In Australia, Mother’s Day is one of the most popular holidays of the year, and there are many ways to make it special for your mother or mother figure.

Whether you’re looking for gift ideas, activities to do together, or just some inspiration for how to show your appreciation, we’ve got you covered.

Keep reading for tips and suggestions on how to make this Mother’s Day one to remember.

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas 2024

Are you still looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are some great gift ideas that will make your Mum feel special.

• Gift Card Store: If you’re not sure what to buy, but still want to add a personalised touch, check out the Gift Card Store. They offer customisable gift cards from a large selection of retailers.
• Catch.com.au: Choose from a huge selection of carefully curated gifts by the team at Catch.com.au. They have something for every kind of Mum.
• Interflora: Flowers are always appreciated. Make her day special with flowers delivered from the world’s most trusted flower delivery company – Interflora. And the best part? They deliver everywhere!
• DIY Gifts: If you’re feeling crafty, why not make your Mum a DIY gift? You could make a photo album, a scrapbook, or even a homemade candle.

No matter what you choose, remember that the most important thing is to show your Mum how much you love and appreciate her.

Even if you can’t afford something expensive, a phone call or a visit can mean the world to her.

When is Mother’s Day celebrated in Australia?

If you’re wondering when Mother’s Day is celebrated in Australia, it’s on the second Sunday of May each year.

This means that the date changes annually, but it’s always on a Sunday. For example, in 2024, Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, 12th May.

The table below shows the dates for Mother’s Day in Australia for the past ten years:

It’s important to note that Mother’s Day is not a public holiday in Australia.

However, it is a special day for many people to show their appreciation and love for their mothers, grandmothers, and other mother figures in their lives.

The History of Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day has been celebrated for over a century and is now observed in over 40 countries worldwide.

The holiday was first celebrated in the United States by peace activist Anna Jarvis in 1908, who initiated a campaign to make Mother’s Day a recognized holiday in the US after her mother’s death in 1905.

Although her proposal was continually denied by the US Congress, Anna held a memorial at St Mathews Methodist church in West Virginia to celebrate her late mother.

Anna Jarvis continued to push for the recognition of Mother’s Day in the US, and in 1911, her efforts paid off when all states in the USA chose to observe the holiday.

In 1914, a declaration signed by US President Woodrow Wilson established the second Sunday of May as Mother’s Day.

In Australia, the first Mother’s Day was held in 1924, over a decade after it first began in the US.

Sydney woman Janet Heyden started the Australian tradition of giving gifts to mothers on Mother’s Day after becoming concerned for the lonely, forgotten aged mothers at Newington State Hospital where she regularly visited a friend.

Although the holiday has become commercialized over time, its origins were rooted in honoring mothers and their sacrifices.

Today, Mother’s Day is celebrated in 168 countries around the world.

Interesting Mother’s Day Facts

Mother’s Day is a special day where we honour and appreciate the love and care that mothers provide. Here are some interesting facts about Mother’s Day:

• In Australia, there were 6,227,200 women aged 18 and over who had given birth to children in 2012-13.
• In the United States, Mother’s Day is the most popular type of greeting card sold with approximately 152 million cards purchased and sent each year.
• The carnation is strongly associated with Mother’s Day. Anna Jarvis, a peace activist, used carnations to symbolize the significance of the day.
• In 2014, 71% of working mothers in Australia used alternative work arrangements to care for their children aged 0-12 years. Flexible work was used by 39%, part-time work by 38%, and 19% worked at home.
• Almost 38% of women who ran their own business in 2014 had children under 15 years old, and 18% had a child aged 0-5.

These facts highlight the community’s recognition and respect for mothers and their significant role in the family.

Although the commercialisation of the holiday has led to an increase in gift giving, the stories of appreciation, recognition, and love for mothers remain at the heart of the celebration.

Things to do on Mother’s Day in Australia

Mother’s Day is a widely observed holiday in Australia, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate it.

