How to Celebrate Mother's Day on the Gold Coast

Want to spoil Mum this Mother’s Day? Too easy! Whether she’s a foodie, culture buff, nature lover, day spa devotee or thrill-seeker, the Gold Coast has got you covered with the perfect experience to make her feel special.

Spend the day at HOTA

Perfect for the artsy mums, head to HOTA, a cultural wonderland where you can peruse mind-blowing art exhibitions in the gallery, catch an international flick in the cinema, stroll the sculptural garden, and finish up with a picnic on the lush grounds or high tea at three hat eatery Palette. 

Be enchanted at Astra Lumina

When the sun sets at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, step into the cosmic wonderland of Astra Lumina. Take a nocturnal stroll through 27 hectares of beautiful bushland,  illuminated by kaleidoscope of light and colour and mesmerising installations merging with soundscapes. You can expect the enchanting experience to take around 90 minutes.

Soak up the serenity at Greenhouse Bathhouse

Treat mum to a soak, sauna and steam in tranquil surrounds at Greenhouse Bathhouse. Nestled within Tallebudgera Valley, book a 90-minute healing sesh which allows you to move between the facilities. If you want to score serious brownie points with mum, add on a massage, followed by a nourishing lunch at the on-site plant-based restaurant. 

Pack a picnic

Endless stretches of golden sand to rainforests filled with waterfalls - the Gold Coast is home to some of the most magical picnic spots in the world, and it’s one of the best ways to celebrate Mother’s Day for next to nothing. Fill a basket with all of mum’s favourite foods, and throw down a rug at one of these epic spots.

Shop til you drop at Harbour Town

With over 200 stores offering up to 70% off, enjoy some retail therapy with mum at Harbour Town Premium Outlets. There’s plenty of high street stores to check out (think: Assembly Label, Peter Alexander and Billini), plus luxury brands if you really want to splash out, like Camilla, Coach and Michael Kors. Plus there’s a bunch of tasty restaurants to fuel up at pre or post shopping spree. 

Brunch and SUP sesh at Tarte Beach House

Start the day right with mimosas for mum at Tarte Beach House. Perched on Currumbin Creek’s sparkling azure waters, this Hamptons-style spot serves up flaky pastries and innovative brunch dishes that mum will love. Post meal, fight off the food coma with a paddle - Tarte rents SUP boards straight from the cafe. 
 

Enjoy a deluxe spa treatment at One Spa

Mum’s shoulders will drop the moment she steps inside One Spa at RACV Royal Pines. Surrounded by serene grounds, she’ll melt into a blissful state with a luxe ritual like ‘Driftaway’ - a three-hour escape that includes a body scrub, wrap, massage and facial. 

Explore the waterways with Surfers Paradise River Cruises

Let mum feel the wind in her hair with a morning, midday or sunset river cruise. Glide through scenic canals, spot marine life, and soak in skyline views. Enjoy free snacks, grab a glass of bubbles from the bar, and don’t forget a sun deck selfie.

Head sky high on a hot air balloon ride

For a truly bucket list worthy moment with mum, climb aboard a hot air balloon ride and score breathtaking views from the coastline to the hinterland. To make the experience one she’ll never forget, round out the ride with a champagne breakfast at O’Reilly’s Vineyard in their grand homestead.

Tee off with Mum 

Challenge mum to a round of golf - big or small - this Mother’s Day at one of Gold Coast’s best courses. If you’re looking for laughs, then head to Putt Putt Mermaid Beach with 18 colourful courses, plus there’s a licensed 19th hole so you can treat mum to a crisp vino at the end. If she wants to get her swing on, head to Parkwood Village for their par 70 championship course suitable for all player levels.

Cook up a farmers market feast

The Gold Coast is bursting with incredible foodie markets, making a Mother’s Day feast at home a total breeze. From the hinterland to the coast, fill your basket with warm loaves of sourdough, local cheeses and meat, straight-from-the-trawler seafood and vibrant fruit and veg. 

Parasail above the sea

If mum’s a bit of a daredevil, get her adrenaline pumping with a parasailing session over the stunning Gold Coast waterways. Soar 400 feet above the Broadwater, basking in 360-degree views of the city skyline, hinterland and ocean. But mum doesn’t have to sail solo, there are tandem and triple parasail options available too. 

Treat her at Gold Coast’s fine dining restaurants

The Gold Coast’s foodie scene is absolutely brimming with award-winning restaurants, so this Mother’s Day, treat Mum to a delicious adventure. Think long seaside lunches at Rick Shores (hello, bug rolls), or candlelit dinners at Restaurant Labart. Want something cosy? Book a table at The North Room - just 28 seats of pure charm - or graze your way through a banquet at Social Eating House (pictured).

A day in nature at O'Reilly's

Stretch your legs and breathe in that fresh mountain air with a bush walk through nature’s playground at O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat - The Tree Top Walk, consisting of nine suspension bridges perched 16 metres above ground is a must do. Post walk, head to O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards and grab their Homestead picnic basket for lunch amongst the vines. 

Book her a massage at Chuan Spa at The Langham

Let mum bliss out in total luxury at The Langham’s premium wellness experience - Chuan Spa. A sanctuary of calm, here she can indulge in Eastern treatments, guided by Traditional Chinese Medicine. Book her in for Chuan Awakening, a two-and-a-half-hour treatment that includes an aromatherapy hair mask, signature massage, plus a hand and foot treatment. 

Explore Tamborine Mountain 

Get mum amongst nature with a wander through Tamborine Mountain’s magical trails, where waterfalls roar, and rock pools beckon you to take a dip. For something a little less rugged, don’t miss the stunning Botanic Gardens. After exploring, refuel in the postcard perfect village packed with cosy cafes, restaurants and cute boutiques. 

A Mexican feast for Mum

Tacos, margaritas and good vibes are guaranteed at Frida Sol in Palm Beach. Snag a table on the sun-drenched deck and settle in for a Mexican feast. The banquet menu will set you back just $49pp and includes seven drool worthy courses like grilled corn, crispy barra tacos, and four cheese quesadillas. 

Fancy Feasting at JW Marriott Resort & Spa

For a memorable Mother's Day give your mum the star treatment with some decadent dining at JW Marriott Resort & Spa. The Mother's Day Seafood and Grill Buffet at Citrique will 100% be a hit, with sumptuous fresh seafood and succulent grilled meats, loster, a glass of Moët & Chandon Champagne on arrival and a personalised Rosé dessert. Or celebrate with a delightful afternoon tea at Chapter & Verse, featuring a tantalising selection of sweet and savoury delicacies, accompanied with a glass of French Bubbles. 

Need more ideas for Mother's Day? Check out the top spots for a Gold Coast high tea.