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Mother’s Day in Australia falls on Sunday, 10 May 2026.
If you’re planning something in Adelaide – whether it’s a polished high tea, a relaxed family buffet, a coastal lunch at Glenelg, or a morning walk for a good cause – options are genuinely strong across the city and hills.
The catch is that popular spots fill up fast. By late April, the InterContinental Adelaide high tea and Adelaide Zoo’s Mother’s Day brunch were already sold out.
So if there’s a specific venue on the list, booking sooner rather than later is the smarter move.
Here’s a breakdown of the best things to do and the most reliable options across every budget and group type.
Best High Teas for Mother’s Day in Adelaide
High tea is the most popular Mother’s Day format in Adelaide, and the market reflects that – there are strong city options at every price point.
🫖 KOOMO at InterContinental Adelaide
KOOMO is the standout luxury pick for a Mother’s Day high tea in the CBD. It runs on Sunday, 10 May, from 12 pm to 3 pm at InterContinental Adelaide, 27 Frome Street.
Pricing is $99 per adult and $49 for children under 12, with an optional permanent jewellery add-on for $99 if you want to make the occasion extra memorable.
The high tea is Japanese-inspired, with sparkling on arrival, savoury plates, and a dessert buffet.
It’s elegant without being stuffy, which suits mixed-age groups well. Bookings are through the official InterContinental Adelaide page or by calling (08) 7077 2222.
Note: the Mother’s Day high tea at InterContinental Adelaide was sold out as of late April 2026.
It’s worth checking the booking page directly in case of cancellations.
🫖 Skyline Restaurant at Rydges South Park Adelaide
The Skyline Restaurant is a more accessible city high tea option with broad views over the Adelaide Hills and parklands.
It runs on Sunday, 10 May, with two-hour bookings between 11 am and 1 pm, costing $69 per adult and $35 per child under 12.
The draw here is live acoustic music and a relaxed atmosphere that works well for families.
Dietary needs can be catered to, and a children’s menu is available. Book through the Rydges South Park official event page or call (08) 8216 0300.
🫖 Harvest High Tea at Adelaide Showground Farmers’ Market
For something different, the Harvest High Tea at the Adelaide Showground Farmers’ Market in Wayville is part of Tasting Australia 2026.
It runs on Sunday, 10 May, from 10 am to 11:30 am, with pricing at $75 for non-members and $65 for members. There’s also an optional flowers add-on for $35.
The setup is rustic and produce-driven, using ingredients from the market stallholders alongside tea, barista coffee, and a glass of South Australian sparkling red.
On-site parking is available – the first half-hour is free, up to two hours is $6.50, and all day is $15.
The market is flat and accessible, with train, tram and bus stops within a 5–10 minute walk.
🫖 Beerenberg Farm Mother’s Day High Tea
Beerenberg Farm in Hahndorf is the pick for an Adelaide Hills high tea outing.
The Mother’s Day high tea is $80 per person and runs for about 90 minutes. It’s a charming setting with the farm surrounds adding something that a hotel venue can’t replicate.
Online bookings require 72 hours’ notice. For last-minute enquiries, call (08) 8398 8210 or email [email protected].
Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable, and some dietary requests can be handled if flagged 72 hours in advance.
Free on-site parking, including accessible bays, is available, and bus stop 57 is right outside the farm shop.
Best Mother’s Day Lunches in Adelaide
🍽️ La Boca Bar & Grill – Best for Families
La Boca Bar & Grill at Stamford Plaza Adelaide is the safest call for a large, multi-generational family lunch in the CBD.
The Mother’s Day buffet runs on Sunday, 10 May from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, priced at $109 per adult, $59 per child aged 6 to 12, and free for children 5 and under. An optional drinks package is available for $30.
The spread leans generously – seafood, fire-cooked meats, and desserts – and the relaxed buffet format takes the pressure off coordinating everyone’s meal.
Refund terms are clearly published: full refunds up to 14 days before, 50% refunds between 7 and 14 days, and no refunds within 7 days.
The hotel is right next to Adelaide Railway Station with on-site paid parking via Woodsons Lane.
🍽️ Coal Cellar + Grill – Best for Adults
Coal Cellar + Grill at Hilton Adelaide, 233 Victoria Square, is the premium plated lunch option if the group skews adult or older teens.
The Mother’s Day feed-me lunch runs from 12 pm on Sunday, 10 May at $120 per person, including a glass of Champagne.
One important note: Coal Cellar + Grill does not cater to dietary requirements for this event.
That’s a meaningful restriction for some groups, so factor it in before booking.
Valet parking is $60, and self-parking is not available. Bookings through the official venue page or on (08) 8237 0697.
🍽️ The Promenade Restaurant – Best Coastal Lunch
If the plan is to combine Mother’s Day with a trip to Glenelg, The Promenade Restaurant at Stamford Grand is the obvious choice.
The Mother’s Day seafood buffet runs on Sunday, 10 May, with two-hour seatings at 12:30 pm, 1 pm, 1:30 pm and 2 pm.
Pricing is $109 per adult, $69 for teens, $49 for children aged 6 to 12, and free for children 5 and under.
It’s right by the Glenelg foreshore and Jetty Road, and easy to reach from the city via the Adelaide tram network.
Refunds are available up to 14 days before the event. Book through the official Stamford Grand event page.
🍽️ Glen Ewin Estate – Best Hills Lunch
Glen Ewin Estate is a relaxed lunch option for families happy to drive out of the city for more greenery and space.
The Mother’s Day lunch runs Sunday, 10 May from 12 pm to 3 pm, priced at $86 per adult with a glass of sparkling, and $35 for children aged 4 to 12. Live music is included.
Dietary requirements should be noted at the time of booking. Free parking is available on-site next to the venue.
