What's on Mother's Day in Melbourne (2025 Guide)
Mother's Day is fast approaching on Sunday, 11 May 2025, and Melbourne offers countless ways to celebrate the special women in your life - from elegant high teas and memorable dining experiences to rejuvenating spa treatments and cultural adventures.
This comprehensive guide will help you navigate Melbourne's best Mother's Day activities, ensuring a celebration as wonderful as she is.
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Is it Worth Spending Mother's Day in Melbourne?
Absolutely! Whether you're planning an entire weekend getaway or just a special day out, Melbourne's blend of refined dining, cultural experiences, and urban exploration creates the perfect setting to show mum your appreciation.
Plus, with Mother’s Day falling in the middle of autumn, you’re in for a real treat. From the stylish restaurants of Southbank to the character-filled laneways of the CBD, the city transforms during the pre-winter months, with golden leaves adorning the streets and a crisp atmosphere setting the scene for cosy catch-ups.
Special Mother’s Day Events in Melbourne
Mother's Day in Melbourne brings a host of special events designed to celebrate mum in a bunch of different ways. From our own elegant high tea to an annual running event, these events offer an extra touch of fun to your Melbourne Mother’s Day experience.
Dorsett Melbourne Mother’s Day High Tea
Indulge mum with an afternoon of culinary delights at Dorsett Melbourne's exclusive Mother's Day High Tea. This elegant experience features a carefully crafted selection of sweet and savoury treats designed to make mum feel truly special.
Share a beautifully presented high tea with decadent finger sandwiches, homemade buttermilk and raisin scones served with premium Beerenberg jams and crème chantilly and gorgeous bite-sized sweet treats, created in-house by Dorsett Melbourne's talented Pastry Chef.
Each guest receives free-flowing barista-made coffee and tea, non-alcoholic beverages, and adults enjoy a complimentary sparkling wine on arrival.
With one exclusive session on Sunday 11 May, spaces are limited for this refined celebration. Priced from $99pp for adults and $75pp for kids (3 - 12 years old), this high tea experience is the perfect occasion to spoil Mum this Mother’s Day. Secure your spot now.
Puppy Yoga Melbourne: Mother's Day Event
For a truly unique Mother's Day experience, surprise mum with tickets to Puppy Yoga Melbourne's special event featuring adorable Moodle puppies. This heart-warming 60-minute session combines gentle yoga with puppy playtime, creating a delightful blend of wellness and pure joy. Located at Melbourne Puppy Yoga Studio in Collingwood, sessions are available at 10:00am, 11:30am, and 1:00pm on Mother's Day.
Mother's Day Classic
For families seeking an active start to Mother's Day, the Mother's Day Classic fun run offers a meaningful way to celebrate while supporting breast cancer research. This beloved Melbourne tradition brings together thousands of participants in a sea of pink, creating a festive community atmosphere with a purpose.
The event offers various course options, from 4km walks to 8km runs, allowing families to choose their preferred distance and pace. Starting at Alexandra Gardens, routes take participants along the picturesque Yarra River, offering beautiful city views as they contribute to an important cause.
After completing the course, participants can enjoy the vibrant event village featuring live entertainment, food stalls, and family activities. Early registration is recommended to secure commemorative T-shirts and participant packs.
Free Things to Do & More Places to Explore
Credit: Tourism Victoria
Melbourne offers numerous cost-free ways to celebrate Mother's Day, perfect for families seeking meaningful experiences without the expense. The city's rich cultural landscape and beautiful public spaces provide abundant opportunities for creating special memories with mum.
Royal Botanic Gardens
These historic gardens offer 38 hectares of magnificent landscapes perfect for a Mother's Day stroll. The autumn season brings spectacular foliage displays, with golden and russet tones creating a picturesque backdrop for family photos. Pack a picnic basket with mum's favourite treats and find a spot overlooking Ornamental Lake, or join one of the free guided walks to learn about the gardens' botanical treasures.
National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)
Australia's oldest and most visited art gallery presents an impressive collection spanning global art history. The NGV International on St Kilda Road houses European, Asian, and contemporary works, while NGV Australia at Federation Square focuses on Australian art including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pieces. Free entry to the permanent collections means mum can explore artistic masterpieces without cost.
City Circle Tram
This free historical tram service loops around Melbourne's CBD, offering an excellent way to orient yourself while learning about city landmarks. The heritage W-class trams include commentary highlighting points of interest along the route, making it both educational and nostalgic. Hop on and off at various stops to explore attractions or simply enjoy the full circuit while resting your feet.
Queen Victoria Market
This Melbourne institution buzzes with energy, especially on Sundays when the market comes alive with stallholders and visitors. Wander through the historic sheds exploring fresh produce, specialty foods, and unique crafts. The market's atmospheric lanes provide opportunities to select fresh flowers for mum or discover handcrafted gifts from local artisans.
