Gold Coasters, do we detect the slightest notes of aromatherapy oils, artisan tea blends and fresh-baked scones filling the air? Yep, that’s right – Mother’s Day is just around the corner!

But fret not if you’re yet to line up anything plush in honour of Mama dearest. All across the Coast, our most fanciful eats, fun and self-care purveyors are putting the finishing touches on myriad ways to spoil the OG lady in our lives.

Here are a bunch of ideas that go some way towards expressing our eternal gratitude this Mother’s Day. Hint: you can defo skip the servo flowers.

JW Marriott Gold Coast
JW Marriott is serving up several ways to spoil Mum in style this Sunday, May 12… and hey, if you just so happen to surreptitiously include yourself in the celebrations, well, that’s just good sense. If a self-care date sounds like just the ticket, treat mum to two heavenly hours of facial and massage infused relaxation with the Mother’s Day Bliss Package at Spa by JW.

If you’re really going for max spoilage, back it up with the tea party to end all tea parties at Chapter and Verse. Designed to honour Mum like the royal-tea she is, the specialty spread includes delights such as JW lavender honey and white chocolate chip scones using ingredients harvested fresh from the grounds’ own garden.

Or if you’re looking to assemble the whole fam, why not make it a foodie affair with a legendary long lunch at Citrique Restaurant’s award-winning seafood buffet? Think Pacific oysters, Mooloolaba tiger prawns, Moreton Bay bugs and more, with a complimentary Half lobster for each guest – the ultimate sea to table experience should go some way’s to expressing our eternal gratitude, no?
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Mesi Studio
The Mums & Margs workshops hosted at Mesi Studio will easel-y the craftiest fun to be found this Mother’s Day weekend. Try your hand at textured art while you partake in bottomless margi’s thanks to the Margarita Margarita crew, whilst creating one-of-a-kind aesthetic keepsake for your abode. Whether your mother dearest is a crafty-type who prefers cocktails over chamomile any day of the week (hey, we had to get it from somewhere!) – or you’re just looking to have a little fun with your snack-toting Mum squad; assemble your faves and create some crafty, cocktail-fuelled core mems at one of eight sessions across the weekend. What a time.
Where: 90 Kortum Dr, Burleigh Heads

Elements Of Byron
Is Mum a fan of the finer things, but you know it’s quali-tea time that really fills her (tea)cup? Why not embark on an unforgettable epicurean adventure, with an elegant High Tea experience at Elements Of Byron. Enjoy live entertainment as your savour house-baked pastries and cakes like Burnt Vanilla Bean Gateaux and Pear and Almond Frangipane Tarts, with a glass of Louis Roederer champagne on arrival. Imagine Mum’s delight as you point that GPS to paradise (bonus points for custom playlist with all her favourite bygone bops!) – and set off on a scenic, cross-border pilgrimage for the pint-sized array of artisan sweets and sips, culminating in the enchanting surrounds of Azure Terrace… it’s okay, we’ll let you claim the credit on this expertly-crafted plan.
Where: Elements of Byron, 144 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay

The Langham, Gold Coast
From the 9th May, the already famously decadent and designer afternoon tea experience will be served with a sartorial twist at The Langham Gold Coast. In partnership with international fashion and beauty house, Carolina Herrera, the two luxury icons converge to deliver a pint-sized culinary showcase.

Don the designer duds as you tuck into pink-tinged delights like Raspberry & elderflower tart and the Bay lobster and salmon roe roll, brushed with metallic pink dust, in honour of the Houses’ newest fragrance, Good Girl Blush Elixir. Delicacies have been meticulously crafted to encapsulate the essence of the Houses’ most loved feminine elixir with notes of vanilla, Tonka bean, almond and cocoa.

