Your guide to what’s on this Mother’s Day

Nothing says ‘I love you’ like a plate full of decadent food, glass of bubbly and spending time together at a venue fit for making new memories. And you can do it all in Geelong and The Bellarine.

So hit up this list and treat mum (or mum figure) in your life at one of these events.

Before the big day, head to Lon Retreat’s Mother’s Day market on Friday 5 May to pick up some locally made goods by talented makers and growers. There’s complimentary wrapping and even a bar – need we say more?

Start the Mother’s Day weekend off with a tipple at Anther Distillery. On Saturday 13 May stop by for a special Mother’s Day drink, the French 75 champagne cocktail, followed by a unique tasting of female-focused gins. Be sure to book ahead.

Or drop in a little earlier for a slow morning of stretching and sipping – thanks to a one-hour mat class by Wonder Yoga and cocktail by you-know-who. Head here to book.

Spend a good part of a day with your mum, learning, gathering and cooking fresh produce at Harvest Experience. While it may not be a Mother’s Day event, this hands-on, farm-to-table cooking experience lands on the day before – Saturday 13 May.

Treat your mum to an opulent high tea at the stunning heritage-listed The Refectory at Werribee Park. You’ll feel just like you’ve stepped into Jane Austin’s world for the afternoon – though with less drama and more good food. Bookings are a must.  

Then there’s a high tea on the high seas with non-stop bay views. Happening each Sunday, including Mother’s Day, this event gets you a lavish array of finger sandwiches, puffy pastries, macarons, scones and more on a 2-hour roundtrip aboard Searoad Ferries. You can jump on at Queenscliff or Sorrento.

Would it be a Mother’s Day without a leisurely lunch? Dine by the water at either 360Q in Queenscliff, where you’ll get a three-course grazing buffet, or at Novotel Geelong for an array of seafood, roasts and, of course, dessert. At Novotel you can also stop by at breakfast or dinner for Mother’s Day. For something more traditional with all the trimmings stop by Elephant and Castle Hotel for their Sunday grandma’s roast.

Head to Lago Restaurant at Lonsdale Golf Club to enjoy a two-course set lunch by Executive Head Chef Evans Magati. Breakfast more your thing? Claribeaux at Curlewis Golf Club is throwing the ultimate buffet breakfast feast, with a special three-course, three-choice menu. Spend some extra time with mum and have a hit of golf at either course.

For a Mother’s Day experience of a different kind, that’s somewhat small in size, head to the Portarlington Miniature Railway where mum will ride free. Jump on the miniature train, set up a picnic and make memories at this bayside attraction.

To avoid disappointment, be sure to book ahead for all events and experiences.