Things to do in Brisbane

Mother’s Day in Brisbane

Find fun things to do on Mother's Day in Brisbane. These venues let you spend time with Mom and show her how much you love her.

Celebrating Mother’s Day in Brisbane means showering mom with activities, food, and fun. In this enchanting city, the streets come alive with love and laughter, providing opportunities to pay joyous tribute to the matriarchs in your family.

Numerous districts within the city hold special events. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Brisbane on Mother’s Day.

South Bank

Like its name implies, South Bank is situated on the southern bank of the Brisbane River. It offers an eclectic mixture of dining and entertainment options, alongside lush parklands and stunning views. Here, you can explore Brisbane art galleries or grab some delicious food at one of the nearby eateries.

Visit the Queensland Cultural Centre, walk scenic paths, or look for locally crafted items at the city’s weekend markets. One Mother's Day event in South Bank stands out from all the rest.

1. Mother’s Day Classic Brisbane Charity Walk/Run Event

Celebrate your mom by joining the Mother’s Day Classic walk/run event. We love that this event raises money for breast and ovarian cancer research, and we bring our moms here every year.

The 4- and 8-km courses start at the Russell Street portion of the South Bank Parklands. Each path takes participants on the Clem Jones Promenade, South Bank Boardwalk, and Riverside Drive, although the longer course naturally covers more ground.

Both courses end in the same place —at the event village. There, you can find a variety of fun activities, including live music and a DJ, a zone for kids to play, and various coffee and food vendors. Be on the lookout for partner activities and giveaways.

Kangaroo Point

Known for its distinctive cliffs that showcase the beauty of the Brisbane skyline, Kangaroo Point has a plethora of fun things to do when you need Mother’s Day ideas in Brisbane. Go on a river cruise, shoot some photos at Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park, or climb Story Bridge.

Alternatively, take your mom on a picnic in one of the riverside parks for a simple way to share the day. Barbeque spots in the area with spacious tables make this district ideal for family gatherings.

2. High in the Sky - A Decadent Mother's Day at Eagles Nest Brisbane

Book a reservation for you and your mom at Eagles Nest Brisbane. This rooftop bar gets busy in the afternoons and evenings, especially on the weekends and occasions such as Mother’s Day.

Featuring a tapas-style bar menu and top-notch cocktails, wines, and craft beers, this bar lets you unwind in an open-air setting. When the sun sets, gather at the edge of the rail for incredible views of the Brisbane skyline and surrounding areas.

Herston

Herston is nestled in northwest Brisbane and has beautiful residential spaces and medical and educational institutions. This portion of Brisbane offers numerous recreational opportunities for the best in urban living.

3. 2024 Pre-Mother's Day High Tea

Show your Mom that you care while raising money for a good cause by attending the 2024 Brisbane Mother’s Day High Tea event at Victoria Park. It runs from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on April 20, 2024, and all proceeds go to helping children and families in crisis.

Baby Give Back hosts this event, including champagne or wine on arrival and high tea with decadent foods. Head here for the bubbles and bites, and stay for the fashion parade put on by event presenters Makeup Cartel, Proud Poppy Clothing, and Everi-Body talent agency.

Manly

Situated at the seaside, Manly boasts a laid-back ambiance borne from its picturesque setting. It's one of the most beautiful places to bring your mom on Mother's Day.

Photographer: Sheila C

4. Bands in Parks - Mother's Day by the Bay

Take your Mom to Mother’s Day by the Bay and delight in the sounds of local school and community bands. Located at Little Bayside Park, this event takes place on May 12, 2024, starting at 10 a.m. and ending at 1 p.m.

At this event, the Mother’s Day markets give Mom plenty of opportunity to stock up on artisan goods. Breakfast is served by the sea, providing spectacular views and an unforgettable bonding experience. No reservations are required, and you can even bring your pooch.

Central Business District

Modern and classic architecture collide in Brisbane’s Central Business District, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Tour the City Botanic Gardens after a Mother’s Day breakfast in Brisbane for a tranquil holiday experience.

Venture to the Queen Street Mall to find the perfect gift. Visit the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art to explore culture and art.

5. Bands in Parks - Mother's Day High Tea and Symphony

Delight in the harmonious sounds of the Brisbane Regional Youth Orchestra at the Mother’s Day High Tea and Symphony. The event takes place at City Hall on Sunday, May 12, 2024, from 2-3:00 p.m.

Sip tea and devour scones as you listen to the band, or just grab some drinks and a cheese pack if you’ve already enjoyed Mother’s Day lunch in Brisbane. Although the concert is free to attend, the food costs about $10 per person. This event fills up fast, so booking ahead is a wise move.

Banyo

Banyo, a northern Brisbane suburb, combines residential and industrial spaces for a casual atmosphere. Many parks, recreational facilities, and schools make their home here for a quiet community feel with convenient access to the hustle and bustle of the big city next door.

6. Make and Create: Mother's Day at Banyo Library

Schedule some Mother and child bonding time at Banyo Library on Mother’s Day. At this event, kids aged 4-12 can make and create the perfect gift for their mom. Nothing says love like something you've made with your own two hands. Reservations are required.

Canungra

Go off the beaten path with a trip to Canungra, a charming rural town on Brisbane’s Gold Coast Hinterland. Nature lovers flock here due to its proximity to Lamington National Park, delightful restaurants, and local markets — not to mention the vineyards.

7. Mother’s Day Celebration Weekend at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards

Pay tribute to Mom at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyard's 2024 Mother’s Day Celebration Weekend. On Saturday, May 11, 2024, take your mom to enjoy the smooth jazz, funk, and soulful sounds of Jake Meywes and his band.