Whether the head of your fam is a bit of a fancy-pants or a full-blown fashionista, this stylish spread will slay.
Where: The Langham, Gold Coast, 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise

Voco
Racking your brain thinking of the best way to win Mum’s heart this year? Make your way directly to Voco’s Mother’s Day Brunch at Waves Buffet and consider it sorted! What better way to toast your beloved matriarch than rounding up the fam-bam for a leisurely brunch banquet filled with all the favourites. Made-to-order omelettes, crispy bacon and mouthwatering pastries galore, and let’s not forget bottomless mimosas – seriously, you can’t go wrong!
Where: 31 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences
One for the foodie Mums. Get the best of both worlds this Sunday 12th with the ultimate high tea x buffet hybrid at the Hilton Surfers Paradise. Featuring a curation of the most beloved tea party classics served alongside an assortment buffet style dishes to ensure maximum, button-popping satisfaction for your entire party. Feast ’til heart’s content on melt-in-your-mouth morsels such as mini quiches, butter chicken empanadas, pumpkin arancini, and more; complete with high tea stalwarts such as fanciful smoked salmon finger sandwiches, macarons and fresh scones served right to your table. Plus, a complimentary glass of Mumm Malborough Rosé on arrival for all adults. Here’s to you, Ma!
Where: Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences, 6 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove
Now, we’re not calling anyone posh per se, but if the lady of your manor could sniff out Tasmanian smoked salmon and spanner crab from a mile away, Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove does high tea with pizazz at Cove Café. Sip ’til heart’s content with your choice of Vittoria Coffee or the crème de la crème of cuppas, Tea Forté, plus a glas of Sparkling Rosé on arrival. Then savour the selection of gastronomic small bites such as Goat’s labneh with oyster mushroom, Spanner Crab with saffron mayonnaise, and hand-crafted sweets like Salted Caramel Choux and Coffee Chocolate Opera Cake with hazelnut cream. And who could forget classic and cranberry scones with all the trimmings?
Where: Cove Café, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Sanctuary Cove, Manor Circle, Hope Island

Oasis Shopping Centre
The Oasis Shopping Centre is really raising a glass to all our matriarchal rocks, role models and one-in-a-millions; rolling out a stack of freebies and special deals for the occasion. To pamper your mama’s mind body and soul, pick from cute outings like the free Mother’s Day class at Studio Pilates, or give mum the works treatment with the ultimate, multi-boutique Indulgence Package, including an Infrared Sauna, Magnesium Float, Wash & Blow-dry and Professional Manicure – a steal at only $195 (valued at $260).

Plus, Mum isn’t about to go thirsty on her special day – with a range of complimentary beverages on offer across a selection of Oasis’ eateries this Sunday 12th, such as a free vino at Madison’s Café, or a marg on the house California Tacos. Cheers, Mumsy!

Read about all of the Oasis Shopping Centre’s offerings here.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Aviary Rooftop Bar
The thought of your typical high tea spread not really steeping your tea bag this Mother’s Day? Make a date with Mumma Bear at Aviary Rooftop Bar for a decadent French-inspired afternoon tea served with a whole lot of flair. Pack your appetite and prepare your tastebuds for a mouth watering Parisian affair, as you nibble your way through French macarons, sumptuous eclairs and flaky, petit pastries. Available in two packages, the fanciest of which includes both a French Champagne and a French Martini for $85 pp (+ BF). Oui oui, a rooftop soiree designed to transport us to the streets of Paris is definitely our cup of tea, darjeeling!
Where: Corner Olsen and, Musgrave Ave, Southport

