10 ways to win the Favourite Kid award this Mother’s Day
This list is for everyone who knows that the best way to give Mum the recognition and appreciation she deserves is to outshine your siblings on Mother’s Day! Flowers and gifts might be great while they last, but it is quality time with her kids that Mum really treasures.
The Southern Downs is just the place to relax and unwind with Mum and our top 10 list will give you plenty of opportunities to make memories that last a lifetime. Make sure to take a group selfie or two and tag #SeeSouthernDowns as a reminder of your time together.
1. Do lunch
Mother’s Day at The Peak Restaurant in Maryvale – Indulge in a sublime 5-course tasting menu while sipping exquisite wine and taking in the stunning views across the Great Dividing Range. With such a uniquely Australian setting, it’s only fitting that The Peak provides an exceptional dining experience using the best of Australian produce.
Mother’s Day Lunch at Sabo’s on Severn in Glen Aplin – Mum will enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbles on arrival and enjoy a 3-course luncheon at this foodie getaway in the heart of the Granite Belt. Described as one of the best guest houses and getaways in Queensland, Sabo’s is set on 33 acres of glorious bushland and offers a great way to spend a weekend away with Mum.
2. Have a cuppa
Mother’s Day Morning Tea at Abbey Boutique Hotel in Warwick – Treat mum to a Devonshire tea of scones, jam and cream with self-serve tea and coffee. Take a guided tour of the downstairs rooms and learn about the history of the building, as well as some interesting modern-day tales, like when the President of Ireland came to stay!
Afternoon Tea at Jamworks Gourmet Foods in Glen Aplin – Using only the freshest and best quality ingredients for their preserves, Jamworks offers a wide selection of jams, chutneys and artisan preserves. Surprise Mum with Devonshire tea and enjoy a tasting of their 70 plus products which are gluten and preservative free, and made on site using local produce whenever possible.
3. Taste wine
Grab a copy of the Granite Belt’s definitive Little Black Book from one of our region’s friendly and helpful Visitor Information Centres and swirl, sniff, and sip your way through your choice of more than 40 cellar doors in the Granite Belt, Queensland’s only cold climate wine destination.
4. Paint a picture
Mother’s Day Nibble Paint and Sip @ Ridgemill Estate – Learn how to create a stunning silhouette painting inspired by the beautiful flora of the Granite Belt. Take something that reminds you of Mum to incorporate in your painting and personalise what you create. Local art teacher and practicing artist Patena Moesker will guide you through the process. Included is a complimentary glass of wine and a shared grazing board to nibble on between brush strokes. All materials are provided, no experience is necessary, and you take home what you create!
5. Arrange flowers
Mother’s Day Floral Workshop at Glenbridge Country Weddings – Kathryn, The Long Paddock Florist, will guide you in creating a simple and natural country style vase arrangement. As a special treat for Mothers’ Day, each guest will receive a handmade vase by Pauline Garner from the Warwick Pottery Club and a natural beeswax candle by Serene’s Chandlery at Killarney. There’ll also be an opportunity to experiment with styling flowers and candles.
6. Walk in nature
Main Range National Park – Choose from a variety of walking tracks, ranging from short easy strolls, to long physically-demanding hikes. Track gradings and surfaces vary widely, so please check track details before starting out.
Girraween National Park – Girraween has 17km of walking tracks, ranging from a 280m stroll beside Bald Rock Creek to an 11km return walk to Mount Norman. Most walks start near the visitor information centre and day-use area. The main tracks are well defined but expect rocky sections and steep upper slopes.
7. Pick strawberries
Ashbern Farms – Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and pick your own strawberries fresh from the patch or buy them freshly packed from the farm shop. Ashbern Farms in Stanthorpe offers a small range of take away yummy treats, including homemade ice cream and coffees. Strawberry jam and strawberry gifts are also available.
8. Start a book club
Arrange to read the same books as your Mum and then pay her a visit or give her a call after each one to talk about it. It could add a new dimension your friendship you never realised was possible. There’s no need to spend a lot of money. Southern Downs Regional Libraries have heaps of great titles to choose from.
9. Visit an art gallery
Warwick Art Gallery – Exhibitions on Mother’s Day:
- A Cabinet of Curiosities by Sharyn Hall – Since the 16th century, collections have been curated with the intent of informing, documenting and inspiring intellectual exploration. Often showcased as a “cabinet of curiosities”, these collections served as windows into the worlds of both the rare and exotic. This exhibition mirrors the tradition of the cabinet of curiosities, featuring a range of artworks and objects including detailed close-ups, colourful adaptations and exotic extremes, created to entrap and enthral the viewer.
- Warwick Potters…50 years on | Warwick Potters Association – As the Warwick Potters celebrate bringing pottery to our region for 50 years, it reflects back on the tutors and teachers who have shared their knowledge. This exhibition will showcase the work of tutors alongside the work of members.
Stanthorpe Artistic Walking Trail – Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Stanthorpe through the artistically expressed thoughts, feelings, and dreams of the town’s talented creative community. Murals, sculptures, and mosaics are the mediums through which the captivating stories of this remarkable place are told on the Artistic Stanthorpe Walking Trail. The best way to find and admire all of this amazing artwork is with the official Southern Downs Visitor App.
10. Make plans for next Mother’s Day
Whether you’re spending this Mother’s Day together or are separated by miles, there’s no time like the present to make plans for next year’s Mother’s Day in the Southern Downs & Granite Belt. Start planning now for a special bucket list trip or make a reservation at that restaurant she’s been wanting to try. The sky’s the limit.
While You’re Here
- Extend your adventure and fill your days with these essential experiences.