If you’re looking for ideas to plan your next Mother’s Day festival with your Mum, we’ve got you covered. Here are seven top ideas to inspire you:

1. Organize a family lunch or dinner with home-cooked meals: There’s nothing quite like a home-cooked meal shared with loved ones. Plan a special menu and cook together with your Mum to make the day extra special.
2. Go shopping: Spoil your Mum a little by taking her shopping. You could visit her favorite stores or explore new ones together.
3. Organize a picnic with friends and family: Take advantage of Australia’s beautiful scenic landscapes and organize a picnic with your Mum, friends, and family. Pack your favorite foods and enjoy the great outdoors together.
4. Go out and have fun in the great outdoors: Australia is known for its natural beauty, so why not plan a day out in nature? Go for a hike, take a bike ride, or enjoy a scenic drive. Don’t forget to capture all the memories on a lens.
5. Visit an art gallery, museum, or any other educational sites: If your Mum is interested in art, history, or science, why not visit an art gallery, museum, or any other educational site? It’s a great way to learn something new and spend quality time together.
6. Go to the movies: Treat your Mum to a new film at the cinema. Choose her favorite genre or try something new together.
7. Do something your Mum loves with her: Whether it’s gardening, baking, or painting, do something your Mum loves with her. It’s a great way to bond and create memories together.

Whatever you choose to do with your Mum on this special day, she’s sure to appreciate the effort you’ve gone to.

Gifts to give on Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a special occasion to show your appreciation and love for the special women in your life.

While there are many ways to celebrate this day, giving gifts is a popular way to show your affection. Here are some gift ideas to consider:

Personalized photo book

A personalized photo book is a great way to showcase all your memorable moments with your mother.

You can choose a theme and design the book yourself, or use an online service to create a professional-looking photo book.

This gift is sure to bring back fond memories and make your mother feel loved.

Custom set of skincare products

If your mother loves skincare products, a custom set of skincare products is a thoughtful gift.

You can choose products that suit her skin type and preferences, or get her a gift voucher so she can choose her own products. Local Australian brands or high-end international brands are both great options.

Perfumes

Perfumes are a classic gift for any occasion, and Mother’s Day is no exception.

If you know your mother’s favourite perfume, getting her a bottle of it is a great way to show her that you pay attention to her likes and dislikes. Alternatively, you can get her a new scent to try out.

Flowers

Flowers are a traditional Mother’s Day gift in Australia. Carnations and Chrysanthemums are popular choices for Mother’s Day bouquets.

If you want to make the gift more special, you can choose your mother’s favourite flowers or colours. Planning ahead is important, as florists sell out quickly on this popular holiday.

Jewellery

Jewellery is a timeless gift that can make your mother feel special. Watches, chains, and bracelets are all popular Mother’s Day gifts that are designed to impress.

If you have a sizeable budget, you can consider getting her a piece of jewellery that she has been eyeing for a while.

Kitchen appliances

If your mother spends a lot of time in the kitchen, getting her a new appliance can make her life easier. You can choose a blender, toaster, or any other appliance that she needs.

This gift is both practical and thoughtful.

Remember, the gift you choose doesn’t have to be expensive or extravagant. What matters most is the thought and effort you put into it.

Whether it’s a homemade card, a cooked meal, or a day out, your mother will appreciate any gift that comes from the heart.

Is Mother’s Day a public holiday in Australia?

Mother’s Day is not an official public holiday in Australia. However, the event is celebrated on a Sunday, so many families can still celebrate it.

Most Australian businesses follow normal Sunday trading hours, but restaurants and venues may charge a supplement due to the popularity of the holiday.

Mother’s Day usually falls outside of school holidays, often in the middle of Term 2 for New South Wales and Victoria.

Therefore, schools remain open on Mother’s Day, and students attend classes as usual.

Why Do Mother’s Day Dates Differ Between Australia and Other Countries?

Mother’s Day is celebrated on different dates in different countries. In Australia, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, just like in the United States.

However, in the UK, Mother’s Day is observed on the fourth Sunday of Lent, which is over a month before Mother’s Day in Australia.

Other countries have also adapted alternate dates to celebrate Mother’s Day, and these dates are often determined by historical or religious significance.