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
High Tea is cute, but High Tea surrounded by koalas is cuter. Spend some koala-ty time with Mum with the un-bear-ably (okay we know they’re not technically bears, you know we can’t resist the opportunity for a good pun) adorable Mother’s Day High Tea being hosted at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary this year.
Tickets from $129 include a professional photo of Mum with a koala and admission from 12pm, meaning you can visit the rest of the adorable animals on offer while you’re there. You can even upgrade to an animal encounter and give Mum the chance to up close with her favourite animal – choose from Lemurs, Echidnas, Capybaras and even a Possum encounter! Imma Lemur you finish, but if Mum’s an animal lover, Currumbin has one of the best Mother’s Day experiences of all time.
Where: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort
Give Mum the royal treatment she rightfully deserves, with a Mother’s Day High Tea extravaganza hosted in the lush surrounds of Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort. Pearls Bar is rolling out the red carpet for an indulgent afternoon of pinky popping, poolside decadence; kicking off with a welcome Mirage Spritz Cocktail or Mrs. Edelyne mocktail on arrival. Serenaded by the dulcet tones of live entertainment for the duration, sip freshly brewed coffee and a delightful selection of teas, whilst you partake in hand-crafted sweet and savoury high tea delights and famous lobster sliders hot off the live station. A high socie-tea soirée fit for our familial queen!
Where: 71 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach

Paradise Country
Paradise Country’s annual Mother’s Day Festival on the Farm returns with a stacked day of family fun – live music, delicious food trucks, pony rides, character meet and greets and more! You can also opt to upgrade your outing from fun to feast, and soak in the gorgeous farm views from the Farmhouse Restaurant while treating Mum to a buffet breakfast – or lunch (because, #sundaysleepin).
Entry to the festival is $39 for kids or $49 adults, or dining options starting from $45 for little ones (entry included)
Where: Paradise Country, Production Drive, Oxenford

Driftwood Social
Celebrate Mother’s Day in style at Driftwood Social, where riverside dining is elevated to new heights! Treat mum to an unforgettable experience with their special Mother’s Day menu. Choose from a delightful 2-course meal at $59 per adult, which includes a refreshing beverage, or indulge in a 3-course feast for an additional $10. Kids aren’t left out either; they can enjoy a 2-course meal for just $25, including a beverage.
Where: 42 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise

Mercure Resort
Step away from the foot spas, slippers, cookbooks, et al – for a gift that Mum will actually reckon is swell, treat your special lady to a spot of R&R with a staycay at Mercure Gold Coast Resort. Hey, even the ones wired to love us unconditionally could use some time away to recharge once in a while (no offence). Grab a gift voucher so Mum can dine or unwind at her leisure, with sweet perks like complimentary car parking, late check out* and a delicious buffet breakfast served daily from 6:30am all part of the deal.
Where: Mercure Resort, 64 Palm Meadows Drive, Carrara

There is always a time to gift a bunch of flowers. Whether it’s to express love, joy, affection, appreciation, sympathy, romance or to say sorry, every bloom is the chance to put a smile on somebody’s dial. Getting your hands on amazingly vibrant and fresh flowers can seriously make anyone’s day — if not week!

In order to help you maintain that bestest friend ever status — or help you out of the dog house — we’ve compiled a list of places with the freshest flowers and the brightest bunches!

Moss & Stone
Located in two locations in Southport, there’s no denying these guys are big players when it comes to fresh flowers — their multiple awards also cement this fact! You might get distracted from your flower mission with the exciting selection of homewares, skincare, and gifts, but remain focussed — you got this!
Where: 4/41 Musgrave Avenue, Chirn Park and Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport.

Flowers Gold Coast
We’re crushing hard on the fresh, high quality, and on-trend blooms from Flowers Gold Coast. With an amazing array of stunning fresh blooms, dried flowers and hampers, all made by locals, for locals. With an impressive variety of stunning flower options available, Flowers Gold Coast (literally) deliver the goods every day of the week. They also offer same day delivery to Brisbane and Logan for orders placed by 11am.
Where: online

Studio O’Hara
One of the newest luxury florists on the block, Bureligh’s Studio O’Hara offers a personalised flower subscription service to ensure you’ll never miss a loved-ones’ special date again. With their curated selection of locally sourced gifts and stunning fresh and dried flower bouquets this florist is indeed a game changer.
Where: 7 Taree St, Burleigh Heads

