s Day high teas you’ll find in Sydney is at Radisson Blu Plaza. Sit down in plush chairs and enjoy the natural light filtering through the gorgeous antique windows as you nibble on cucumber sandwiches, curry puffs, classic scones and so many other delectable treats beautifully presented on a traditional silver-tiered stand.
Get more sweet and savoury afternoon action at the Hilton Darwin, where it comes with a bottle of Rose. Or head to the top floor restaurant EVOO for an exclusive high tea experience that includes bottomless tea and brewed coffee, as well as a few very unique items – think prawn and crocodile remoulade sandwiches, pomegranate pannacotta and scorched coffee braised pork with XO cake and savoy cabbage.
Melbourne's The Langham is famous for its high tea.
For more toblerone trifle, pink velvet cupcakes, chocolate tarts and the likes, The Langham is where it's at in Melbourne. On level 25 to be exact. With sprawling Melbourne city skyline views and your choice of either one glass of sparkling wine or else the free-flowing kind that never runs out, it's going to be fabulous in more ways than one.
Brisbane’s iconic Room with Roses flaunts an unbeatable location overlooking the only remaining art deco arcade in the city. On Mother’s Day this year they’re dishing up everything from scones and finger sandwiches to an unavoidable buffet of unbeatable sweet treats – think chocolate fountains, cheesecakes and macaroons – complete with French bubbles or raspberry punch just for mum on arrival.
Okay, so it’s not exactly high tea, but if you’re looking for a different kind of afternoon treat in Brisbane, be sure to put Darling & Co on the agenda. While the cocktails are flowing all day long (yes, that includes breakfast), they are offering free manicures at the bar with every cocktail purchase between 2pm and 5pm. Say no more.
Visit your local Flight Centre store or call 131 600 for more advice and the latest deals.
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