On Sunday, May 12, 2024, you and your mom can enjoy show tunes, musical theatre classics, and other Popera tunes presented by D&G Entertainment Productions. Each event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the venue offers picnic baskets for two adults with a bottle of sparkling wine from the vineyard for $120.

If you opt out of the bottle of wine, a picnic by the creek for two costs $45. Both baskets, wine or not, contain a special gift for mom to commemorate the event. Vegan options are available, and kids can join the fun for $15.

West End

A charming, Bohemian vibe fills the air in West End, which sits along the bend of the Brisbane River. Diverse cuisines, entertainment, and people make this eclectic suburb an exciting place to visit. If you and your mom like to get crafty, stop by one of MJC Botanical's Mother's Day workshops.

8. Jewel in the Crown – Terrarium Cloche Dome – Mother’s Day Workshop

Sip a glass of champagne and get crafty while making a terrarium cloche dome the Jewel in the Crown Mother’s Day workshop. Organized by MJC Botanical and located at Mappins Nursery, this event occurs on May 12, 2024, from 1:30-3:30 p.m.

It's a perfect destination for you and your mom after a delicious Mother’s Day brunch in Brisbane. Here, you can build your own jewel orchid and moss terrarium while enjoying light refreshments and beverages. This workshop costs $145 for each participant.

9. Mother’s Day Terrarium Workshop

Attend a Mother’s Day terrarium workshop by MJC Botanicals and learn how to make your own floral and plant decor. The event will take place on May 11, 2024, at Mappins Nursery from 2 to 4 p.m.

Drink some champagne as you learn how to fill a glass container with the right combination of plant life to craft an enduring miniature world. The event costs $105 per person, and participants must bring their own glass containers.

Chermside

Shopping is the order of the day when you head to Chermside, a northern Brisbane suburb. Visit Westfield Chermside Shopping Centre to find the perfect Mother’s Day gift. You can also get back to nature in the green spaces at 7th Brigade Park.

10. Mother’s Day Market

Snap up some fun finds at the Burnie Brae Mother’s Day Market in Brisbane. Running from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on May 4, 2024, this event features a Mother’s Day raffle, providing opportunities to win interesting prizes just for shopping here.

Browse more than 40 stalls featuring handmade jewelry, housewares, and gifts to see what local artisans have to offer. Get a cup of specialty coffee and a bite to eat before you savor the sounds of live music at this family-friendly event.

11. Mother’s Day Morning Tea

Gain inspiration from the guest speaker at this Mother’s Day Morning Tea event. PhD Centaur Fellow Deborah Prior shares details about growing up in children’s homes and life as an adoptee, including her search for her birth mother.

Live music from Christie Dawkins, Burnie Brae’s acclaimed singing group teacher, and a Mother’s Day raffle keep things lively at this event. High tea and an assortment of sweet and savory bites will be served, and everyone gets a special take-home bag.

This event takes place on May 8, 2024, from 10-11:30 a.m. Participants must pay $38 to attend.

Fortitude Valley

Nestled in the heart of Brisbane, Fortitude Valley serves as the city’s entertainment district. Trendy bars and live music venues dot the area, while James Street offers high-end shopping opportunities.

A plethora of restaurants provide diverse dining options suitable for every palate. For the best breakfast in Brisbane, head to Cloudland.

12. Mother’s Day Buffet – Rose Room at Cloudland

Treat your mom to a meal as special as she is at Cloudland Restaurant's Mother’s Day Buffet in the Rose Room. This charming Brisbane restaurant and bar shows its gratitude to all the mothers out there on Sunday, May 12, 2024, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Here, you and your mother can enjoy decadent food, live entertainment, and an exciting raffle.

Make your plate at the five food stations stacked to the gills with charcuterie favorites, or relish the taste of fresh, seasonal salads. Buffet tickets for adults cost $89, and drinks are extra.

13. Love Mumm Long Lunch – Alice Room at Cloudland

Head to the Alice Room on Cloudland's Level 2 for the Mother's Day Love Mumm Long Lunch. This event also takes place on May 12, 2024, and runs from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

You and your mom can sip a glass of Mumm Champagne while dining on a delicious three-course lunch. This event includes a two-hour beverage package that lets you try premium wines, beers, spritzes, and soft drinks.

14. Rooftop à la carte Lunch – Valley Hops Brewing

Share dishes and drinks with family and friends when celebrating Mother’s Day at Valley Hops Brewing. The rooftop garden lends the ideal ambiance to the event, creating a relaxing setting where you can show your mom some love. Bring your mom on May 12, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. Tables are limited, so be sure to reserve yours in advance.

15. Brunch With Bite – Madame Hedges

Show your mom you love her all year long by bringing her to Brunch With Bite at Cloudland every Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. This brunch series hosted by drag queens adds a bit of flair for edgy mums, and that's why we love it.

The venue fills up quickly, so book your table early. Tickets cost $95, including a drinks package and a two-hour Italian food brunch. Laugh through the live shows, play games to win prizes, and stay on the lookout for VIP guests. You might even see us there, enjoying the show with our moms.

Wrapping Up a Memorable Mother's Day in Brisbane

After spending the day celebrating your mom, bring her to one of our shows in Brisbane. Bask in each breathtaking leap our dancers take, and hold your breath as our acrobats soar high into the air. Grab the edge of your seat as hands clasp together in perfect timing with every catch, and reach out for your mom's hand as you take in the spectacle.

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