What to do this Mother's Day in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges

Need ideas to treat a special woman to a fantastic Mother's Day?

Whether she's a brunch person, outdoorsy, an adventurer, keen on some R&R or a wine lover, we've got some great ideas for showing her your love and appreciation.

DELICIOUS DINING

Mother's Day high tea, brunch and lunch events are always a great way to spoil Mum. Choose from a range of special dining events taking place across our region and choose one that best represents your Mum. Bookings are essential!

Click here to book a table at any one of these special dining events.

DO A WINE TOUR

Whether you want to book a tour with one of our experienced tour operators or plan your own visit to our amazing wineries, Mum is going to love this fantastic day out and is sure to find a few new favourite drops!

Don't know where to start? Check out Yarra Valley Wine Weekend itinerary or Western Yarra Valley Wine, Gin & More itinerary.

FLY OVER THE YARRA VALLEY

Up, up and away! Mum will never forget her hot air balloon flight over the Yarra Valley with Go Wild Ballooning or Global Ballooning. A must-do bucket list experience, she'll get a birds-eye view of the local attractions plus absolutely stunning photos of the vineyards, nature and maybe even a kangaroo!

CHOCOLATE DELIGHTS

Still searching for the perfect way to spoil Mum? Surprise her with a beautifully curated chocolate hamper or a limited edition Mother’s Day purse filled with her choice of choc dipped freeze dried strawberries, cookies, or licorice, crafted with love and perfect for gifting.

Or turn it into a day to remember! Plan a trip to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery and enjoy the all-day café, explore their scenic gardens and orchards, and soak in breathtaking views of the Yarra Valley. While you're there, don't miss their Rocky Road Festival—31 irresistible flavours in 31 days. It's a choc-lover’s dream come true!

VILLAGE SHOPPING

Why not spend the afternoon (or day) shopping up a storm with Mum at our region's amazing boutiques, speciality storers and retailers? We recommend heading up to the quaint cool-climate villages of the Dandenong Ranges as well as Healesville.

You'll find loads of giftware, art galleries, charming cafes and so much more. Our shopping guides to Healesville as well as Olinda and Sassafras will help get you started.

ENJOY A PAMPER SESSION

If your Mum’s all about being pampered, why not book her in for some serious relaxation at our day spas or extend her visit by booking her in at one of our fantastic retreats.

Check out some of our favourites:

DISCOVER AMAZING GARDENS

Have you been to the Dandenong Ranges recently? It’s stunning. Seasonal autumn leaves and cooler temperatures all make for an enjoyable Mother's Day walk that's postcard-perfect. We recommend checking out Must See Gardens of the Dandenong Ranges to find the closest and best garden near you. The best part is they're free and dog-friendly, too!

Some more of our favourite gardens include Alowyn Gardens, Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda, Cloudehill Gardens, Karwarra Native Garden Nursery and Kuranga Native Nursery and Paperbark Cafe.

ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS

There’s no better way to spend the morning or afternoon than at Healesville Sanctuary. Mum will love the array of Australian wildlife; koalas, wombats, snakes, you name it! The Spirits of the Sky presentation is on daily at 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm and is one of the highlights!

Special interactive experiences and animal encounters can also be booked in conjunction with your entry.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

If Mum is the outdoorsy type, here are some of our favourite experiences:

If Mum loves adventure, nature and fresh air, you need to visit Warburton. Check out our insiders guide and plan your visit like a pro. You'll find heaps of things to see and do including Warburton Adventure Co who offer a range of unforgettable half day, full day or multi-day experiences that Mum will never forget including abseiling, caving, mountain biking and more.

Try your luck at a fish farm. It’s as simple as throwing in a line and waiting for the fish to take the bait. Fish farms will also get the fish ready for you to enjoy later. The Australian Rainbow Trout Farm is family-friendly and open every day except Christmas and will even clean and fillet your catch for you to enjoy at home later. Families with smaller children can also enjoy the on-site playground, mini-farm as well as a picnic and BBQ area.

For those who don’t know, Lillydale Lake is a hidden gem. It's free, offers loads of parking, has wheelchair-accessible footpaths and a beautiful 2.5km return lake walk with plenty of birdlife. Your mother will love the fresh air, lake views and good company. The lake is also dog-friendly!

Cycling Vine Tours are a great way of experiencing the Yarra Valley. Blending adventure, exercise, nature and gourmet experiences, Cycling Vine Tours offers a relaxed cycle experience pedalling through stunning countryside and enjoying local food and wine on the journey. ⁠

Is Mum a golf-lover? Why not check out these fantastic golf courses* in our region and have some fun: RACV Healesville Country Club, Heritage Golf and Country Club, Maroondah Golf Park, Chirnside Park Country Club and The Eastern Golf Club. You can make this experience extra special by staying the night at Yering Gorge Cottages or RACV Healesville Country Club.

*Always call the golf course and make a booking – some clubs and facilities are members only, or may require a group/corporate booking for access.