Experience Oz Blog 5 Perfect Mother’s Day Experiences & Gifts

It’s time to officially celebrate mums around the world once again! Not that we don’t appreciate and celebrate you throughout the whole year Mum, but this is your special day where you’re treated like the queen you are. We see the amazing work you are doing and we salute to you.

To help celebrate all of the mothers out there, we’ve put together a list of some of the best experiences to gift on Mother’s Day. Experience Oz Gift Vouchers also make a great gift and best of all, they are valid for three years so Mum can book in an experience when she is ready. From the team at Experience Oz, we wish you all a Happy Mother’s Day.

1. Treat Mum To A Dining Cruise

With a blend of relaxation, scenery and dining, what better way to say thanks than with a scenic cruise accompanied by some delicious food? Imagine mum sitting on the open deck, wind in her hair, wine glass in hand and a big smile on her face. There are numerous high tea, lunch and dinner cruises available around both Australia and New Zealand, so no matter which state or island in which you reside, there’s the chance to book a pair of comfortable seats.

Many cruises offer a buffet meal or a la carte menu, with some even providing additional live entertainment for the duration of the cruise. However, nothing is more entertaining than simply spending time with Mum looking out over such spectacles as the famed Sydney Harbour, glitzy Surfers Paradise, or the picturesque waters of the Great Barrier Reef – the choice is yours (or Mum’s).

For a high tea with the ladies, enjoy a selection of sweet and savoury goods with bottomless tea, coffee and a glass of sparkling wine upon arrival. Sydney Harbour High Tea Cruises are available on selected dates with ambient music and million-dollar views through the cruise. While in Queensland, you can step aboard the historic Kookaburra River Queens paddle steamer for a two-hour Brisbane High Tea Cruise past the sights of the city plus a sensational three-tier High Tea Tower to share.

Heading east, the likes of Sea World Cruises put on a spread with their lunch cruise departing Surfers Paradise. Cruising over 2-hours, you’ll enjoy a full buffet lunch as you cruise through the Surfers Paradise canals and out onto the Southport Broadwater.

For those on the west coast, Perth’s Captain Cook Cruises will take you on a scenic and delicious ride along the Swan River pairing great views with delicious food and wine. The enjoyable 3-hours cruise aboard a comfortable boat is also accompanied with live entertainment.

From Auckland to Tasmania and everywhere in-between, check out the full range of lunch and dinner cruises available around Australia and New Zealand.

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2. Share A Magical Hot Air Balloon Ride Together

Start the day off on a high note (quite literally) with a journey among the clouds aboard a serene hot air balloon. Producing spectacular views, you and Mum will have the best seats in the house from which to watch the sunrise. With a wide collection of regions across the two countries offering Hot Air Balloon rides, each delivers a distinctive panorama that’s incredibly photogenic in its own right.

Various ballooning panoramas around the country are completely different to the point that no two experiences are quite the same; if you’re ballooning over Tropical North Queensland, expect a vibrant blend of vivid waters and dense tropical greenery.

Contrast this with the cityscape of ballooning over the Melbourne CBD or even the expansive and rugged red terrain of hot air ballooning over the Australian Outback, and you’ve got ballooning adventures that are as different as they are magical. Accompany any of these with an inclusive breakfast and champagne and you’ll have one happy Mum!

Depending on what kind of views you’re chasing, you’ll be sure to find an ideal balloon backdrop somewhere in Australia. For views of a patchwork of farmland, wineries and more, head to South Australia’s Barossa Valley, Yarra Valley or the Hunter Valley in New South Wales.

Barossa Balloon Adventures will take you over the beautiful valley for a full hour, however, the fun doesn’t stop once the balloon has landed; upon touching back down, you’ll be whisked away to a winery where you’ll be served a delicious gourmet breakfast followed by a range of wine tastings.

If you’re instead after a collection of colourful water views and hinterland views all in one, a Gold Coast hot air ballooning adventure is the perfect way to celebrate Mother's Day.

No matter which one you choose you’ll be sure to see some spectacular sights that sum up the best of the tropics! See the full list of hot air ballooning experiences here.