Village Flower Emporium
With free delivery for Sanctuary Cove and Hope Island residents, if there’s somebody up north who you want to spoil, then these guys are very much an option. Besides delivery, the shop caters to all tastes with a wide range of bouquets and gift packs as well as plush teddy bears — now if that doesn’t make somebody’s day, we don’t know what will!
Where: The Marine Village, 31 Masthead Way, Sanctuary Cove

Tugun Fruit and Flowers
Taking a trip to Tugun is always a great idea and a fabulous way to slow things down and enjoy a more relaxed village-style vibe to the Gold Coast. Swing by Tugun Fruit and Flowers, and not only will you find amazing juices (yum), you’ll also discover adeptly put together flower arrangements and a collection of dried flowers which are sure to brighten any room.
Where: 4/467 Golden Four Drive, Tugun 

Wilde little Bloome
This boutique Gold Coast florist’s magical blooms saw them named as a finalist in the 2022 Wedding Industry Awards. Nakita, the creative mind behind Wilde Little Bloome is passionate about creating quality, unique and super special pieces. They create dreamy, organic and rustic inspired bouquets with both fresh and dried flowers.
Where: online

Bloom Jar
Now it may be a touch off-topic, but the selection of gifts that online Gold Coast florist Bloom Jar has at your disposal is nothing short of impressive. Jazz up any flower order with the addition of candles, chocolate, body oil, and wine! Their ‘everlasting collection’ are carefully curated dried flower arrangements and vary in style and size: perfect for any situation!
Where: online

Posy Lane
Posy Lane specialises in creating unique, fresh flower arrangements delivered straight to your doorstep at an affordable price. Unlike traditional florists, Posy Lane embraces a unique concept – each day, they craft a distinctive bunch of fresh seasonal flowers for delivery. While you can reach out for specific requests, styles, colors, or varieties, the true joy of Posy Lane lies in the delightful surprise they bring to each gift, turning it into a memorable and heartfelt experience.
Where: Online

Alba Roses
While their cute as a button Nobby Beach store is no more, thankfully we can still get our hands on Alba Roses’ beautiful flowers, plants and curated range of gifts online.
Where: Online

Eden the Flower Shop
The fantastic work of these guys can be found across various different cafes across the Coast from Helensvale to Surfers Paradise, such as all four Papercup cafes, northern favourite Bear Boy, Paddock and Rosé Gelateria. But fear not, you’ll also see their extensive range of blooms online for delivery right across the Gold Coast. Specialising in weddings and flower workshops, yep, that’s right. How do you fancy learning how to make your own pressed flower frame?!
Where: Multiple Gold Coast cafes or online

Bee’s Blossoms
Belle, the genius behind Bee’s whimisical floral creations, started her business by designing flowers for her disorganised sibling! Just 8 months in she won the Gold Coast Bulletin’s Best Florist Competition for 2021. Weddings and events are skillfully catered for with sustainability front of mind. Meaning all your flowery dreams and desires will be realised with minimal impact on the environment! We love this!
Where: Online from Mudgeeraba.

Maud and Ivy Flowers
With the tagline “Bold, Unmistakable and Courageous” you just know this florist is going to stand out in the crowd. Owner Monique Rameau has a devotion to detail and focuses on creating a personalised experience for every client.
Where: online

Words by Belinda Symons.

If you haven’t sampled the goodies from these cake artists, butter late than never we say because they will never dessert you. There’s only one quality rivalling the taste of these sensational sweeties and that’s their presentation, which speaks directly to your insta grid (say cheese…cake)!

Here are 8 totally tier-rific GC based creators, perfect for a decadent treat to satisfy your craving, or a custom designed showstopper guaranteed to be the icing on the cake at your next event.