South Melbourne Market
This beloved community hub offers a more intimate market experience compared to its larger counterpart. The historical building houses a curated selection of specialty food producers, clothing designers, and craft stalls. The famous South Melbourne Market dim sims provide a tasty treat while you explore, while the iconic La Colmena offers warm churros perfect for sharing.
Shopping Day in the City
Treat mum to some retail therapy in Melbourne's diverse shopping precincts. Explore the elegant boutiques of Collins Street, the character-filled Royal and Block Arcades, or the eclectic shops of Melbourne's famous laneways. Window shopping costs nothing but provides hours of entertainment, especially in the creative displays of department stores like Myer and David Jones.
Treat Mum to a Spa Day
Credit: Sense of Self
Melbourne's wellness scene offers plenty of opportunities to pamper mum this Mother’s Day. From traditional day spas to innovative wellness centres, the city makes it easy to give mum the gift of relaxation and self-care.
EQ Wellbeing in South Melbourne
This tranquil wellness centre combines holistic treatments with modern techniques for deeply restorative experiences. Their signature journey includes hot & cold therapy, guided breathwork, and sensory immersion designed and proven to down regulate your nervous system and bring on a state of calm.
Sense of Self in Collingwood
Melbourne's innovative bathhouse redefines communal relaxation with their contemporary take on traditional bathing practices. The architecturally stunning space features mineral baths, various saunas, and thoughtfully designed relaxation areas.
Dorsett Melbourne’s Wellness Facilities
Complete mum's self-care experience with access to Dorsett Melbourne's elevated wellness facilities when you book a luxe stay. The hotel's wellness area provides the perfect space for meditation and yoga, while the steam room and sauna perfectly complement a day of pampering.
Sakura Lounge in the CBD
This Japanese-inspired day spa offers traditional treatments that harmonise body and mind. Their Perfect Harmony Package combines shiatsu massage with a green tea ceremony, creating a cultural experience alongside physical benefits. The minimalist aesthetic provides a peaceful haven just steps from Melbourne's bustling streets.
Skin Day Spa in St Kilda
Specialising in advanced skincare and relaxing therapies, this beachside spa blends results-driven treatments with indulgent relaxation. Try a customised facial using premium cosmeceutical products, followed by a tension-releasing neck and shoulder massage for the ultimate relaxation experience.
Best Mother's Day Dining Spots in Melbourne
Credit: Gimlet
Melbourne's reputation as a culinary capital makes it the perfect place to treat mum to an exceptional meal. The city's diverse dining scene offers everything from cute cafés to sophisticated eateries, ensuring there's something to satisfy every palate and preference.
Best Breakfast Spots in Melbourne
Hardware Société
Begin Mother's Day with a French-inspired breakfast at this beloved CBD establishment. Their signature baked eggs and delightful pastries served in an elegant setting create a morning to remember.
Higher Ground
Housed in a converted power station near Southern Cross Station, Higher Ground transforms breakfast into an art form. Their renowned ricotta hotcakes and exceptional coffee, served in a stunning architectural space with soaring ceilings, provide a luxe start to mum's special day.
Best Lunch Spots in Melbourne
Arbory Bar & Eatery
Positioned alongside the Yarra River, Arbory combines a vibrant atmosphere with delicious modern Australian cuisine. Their seasonal menu features fresh local ingredients, while the spectacular views of the water and city skyline create a memorable backdrop for your celebration.
Supernormal
Andrew McConnell's Asian-inspired eatery in Flinders Lane serves innovative shared plates that blend Japanese, Korean, and Chinese influences. The sleek, contemporary space with its open kitchen creates an engaging dining experience perfect for a Mother's Day lunch beyond the ordinary.
Best Dinner Spots in Melbourne
Gimlet
This refined Collins Street restaurant brings old-world charm with contemporary flair. Set in an elegant art deco building, Gimlet offers European classics executed with precision and served in a glamorous environment.
Bomba
Treat mum to a Spanish feast at this vibrant rooftop tapas bar in the CBD. The combination of delicious share plates, expertly crafted sangria, and stunning city views creates a convivial atmosphere for celebrating mum under the Melbourne sky.
Where to stay with mum in Melbourne?
Make Mother's Day truly special by extending the celebration with a stay at Dorsett Melbourne. Our stylish urban hotel offers a serene oasis after a day of city exploration, while the convenient location puts you moments away from all Mother's Day activities mentioned above.
With all the modern comforts and refined touches to make mum feel truly pampered, Dorsett Melbourne transforms a special day into an unforgettable Melbourne experience.
