Day out with mum in Melbourne

Treat mum to more than just a lunch out this Mother’s Day (14 May, 2017). From breakfast to supper with a show, shopping, and cocktail hour in-between, this list of must-do activities is the perfect way to build a Mother’s Day itinerary, and score some serious brownie points along the way.

BreakfastMeet early for a hearty breakfast to fuel up and review the day’s itinerary. Northsiders can’t go wrong with Pope Joan‘s boiled eggs and soldiers with bacon bits and herb salt, Southsiders should get their Good Egg at the new South Melbourne cafe serving up Real Eggs from the same named chicken farm in Daylesford. Those coming in from the east can get a superfood boost with some Happy Pancakes at Serotonin Eatery (who are also putting on a special Mother’s Day dinner that night(. Or give mum a real treat with The Langham Melbourne’s Mother’s Day breakfast – a luxury buffet spread in the hotel’s ballroom.

Start with artGo to see Van Gogh and the Seasons (28 April – 9 July, 2017). Art lovers are in for a treat with this collection of 40 paintings and 25 drawings on loan from art galleries around the world – exclusively showcased in Melbourne.

Style it upAt Emporium Melbourne, there are stylists available to help customers ‘re-imagine’ their look. With all the contemporary international designers any self-respecting fashionista could wish for, and a whole floor dedicated to Australian fashion, this is a fun way to spend an hour or two even if mum isn’t tempted to buy.

LunchStill at Emporium Melbourne, check out new retail and restaurant experience, Calia. This unique Melbourne experiences offers a taste of the city for customers to take home, suppliers include Mark Eather Seafood, Robbins Island Wagyu beef, Yarra Valley Truffles and Red Hill Truffles, Coffee by Seven Seeds, as well as pastries and bread by Chez Dre and sweet treats by Bibelot. The restaurant next door is a perfect spot to try before you buy.

Or if mum likes it spicy – David Thompson’s Long Chim is definitely the place to go. Authentic Thai flavours from one of the most renowned chef’s in the world, in a fun, informal setting at Crown Melbourne by the river.

Family bondingEscape Rooms are a great indoors activity for fun families if the weather is inclement. Become a CIA agent in 1945 in Manhatten to try and save the world from disaster in these Escape Hunt rooms, or get involved in a gruesome murder mystery at Exitus.

Walk and learnA little known fact is that Melbourne is one of the best examples of an art deco city in the world. A walking tour of the city provides visitors and locals with fascinating insights into the buildings and history that many of us walk past without a second thought. Find out how Melbourne became the most liveable city in the world with a tour by Meltours, Melbourne Walks or Hidden Secrets Tours.

Take in an aerial view of the city at Eureka Skydeck. The brave members of the family can experience Melbourne from a 300m above the ground in The Edge – a glass room that extends out from the 88th floor.

Cocktail HourAbout time too. Take mum to one of the city’s hidden gems. Romeo Lane is cozy and handy for the theatre district. Hihou is perfect for a tasty bar food snacks and cocktails Japanese style. Boilermaker House has a range of tempting cocktails, 850 malt whiskeys and cured meats and cheese platters. Gin Palace never fails to impress with its boudoir style and gin-tastic cocktail menu.

TheatreStarting on May 12, My Fair Lady comes to Melbourne in perfect time for Mother’s Day, directed by Julie Andrews herself at the wonderful Regent Theatre. Get in quick to secure tickets for the matinee only time slot May 14. Or, the must-see show of the year, Disney’s Aladdin, has the critics raving and will score major points with musical mums.

MusicAt Hamer Hall, Verdi’s Messa da Requiem conducted by Andrew Wailes combines high drama, theatricality and intense spirituality to create one of the most powerful musical experiences of the classical repertoire. The thrilling sound of a massed choir of over 250 voices will be complimented by the full might of the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Orchestra.