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3. Have An Epic Animal Encounter

We’re not talking about your average trip to the local zoo – step things up a notch this year with an awesome animal experience Mum won’t forget! There are various sanctuaries and habitats spread out over both countries that allow visitors to get up close and personal with some of their cuter, cuddlier animals.

Instead of breakfast in bed, why not let Paradise Country take care of the catering with a special Koala Breakfast at the wildlife sanctuary. Enjoy a delicious spread before spending the day getting up close and personal with a range of native Australian wildlife with the family.

If you’re down the southern end of the country, make your way over to Phillip Island to experience the adorable penguins coming home after a long day in the water. This is one experience she won’t forget; watching these pint-sized animals waddle ashore in their daily “Penguin Parade” is a gorgeous sight to witness.

If you’ve got a mother who’s more of a daredevil than yourself, shout her a chance to dive with sharks at SEA LIFE Aquariums across the country such as Mooloolaba, Sydney or Melbourne. There are an extensive range of zoos and aquariums across Australia to share a precious wildlife moment with Mum, so you won't need to travel too far for some Mother's Day fun.

Another way to spoil Mum this mother’s day is with a night out at the Australian Outback Spectacular. This Gold Coast dinner and show includes a 3-course meal, beer, alcohol and soft drinks while you enjoy a journey into the outback. Taking place in a live arena, this evening dinner show features performances from elegant show horses and their talented actors sharing stories of life in the outback.

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4. Send Her On A Relaxing Afternoon At The Hot Springs

Why not spoil your mother with a relaxing visit to the hot springs. The therapeutic mineral pools are sure to soothe sore muscles and relax the soul. Make a day of it and plan a girls trip or offer to babysit so a mother you know can have a relaxing day on her own.

In Australia, Victoria is home to two locations where mum can sneak off for some needed ‘me time’. The Deep Blue Hot Springs can be found in a beautiful pocket of Victoria called Warrnambool. Get that blood pumping again with a therapeutic bathing experience and a relaxing massage in tranquil surroundings. Mum will walk away feeling like a new woman.

The open-air geothermal sanctuary contains sound and colour therapy in sensory caves in addition to aromatherapy pools and opportunities to enjoy a massage or facial at the Bathhouse Day Spa.

Over to the Mornington Peninsula, is the Peninsula Hot Springs where there are stunning thermal mineral pools, reflexology walks and geothermal pools with 360-degree views of the Victorian region. This wellness experience is in high demand and could just be what Mum has been dreaming of isolation.

In New Zealand, hot springs bathing houses can be found at Hamner Springs, Tekapo Hot Springs and the Onsen Hot Pools in Queenstown. A spa day is a fantastic way to show your love and appreciation for Mum.

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5. Taste Your Way Around A Winery

If your mother considers herself something of a wine connoisseur – or simply enjoys a glass or two of her favourite drop – then paying a visit to one of Australia & New Zealand’s many great cellar doors is a must.

Take the stress out of the day by embarking on an organised tour as opposed to driving yourself; this way you can all truly indulge in the delicious wines and food produced on the premises. Spread across both Australia & New Zealand you’ll find a long list of wineries in which to sink your teeth – and indulge your palate.

If you’re looking to taste some of Australia’s favourites, instead pay a visit to some of the most popular and famous wine locales around the country. From Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley to Western Australia’s Swan Valley and Margaret River, and South Australia’s Barossa Valley, Fleurieu Peninsula and McLaren Vale or the Hunter Valley in New South Wales. Australia is home to plenty of spots in which to enjoy a quality drop and indulge the palate.

If you are travelling to the Hunter Valley then check out our Hunter Valley Wine Tours, visiting up to four of the region’s best boutique wineries, with private tastings and behind-the-scenes tours at each. This small-group tour will give you a personalised and intimate experience with some of the best food and wine in the region. Or head out to the Audrey Wilkinson in the Hunter Valley to enjoy a relaxing picnic amongst the vines.

In addition, if you’re looking for things to see and do around Australia and New Zealand or the perfect experience to gift this Mother's Day be sure to view our full catalogue of over 3000 experiences here. Experience can be given as a gift but if you simply can't decide, an Experience Oz Gift Voucher is a thoughtful gesture giving Mum the freedom to choose what experience she'd like to do when she is ready.

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