Contact the team at [email protected] or (08) 8380 5657.
Best Family-Friendly Activities for Mother’s Day
⭐ Adelaide Zoo – Best Family Value
Adelaide Zoo is the cleanest family value option this Mother’s Day.
Mums and mother figures receive a complimentary ticket at the admissions window on Sunday, 10 May.
Standard general admission is $48 for adults, $35 concession, $26 for children, with under-4s free.
The zoo is open from 9:30 am to 5 pm. Accessible parking is available close to the main entrance on Plane Tree Drive, and Zoos SA recognises Companion and Carer cards for free carer entry.
The separate Mother’s Day brunch sold out in advance, so this works best as a zoo day rather than a packaged meal event – but it’s a fantastic way to give Mum free entry while the kids have a proper outing.
⭐ Carrick Hill – Best Heritage Garden Day
Carrick Hill in Springfield is one of the more flexible options on this list.
The estate is open 10 am to 4:30 pm on Sunday, 10 May, with guided house tours at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm, lunch at Rozelle’s (bookings essential), garden terrace treats, and picnics on the grounds.
House tour admission is $20 for adults, $18 concession, and $3 for children under 15.
Mobility-impaired visitors can use a service entrance, and the house has an elevator to all three floors, though some garden areas are less accessible.
Parking is limited, so the venue recommends carpooling or public transport.
⭐ Popeye River Cruises – Best Experience-Led Outing
For something that feels genuinely different, Popeye River Cruises on the River Torrens offers a Mother’s Day High Tea Cruise for $95 per person over 90 minutes.
The ticket includes finger sandwiches, scones, petit fours, bottomless tea and coffee, and bottomless sparkling, beer, cider or soft drink.
Contact Popeye on (08) 8232 7994 or [email protected] to confirm Mother’s Day weekend availability.
There are some important accessibility notes: there is no ramp access, guests need to manage two steps up and four steps down, and there are no toilets onboard.
Wheelchairs can often fit through the entrance, and there is room for prams and walkers at the rear.
Mother’s Day Classic Adelaide 2026
The Mother’s Day Classic is a national charity walk and run that raises funds for breast cancer research.
The Adelaide event is held at Pinky Flat on Sunday 10 May, with run waves starting from 7:30 am and walk waves from 8 am across 4km and 7km distances.
The course is wheelchair and pram friendly, and the event village runs from 6:30 am to 1 pm with face painting, balloon artists, crafts and games for kids.
There is no on-site parking, but the event is accessible by rail, bus and tram.
Pricing is dynamic – rates increase from 4 May and again on the day.
Walk tickets remain well below typical brunch pricing, making this one of the better budget-friendly and family-suitable ways to start Mother’s Day.
Register at https://www.mothersdayclassic.com.au/registration
Free and Budget Mother’s Day Ideas in Adelaide
Not every Mother’s Day plan needs to centre on a booking.
Adelaide Botanic Garden is free to enter, open on weekends and public holidays in May from 9 am to 5:30 pm, and has a tram stop about 100 metres from the main gate.
It’s a genuine option for a bring-your-own picnic or a relaxed stroll before a city lunch.
For a hills alternative, Mount Lofty Botanic Garden is open from 8:30 am to 4 pm in May, entry is free, and Sunday parking is free.
Public transport doesn’t reach the garden directly, so it’s a car-first option. Parts of the garden are hilly, but the Lakeside Trail is a flat bitumen path with accessible toilets at both car parks.
Bracegirdle’s operates on weekends and public holidays from 9 am to 3 pm if a coffee stop is on the agenda.
Quick Comparison – Mother’s Day Adelaide 2026
| Option | Type | Price (Adult) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOOMO | Luxury high tea | $99 | CBD luxury, mixed ages |
| Skyline Restaurant | High tea | $69 | Relaxed city high tea |
| Harvest High Tea | Market high tea | $75 | Foodies and local produce |
| Beerenberg Farm | High tea | $80 | Adelaide Hills day trip |
| La Boca Bar & Grill | Buffet lunch | $109 | Large family groups |
| Coal Cellar + Grill | Plated lunch | $120 | Adults and older teens |
| The Promenade Restaurant | Seafood buffet | $109 | Glenelg and coastal groups |
| Glen Ewin Estate | Hills lunch | $86 | Relaxed family lunch |
| Adelaide Zoo | Family day out | Mum free | All ages, great value |
| Carrick Hill | Heritage garden | From $20 | Flexible, all budgets |
| Popeye River Cruises | Cruise high tea | $95 | Unique experience |
| Mother’s Day Classic | Charity walk/run | From ~$63 | Active families |
| Adelaide Botanic Garden | Free outing | Free | Budget-friendly |
Tips for Planning Mother’s Day in Adelaide
- Book early. The InterContinental Adelaide high tea and Adelaide Zoo brunch sold out weeks in advance. If there’s a specific venue in mind, check availability now.
- For last-minute plans, Beerenberg Farm accepts late enquiries by phone or email even after the 72-hour online booking window has closed. Adelaide Botanic Garden and Carrick Hill are also solid options without requiring advance bookings for general entry.
- For big family groups, La Boca at Stamford Plaza and The Promenade at Stamford Grand both publish clear refund terms and cater well to children. Buy all tickets in one transaction to secure seating together.
- For adults-only, KOOMO and Coal Cellar + Grill are the strongest options, though note that Coal Cellar can’t accommodate dietary requirements for this specific event.
- For an active start, the Mother’s Day Classic walk at Pinky Flat is wheelchair and pram-friendly and a meaningful way to mark the day before heading to lunch.
Prices and availability are based on information published by venues as of late April 2026. Always confirm directly with the venue before booking.
