Mother’s Day in Sydney can be hard to plan. While the “best of” lists can help find that special brunch spot or high tea, that’s not what all mums want to do on that second Sunday in May, which in 2026 falls on Sunday, May 10. So Sydney Travel Guide asked the experts: real, local Sydney mums themselves. Here are their honest picks for making the day genuinely lovely, no matter what kind of mum needs spoiling this Mother’s Day.
I used to joke with my family that what I really wanted on Mother’s Day was to have a quiet day on my own or to spend time with my girlfriends. I didn’t want to drag everyone out to brunch or to a Mother’s Day high tea – it’s just not my, well, cup of tea. I didn’t want forced family fun or needlessly expensive trips out on that second Sunday in May. My special mother’s day requests have always been: make me a coffee in the morning, tell me you love me, that I’m the best mum ever and I’ll see you all at dinner (that someone else is in charge of making).
As I said, I was joking, and this was back when the kids were younger and “me time” was a far more precious commodity. My best memories of spending Mother’s Day in Sydney involve picnics in Sydney’s beautiful parks, swims at the beach, poking around markets and doing things that my boys when they were younger loved, like heading to Taronga Zoo or Sydney Aquarium.
Those were some of my favourite things to do on Mother’s Day in Sydney so I asked other mums what their top tips and picks were for making their day, or their own mum’s day, special.
Read on for ideas and things to do on Mother’s Day that mums in Sydney will actually want to do.
The Mother’s Day Classic
Lace up your runners and dress in pink to join the crowd taking part in this year’s Mother’s Day Classic, a 5km or 10km fundraising fun run and walk. The Mother’s Day Classic, which began back in 1988, raises money for breast and ovarian cancer research through entry fees and sponsorship and makes the day celebrating mums even more meaningful. In Sydney, it takes place in two locations: the CBD and Parramatta, and at both locations there’s an event village with entertainment, delicious food and drinks, and a kids zone.
Art Gallery and Botanic Gardens
Be one of the first to see the highly-anticipated Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW on its opening weekend. It delights and surprises visitors every year – just as much as the beloved Young Archie, a free display showcasing the works of the next generation of artists aged 5 to 18.
After the gallery, (if there’s time, it’s easy to spend a whole day there) head to the Botanic Gardens and enjoy nature’s masterpieces. This was always one of my favourite places to go in Sydney with Mother’s Day picnic, to lie on the grass and enjoy one of the most spectacular views of Sydney’s harbour.
The Sydney Fish Markets
Why go out for a seafood lunch when you can bring one home or cater a marvellous picnic for mum? While the new Sydney Fish Markets offer plenty of excellent dining options, I prefer to grab some fresh oysters, prawns or sushi and head to a harbourside park to tuck in.
Dinner and a show
From the big productions like The Lion King at Capitol Theatre to Gutenberg! The Musical at Hayes Theatre Co, a funny and clever musical which is a love letter to musical theatre itself, going to live theatre always feels special to me and other mums and is something worthy of a Mother’s Day treat.
There’s plenty of productions in full swing across Sydney, and while tickets to the main events might be tight for Sunday night, smaller shows are usually easier to get into and there are often last minute deals to be found.
Book a bathhouse
Whether it’s a Japanese-style onsen, a Turkish bath (hammam) experience or a traditional Nordic bathhouse including an invigorating cold plunge, Sydney has a thriving bathhouse scene and booking a session at one is a perfect play to make mum’s day.
Capybara Bathing in Surry Hills is one of my favourites, with its hot stone sauna and magnesium-infused pool and heated bench to relax on in the lounge area. However, it’s quite small so on a busy day like Mother’s Day, the bigger Soak Bathhouse in Alexandria might be a better bet. It has a more communal vibe too and promotes conversation and community. Xtra Clubs, with locations in Green Square, Bondi Junction, Manly and Marrickville, boast traditional Finnish saunas, advanced infrared saunas, revitalising cold plunges, and a steam room that soothes and is guaranteed to hit mum’s reset button.
Sunset drinks
What better way to end Mother’s Day than being toasted with a cocktail or mocktail. There’s no shortage of great bars and local pubs to head to but there’s a few special ones throughout Sydney that I like because they offer a rooftop area or the chance to see a spectacular Sydney sunset.
The recently renovated Jacksons on George in the CBD, which any Sydney mother of a certain vintage will have fond memories of, has a rooftop bar which feels like a little oasis in the city. A short walk away, the view from Aster Bar, 32 levels above the InterContinental offers a spectacular 270-degree harbour view – but bookings are essential as space is limited. This Mother’s Day, Aster Rooftop Bar is also opening its doors for lunch for the first time.
At Darling Harbour, Above 319 is located on the top floor of Vibe Hotel and serves up stunning views on its open air terrace.
Coastal walk and whale watching
The annual migration of whales from the cold Antarctic waters to warmer subtropical waters is underway and while it’s still early in the whale-watching season, this year is predicted to be busier that ever. So chances of spotting one of these creatures as they swim past Sydney is better than ever. You can treat mum to a day on the water but if she prefers keeping her feet on the ground, consider a walk along one of the many coastal trails with a pair of binoculars and keep your eyes peeled.
The Other Art Fair and markets
From May 8 to 11, 2026, the Other Art Fair Sydney will bring together a vibrant mix of 120 independent artists at White Bay Cruise Terminal. Now in its 100th year worldwide, the Other Art Fair combines affordable and original artworks with immersive installations, live art battles, workshops (including Sydney Collage Society), DJs, and a dynamic festival-like atmosphere. Visitors can explore everything from paintings and photography to ceramics and mixed media, making the fair one of Sydney’s most exciting creative events.
Across Sydney, you’ll find scores of markets to wander through – providing a perfect opportunity to for a little more shopping for something special. The Rocks Markets offer unique gifts, arts, and crafts in a historic setting, often with live music. For original designer clothing, exotic imports, handmade jewellery, vintage clothes, and more, head to Bondi Markets at Bondi Beach Public School. Heading here, is also the way to incorporate a coastal walk or a swim into mum’s day.
Under the north side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Kirribilli Markets are holding their Art, Design & Fashion edition on Mother’s Day. It promises a vibrant atmosphere, fantastic stalls, great products and delicious food – not to mention great views. The markets are also a short stroll to Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden, a hidden gem in Sydney’s Lavender Bay and another top spot to spend time on Mother’s Day.
What’s the weather forecast for Mother’s Day?
At this stage, Sydney’s weather is looking good for Mother’s Day. According to the Bureau of Meteorology Sunday, May 10 will be a mostly sunny day with a slight chance of a shower, most likely later in the day. There will be light winds becoming southerly of 15-20km/h during the day. So while it’s always a good idea to have a wet-weather option, it looks fairly safe to think about being outdoors with mum on Sunday.
