Looking for something different for mum this Mother’s Day? Then put those chocolates back on the shelf and consider something more memorable. Today more families than ever are enjoying getaways where grandparents, parents and kids share some much needed time together. This could be the perfect opportunity to finally repay that irreplacable woman (or women) in your life.
This year we take a look at two iconic Australian cities with plenty of exciting experiences and wonders on offer for mum, from European cooking and seaside dining to tours of world-famous wonders.
World-class Adelaide
Waterside wine bars, world-famous restaurants and gorgeous beaches. Adelaide is not only a great destination for both multi-family or small getaways, it’s also easily accessible from all Australian capital cities.
For a relaxing day out with a list of Mother’s Days specials, enjoy a scenic tram ride to Marina Pier in Glenelg where you’ll find waterside eateries offering High-Teas, Mediterranean cuisine and succulent seafood. Glenelg is also known for its relaxed, family-friendly beaches, boutique shopping and gorgeous sunsets.
You can also treat mum to a surprise picnic in the Botanic Gardens of South Australia – a wonderland of colour and wide open spaces. For some stylish dining, book an award-winning experience at Restaurant Botanic, in the Gardens’ heritage rotunda. The Art Gallery of South Australia is another top stop-off with more than 38,000 local and international artworks.
Old-world Hahndorf
Take the senses on tour through artisan bakeries, boutiques and hillside vineyards. Situated in the Adelaide Hills, and only 30 minutes from Adelaide CBD, historic Hahndorf is an ideal spot to treat mum to some gourmet delights, fine wines and old-world charm.
With origins dating back to German settlers, Hahndorf’s heritage-listed main street retains a distinct German character from the smallgoods stores to cellar doors. You’ll also find locally made cheeses, hand-made chocolates, jams and more. Treat mum to lunch or dinner at one of the many acclaimed restaurants nestled in local heritage and greenery, such as Haus Hahndorf.
Hahndorf is also right on the doorstep of Adelaide’s famed cool-climate wineries that dot the region’s rolling green hills. Base yourself in Hahndorf and spend a day or two exploring some of the 60 cellar doors, including the acclaimed Hahndorf Hill Winery, Golding Wines and Mount Lofty Vineyards.
How to get there and where to stay
Adelaide is easily accessable by air from all Australian capital cities, and the airport is only 6km from the city centre. There are also great rail options, including The Overland from Melbourne or the Indian Pacific from Perth or Sydney. Head south by train from Darwin via Alice Springs on The Ghan. Choice Hotels variety of accommodation that will help you make the most of your trip and suit all budgets.
World-famous Cairns
Give mum some sunshine to remember. With regular flights from all capital cities, Cairns is the perfect place to treat mum to breakfast under the palm trees, waterside relaxation or a tour over a world-famous coral forest.
Cairns is well known for its breathtaking natural wonder, from the heritage-listed rainforest to The Great Barrier Reef, but you’ll also find plenty of other things to entice. Explore the cafes and restaurants along the Cairns Esplanade and book mum in for some Mother’s Days seafood at Tha Fish, or enjoy a seafood platter aboard the Prawn Star berthed at Cairns Marina.
For a touch of scenery, mums and families alike will love the vintage Kuranda Scenic Railway which runs between Cairns and nearby rainforest village of Kuranda. Enjoy an invigorating coffee while you explore the Kuranda Markets before returning back to Freshwater Station in Cairns.
No visit to Cairns would be complete without a glass-bottomed boat tour of the world-famous coral reef. Give your mum a front seat view of the coral gardens and amazing marine life as you glide over this world-heritage listed wonder. Great Adventures Tours will get you there from Cairns in around an hour.
How to get there and where to stay
Cairns Airport services regular interstate flights, and is located only 7km from the city. You can also catch the train from Brisbane on the Spirit of Queensland. This trip takes 25 hours and you can book a comfortable overnight trip. Looking for the perfect place to stay? The Benson Hotel and Comfort Inn Cairns City both offer a range of options to suit every need and budget.