In total, 168 countries celebrate Mother’s Day as an established tradition, with the holiday most commonly celebrated in March or May.

Just over half of those countries, including Australia, celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May.

The idea for this date was first proposed by American writer and women’s rights activist Julia Ward Howe in 1870.

The reason for the variation in dates is due to different cultural and historical traditions that have influenced the celebration of Mother’s Day in different countries.

For example, in Spain and the Spanish-speaking world, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of May, as it is the month dedicated to celebrating the Virgin Mary according to Catholicism.

Overall, the varying dates of Mother’s Day reflect the diverse ways in which different countries honor and celebrate motherhood.

Holidays which are similar to Mother’s Day

While Mother’s Day is not an official public holiday in Australia, it is still considered a significant day for many Australians.

Other nationally recognized days that are not public holidays include Valentine’s Day and Remembrance Day.

Father’s Day is also celebrated in Australia on the first Sunday of September to honor fathers and father figures.

While not as popular as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day is still an important day for many families.

FAQ – Mother’s Day in Australia

Is Mother’s Day a public holiday in Australia?

No, Mother’s Day is not a public holiday in Australia. However, since it is celebrated on a Sunday, you can enjoy the day with your family without worrying about work.

When is Mother’s Day in 2024?

Mother’s Day 2024 will be celebrated on Sunday 12th May 2024. It is always celebrated on the second Sunday of May each year.

What is the best gift for Mother’s Day?

The best gift for Mother’s Day is one that comes from the heart. It should show your love, compassion, and happiness towards your mother.

However, if you want to present your mother with something tangible, you could consider spoiling her with flowers, jewelry, or perfumes.

These are some of the most popular gifts for Mother’s Day.

Do the shops open on Mother’s Day?

Yes, shops and services are open as normal on Mother’s Day. However, since it is typically celebrated on a Sunday, be ready for different opening and closing hours.

Keep in mind that some businesses might offer special promotions and events specifically for Mother’s Day.

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Disclaimer: Whilst all care is taken to ensure the information presented here is accurate, it is subject to change at any time without notice and may be inaccurate at the time you view it. We will not be held accountable for informational and technical inaccuracies or errors. We encourage you to cross-reference the information presented on this site with official Australian and state/territory government source websites.

Travel with kids is good for them in so many different ways, but those extra little people can also blow out the cost. Including some free activities the kids will love will stretch the budget a little further.

Take a look at these free things to do in Adelaide with kids to give you some ideas for your South Australian holiday.

12 Free Things to do in Adelaide with Kids

1. Visit a Museum

I know, kids (especially young kids) and museums don’t always work.

While there are a wide range of Adelaide museums you can take your kids for free, many of them may not hold the interest of younger kids.

But there is one I do recommend – and that’s the South Australian Museum.

It’s located centrally on North Terrace in the city centre, so it is easy to pop in for just a short time.

Even really young kids will love seeing the animal gallery on the ground floor. It is filled with a whole range of stuffed animals and has not changed in decades because it is so well loved.

Also make sure you spend a minute watching the lion enclosed in his own glass case in the middle of the room – his tail will move, which kids will love.

2. Take the Kids to Glenelg

The seaside suburb of Glenelg is a great mini day trip to do with kids, even if you don’t have a car.

Jump on the tram from the city centre and you will soon be deposited right near the beach at Glenelg.

Take a walk on the beach, go for a swim (if it’s warm) or play on the fantastic free playground right there on the foreshore.

There are plenty of paid things to do here too if you would like to extend your visit, including the Beachouse, a large amusement centre with all sorts of activities for kids.

3. Search for Koalas at Belair National Park

There are some great wildlife parks around Adelaide, but there are also some good free options where you are likely to find some native wildlife too.

Belair National Park is right on the edge of the city and has many great open spaces for all sorts of activities from an adventure playground to sports field, walking trails and historical buildings.

Not only are you likely to see kangaroos and emus, if you keep your eyes on the treetops, you will likely spot a koala or two as well.

