How good are all these long weekends at the moment? And we’ve got another one this weekend too! But this post is all about next weekend and Mother’s Day...Sunday 9th May. What the heck do you get your mum who has everything? I’m sure you share my dilemma. These days most of us are more consumer conscious and don’t want to buy more stuff our mums don’t need (or want). In any case, most mums just want to spend quality time with the family, I know I do! The main thing is feeling appreciated and spoilt by our loved ones. That’s why all my suggestions below are about experiences. So what are your plans?? I get my husband to plan my day but he always appreciates a few tips so here are my suggestions for you...and him.
EATERIES
Of course, the easiest thing to plan and do is eat out to celebrate. This week I am getting advice from my friend Louise who has tried and tested nearly all of the restaurants and cafes in Noosa.
Breakfast
Bistro C
49 Hastings St, Noosa Heads
No need for reservations for breakfast. Bistro C is one of my favorites too, you just can’t beat the view...right on the boardwalk of Noosa Main Beach. It is family friendly with high chairs, pram parking and kids packs (pencils and colouring books for sale). The food never disappoints and why not try Louise’s favourite…..the pancakes. They serve alcohol in the morning so you can have that champagne brekkie (from 10am onwards) if you feel so inclined. The staff are friendly and they serve a great coffee too.
Lunch
Gusto
257 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville
After views?? Well here you have the massive Noosa River to enjoy. Louise has tested the wine and food for us and the report is - ‘delicious and never disappoints’. Louise highly recommends the Spanner Crab Spaghettini and the Crème Brûlée.
Dinner
Waterfront
142 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville
Waterfront is a local institution and one of Louise’s favourites. It’s right on the Noosa River with the charm of European hospitality. Everything is fresh and home made including their pastas and olives. Louise tells me everything is mouth wateringly delicious and is accompanied by an impressive wine list. Just the thought of it….I want to go there now!! It’s also child-friendly and high chairs are available….and most importantly the staff are lovely.
High Tea
Nothing more that says, ‘Mother’s Day tradition’ than going for High Tea with your mum.
Relish Restaurant
Links Drive Noosa Heads (Noosa Springs Estate)
Can book high tea all day on 5440 3317. It’s $37pp. Enjoy the beautiful golf course views from the terrace. High Tea includes finger sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, quiches, a selection of petit fours, macaroons and choice of sparkling wine, tea or coffee.
Chocolate 2 Chilli
(come to you)
This high tea is delivered to you. You just need to choose your location, provide your own table, chairs and table cloth and leave the rest to them! Chocolate 2 Chilli set everything up and the menu does not disappoint. What a great idea! So gather 10 family members (as this is the minimum) and your husbands are now off the hook. There is even a deluxe high tea option, so jump on the website and get inspired!
Adventure Time with Mum
Want to get more active after you have eaten too much? Then try some of these suggestions. This is what I would organise for me if I were my husband (wink wink).....
Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World
9am - 4:30pm
Purchase tickets at the office or online for just the garden or garden and aviary. The ticket into the aviary gives you the opportunity to take a photo with one of the beautiful birds. There is a café if you want to dine in, or better yet, bring your picnic rug for lunch on the lawn with the Glass House Mountains in the background. You don’t even have to worry about bringing food, you can purchase your picnic food from the café. A fun idea is to hire a golf buggy to tour the gardens. But if exercise is more your thing, stroll along the 6 kilometres of pathways. The kids will love exploring the fairy garden, treehouse and the full size boat.
Bellingham Maze
274 Tanawha Tourist Drive, Tanawha
Open 10am – 4pm
You might think this is more for the kids, and you’re probably right. But if you are like me, the joy of having kids is the chance to throw caution to the wind and be a kid again sometimes. Bellingham Maze has an incredible 80m x 80m hedge maze, timber maze, rope maze, tyre maze, mini golf and other challenging puzzles. Enjoy the outdoors, the gardens, the maze café, and laughing till your belly hurts.
Pampering Time
You might have a mum (or be a mum) who would prefer to take time out relaxing at a spa centre…...after breakfast in bed, of course.
City Cave Noosa
2/11 Gibson Rd, Noosaville
This is a brand new day spa here at Noosa, yet has many other locations in Qld. They have heaps of gift voucher options, especially for Mother’s day, just click the “Mother’s Day” tab at the top of the website. You can purchase experiences such as a float session, infrared sauna or massage. This is a perfect gift that can be used on Mother’s day (pre-booked of course), or in a week or two, when it suits. This is quite a different kind of day spa where they actually have a service to treat the mind, body and gut to relieve any concerns. Their mission is to provide a balanced and preventative healthcare solution.
Noosa Springs Day Spa
Links Drive, Noosa Heads (Noosa Springs Estate)
If you are already here enjoying high tea, then why not also take advantage of the spa. Noosa Springs spa is inspired by the ancient Roman and Greek traditions and is based on European aqua therapy experiences. You can purchase a gift voucher or better still, buy a package of the following options: a unique hydromassage and flotation pool, infrared sauna, steam room, blitz shower, thermal capsule, outdoor couple’s spa, treatment suites – massage, facials, pedicures, and body scrubs…..and much much more. Check out the website for more information.
So whatever you choose to do this Mother’s Day, make sure you (and your mum) are spoilt, loved and looked after. And remember, if your ideal Mother’s Day gift is an escape from the rat race, you can book a holiday unit or house to enjoy your time here in Noosa.
Happy Mother’s Day!