My Favourite Baker
Known as a lifeline for positively drool-worthy last-minute cake and cupcakes, we need My Favourite Baker in our lives because we always leave the cake to the final hour #mumfail #wifefail #partyfail #justfail. With glowing coverage in the who’s who of print media and raving Google reviews, you’re in excellent hands here. A special shout-out to the celiacs amongst us, they do epic gluten-free varieties. Happy dance!
Our pick: My Favourite Unicorn. It tastes as amazing as it looks. Translation: kid & big kid pleaser.
Where: 4/1 Inventory Court, Arundel 

My French Pastries
You know a patisserie is darn good when it books out in advance for orders! An award-winning French bakery tucked away in Ampol Foodary, Mr French Pastries cakes are iconic. Pastry Chef Antonio Marchesi keeps it real, crafting all goodies from scratch, and using only the finest French flour, quality butter, and premium ingredients. A stickler for French tradition, it’s history in the baking!
Our pick: Millefeuilles Cake (aka French vanilla slice cake!)
Where: 4226/361 Robina Parkway, Robina

Baked GC
This place is literally a cake-o-holics haven. We’re talking birthday cakes, wedding cakes, kids cakes, party cakes, cupcakes, All.The.Cakes! Now strictly an e-commerce bakery, you’re guaranteed an epic handcrafted artisan dessert made locally from scratch. With an average three-day lead time for most cakes, Tamar is the master of flavour and a true artist when it comes to both ‘construction’ and aesthetics. Love at first sight and bite.
Our pick: Signature Mud Salted Caramel Cake
Where: 61 Matthew Flinders Drive, Paradise Point (for pick-up orders)

The Cake That Ate Paris
Calling all brides to be! If it’s a show-stopping wedding cake you’re channelling (obvs), Bree is your person! From her phenomenal baking skills and eye for detail, to her friendly down-to-earth nature and genuine passion for her business, this trained pastry chef has become one of the most sought-after cake designers on the Coast. Book your consult and taste test (the best part!) six to eight weeks out from your big day. Even your cake will be in tiers with emotion!
Our pick: Raspberry Buttercream Wedding Cake
Where: 1099 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

I Heart Cakes by Casey
Casey has become a bit of a cake-making celeb around our ‘hood. Using only the freshest ingredients, she makes all her cakes to order and loves collaborating with customers to ensure the end creation is precisely what they had envisioned. From wedding cakes to kids’ birthday cakes and anything in between, you knead Casey to bake it happen!
Our pick: Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Where: 8 Jarrahdale Drive, Elanora

Madisons Café & Patisserie
I mean, this place needs no introduction. A fave with long-time Gold Coasters for good reason, we’ve been meeting our pals at this award-winning cafe for a cuppa and a slab of homemade ten-outta-ten cake for decades. Madisons’ loyal army of customers begged for them to start whipping up custom cakes for functions and parties and like any smart business, they listened! If you haven’t been, go. Now!
Our pick: Caramel Mud Cake with Vanilla Buttercream and Macaron
Where: Ground Floor, Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Charles Avenue, Broadbeach

Sweet Cakes by Katy
What started as a passion for making cakes for family and friends’ events, soon turned into an obsession for making sweet treats for a living! Choose from pre-designed cakes, cupcakes and cookies, or opt for something custom created to score brownie points at your next ‘do! Bridesmaids, Katy does some lol-worthy naughty (but VERY nice) creations (#blush), plus offers nationwide shipping for cookies!
Our pick: Drunk girl cake
Where: 334 Foxwell Road, Coomera

Two Little Cupcakes
Sweet tooths, take head! Named after her two little boys (awwww), Rachelle Silvas specialises in gorgeous customised birthday cakes, wedding cakes, cake popsicles, personalised cookies, and cupcakes. Plus, she offers more than 26 different flavours and our head hurts at the thought of having to choose just one. So whether you’re celebrating a lap around the sun, getting hitched, or hosting a baby shower, you definitely want a piece of Two Little Cupcakes.
Our pick: Blueberry Pancake Vanilla Cake
Where: Benowa, Gold Coast

Words by Bianca Trathen.