Belair National Park is easy to access from the city centre by train. If you choose to drive, you will need to pick up a National Parks Pass online first.

4. Explore the Animals in Rundle Mall

Adelaide seems to have a penchant for unusual artwork in Rundle Mall, the main shopping strip in the city centre.

First it was the “Mall’s Balls”, two shiny stacked spheres, then came the four pigs, and most recently, a giant pigeon. 

Kids will love all of these, but the pigs will be their favourites.

They are all posed slightly differently, and are just the right size for young kids to climb all over and sit on. They also provide a unique place for parents to get a holiday photo to remember.

5. Get Active at the St Kilda Adventure Playground

This huge playground has been a firm favourite of local kids for generations.

This large scale playground includes a castle with a drawbridge (with slides), a pirate ship, flying fox and plenty of swings and other equipment. 

You will need a car to get to St Kilda, but there is plenty of room here to have a picnic or use one of the BBQs available.

6. Picnic in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens

If the weather is nice, take the kids to the Adelaide Botanic Gardens to let off some steam. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy sitting on one of the many grassed areas.

After lunch, explore some of the different garden areas, where you will likely spot plenty of ducks and other birds.

Kids love racing leaves down the long narrow water features, seeing the huge lily pads, and there is another small museum here with all sorts of weird plants they might enjoy.

7. Taste Something New at the Adelaide Central Market

The Adelaide Central Market is full of colour and action at any time. Take the kids along to see some of the different foods available.

You may be lucky to receive some free tastings too. I recommend trying fritz with your kids, a uniquely South Australian luncheon meat. 

During school holidays the Adelaide Central Market often has free kids activities available too – from colouring in to treasure hunts.

Take a look at their website to see if there is anything on during your visit.

8. Walk the Story Book Trail

Carrick Hill is a significant historic house in Adelaide’s south. You can do a guided tour through the house to learn about the history, but for kids that will likely not be so much fun.

What they will love though are the gardens. In particular the Story Book Trail.

This short walk meanders through some of our favourite childhood books, such as Wind in the Willows, The Hobbit, Charlotte’s Web and many more.

9. Enjoy some Water Play

We all know what kids are like with water, especially if it’s a little warm (and often when it isn’t!) so letting them enjoy one of the water play areas in Adelaide will be a fun way to spend some time.

If it’s really hot, you may enjoy it too! 

In the city centre you can find water play areas in the Festival Plaza and Victoria Square. In the suburbs, look out for them at Glenelg and Henley Beach. There is also a wading pool at Tusmore Park that kids love.

10. Haighs Chocolate Factory Tour

Who doesn’t love chocolate? Haighs Chocolates are well known as a South Australian favourite, and their factory just south of the city centre offers free tours to see the chocolates being made.

You can opt for a self-guided tour or do one with a guide. You may also be given samples of the chocolate along the way.

While the tours are recommended for children over five, younger children can also be accommodated.

11. Explore Port Adelaide

Take the train from the city centre to the historical maritime precinct of Port Adelaide.

Take a walk along the wharves to the playground near Hart’s Mill. Keep an eye out as you walk for the Port River dolphins, who love to play right here. 

You might also like to spot some of the street art, as Port Adelaide has been part of the Wonderwalls festivals and now has more than 50 large murals dotted throughout the area.

Port Adelaide has many other paid attractions that your kids will like too, such as Maritime, Rail and Plane museums.

12. Have Some Downtime in a Library

Sometimes when travelling with kids everything gets a bit hectic and you just need a little calm.

You can do this by popping into one of the many libraries across the city and reading the kids a favourite story or two. 

Many of the libraries have free programs for kids too, particularly during the school holidays.

Look out for things like Story time, Lego Club or I even just saw a “3D Modelling for Kids” workshop coming up.

In the city centre there is a great library right in Rundle Mall, with the entrance tucked away down Francis Street, great for when shopping gets too much.

Bio: Josie Kelsh is a South Australian native who has lived in Adelaide her entire adult life. She loves exploring all SA has to offer and sharing the details on her blog, Exploring South Australia.

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