Mother's Day in Newcastle: Everything Happening in 2026

High teas, harbour cruises, long lunches and markets — here's how to make Mum's day.

Mother's Day is Sunday 10 May, which means the clock is ticking. The good news? Newcastle and the Hunter are stacked with options this year — whether Mum wants bubbles on the water, a lazy long lunch, a browse through a local market, or something a bit more unique.

A few of these are already filling up, so book fast.

☕ High Teas

Novotel Newcastle Beach | 10 May Sweets, savouries, scones and your choice of a mimosa, sparkling or juice on arrival. Hard to go wrong with a harbour backdrop. 📍 5 King St, Newcastle | 💰 $70pp + booking fee

Tanilba House | 9 May A traditional high tea inside a heritage homestead built in 1831, with a history talk and tour of the house and grounds included. Two sittings: 10.30am and 1.30pm. 📍 32 Caswell Crescent, Tanilba Bay | 💰 $75pp

Mercure Newcastle | 10 May Indulge in a beautifully curated selection of sweet and savoury delights, from delicate finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones with jam and cream, to gourmet wagyu sliders and an irresistible assortment of handcrafted tarts and slices. 📍12 Steel Street, Newcastle West | 💰$55pp

Tocal Homestead | 10 May High tea in a stunning heritage setting in the Hunter Valley with multiple sittings throughout the morning. Fine bone china, fresh scones, sweet and savoury treats. 📍 Tocal Homestead, Paterson | 💰 Adults $68, Children $38

Roundhouse Newcastle | 10 May Celebrate the mother figure in your life with an elegant afternoon of champagne, live music and high tea above the city. 📍Roundhouse, Newcastle | $120pp

🚢 Get Her on the Water

NOVA Cruises Morning Tea Cruise — Newcastle | 10 May Two hours on Newcastle Harbour with a Devonshire tea and a complimentary mimosa for Mum. 📍 Lee Wharf, 5 Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle | 💰 Adults $60, Children $40

NOVA Cruises Morning Tea Cruise — Lake Macquarie | 10 May Same deal, different water. Stunning Lake Mac views with bubbles and Devonshire tea on board. 📍 Booragul Public Wharf, Booragul | 💰 Adults $60, Children $40

William the Fourth High Tea Cruise | 3 May A two-hour cruise on Newcastle Harbour with a Mother's Day high tea on board. Runs the Sunday before Mother's Day — worth booking if the 11th is already spoken for. 📍 Lee Wharf, 5 Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle | 💰 $75pp

Mother's Day Breakfast Cruise | 10 May Full buffet breakfast on the water — bacon, eggs, sausages, continental, the works — plus a complimentary mimosa for adults. Smart casual, check-in from 9am. 📍 Queens Wharf Ferry Terminal | 💰 Adults $79, Children $49. More info.

Honeysuckle Hotel Harbour Breakfast | 10 May All-you-can-eat buffet breakfast right alongside Newcastle Harbour. Hot and cold selections, juice, self-serve coffee and tea. Multiple sittings from 8am. 📍 Honeysuckle Hotel, Newcastle | 💰 More info.

🍽️ Long Lunches

The Del | 10 May Two-course share-style lunch — burrata, woodfired bread, kingfish ceviche, rotisserie chicken — plus a margarita station on arrival for Mum. Optional $5pp dessert share platter because saying no to dessert on Mother's Day feels wrong. Minimum 4 people, bookings essential. 💰 $59pp. More info.

Urban Restaurant and Wine Bar | 10 May A curated sharing menu — house-made focaccia, your choice of entrée, main and dessert, and a complimentary glass of bubbles for Mum on arrival. One of the better value sit-down options on the list. 📍 143 Darby St, Cooks Hill | 💰 $62.50pp

Earp Distilling Co. | 10 May A $60 set menu at one of Newcastle's favourite distilleries, with a free Spritz for Mum and a $20 kids option. Easy, relaxed, and a genuinely good day out in Carrington. 📍 41 Darling St, Carrington | 💰 $60pp

The Beach Hotel | 10 May Lunch with a view at Merewether, with every booking including a complimentary box of Coco Monde chocolates. A classic Newcastle spot. 📍 99 Frederick St, Merewether | 💰 More info

NOAH'S on the Beach | 10 May A timeless long lunch at NOAH'S set against sweeping ocean views. Sparkling rosé on arrival, a nostalgic menu inspired by family favourites, and wines paired by Bonvilla Estate. Designed for connection and conversation by the sea. 📍 NOAH'S on the Beach, Newcastle | More info

Atmos Shoal Bay | 10 May A special Greek feast by the bay. Book a table to lock in a spot. 📍 35-45 Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay | 💰 More info.

Shoal Bay Country Club | 10 May Three courses on the patio with sparkling on arrival for Mum. Relaxed, family-friendly, kids menu available. 📍 35-45 Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay | 💰 Adults $79.54, Kids $32.41

8 at Trinity | 10 May Three-course set menu lunch or dinner in a waterfront setting at Trinity Point, with a heart-shaped chocolate for Mum. One of the more upscale options on the list. 📍 81 Trinity Point Dr, Morisset Park | 💰 Lunch $158pp, Dinner $138pp

Stanley Park | 10 May A more relaxed outdoor option — bring a picnic or grab scones, seafood and coffee from the vendors, with live music from The Pat Eyre Band across the afternoon. BYO picnic blankets and chairs. 📍 Stanley Park, Fullerton Cove | 💰 $10 per vehicle, $5pp walk-in

Great Northern Hotel | 10 May Celebrate the most important women in your life with great food, great company and a little extra sparkle. Book ahead and Mum’s first glass of bubbles is on the house! 📍83-89 Scott St, Newcastle 2300. More info.

Maryland Tavern | 10 May Make Mum’s day special at Maryland Tavern with a relaxed Mother’s Day lunch, great food, live music and a few extra touches to make the occasion feel a bit more special.On arrival, all mums will receive a complimentary glass of bubbles, setting the tone for an easy and enjoyable afternoon with family and friends. More info.

Mattara Hotel | 10 May 3 Course Set Menu with complimentary sparkling on arrival. 📍Mattara Hotel | 💰$59pp

Customs House | 10 May 3-course Mother’s Day lunch will be available from 11:30am, including a glass of Usher Tinkler Prosecco on arrival. 📍 Customs House | 💰 $79pp

8 at Trinity | 10 May Celebrate Mum in style in a luxurious waterfront setting and a 3 Course Set Menu Lunch or Dinner. A la carte menu only from 8pm onwards. 📍81 Trinity Point Dr, Morisset Park | 💰 Adults $158pp, Children $48pp

Bartholemews | 10 May Indulge Mum with an elegant dining experience in the heart of Newcastle this Mother’s Day. Enjoy a refined two-course menu, complemented by a glass of house wine on arrival.📍Bartholomews, 145 King Street, Newcastle NSW, Australia | 💰 $45pp

Harrigan’s Cameron Park | 10 May A relaxed and memorable Mother’s Day filled with great food, family time, and special touches just for Mum. From the moment she arrives, she’ll be treated to a complimentary glass of champagne, plus a few extra surprises to make her feel extra loved. 📍Harrigan Cameron Park | More info.

SALT Kitchen Belmont 16s | 10 May Spoil mum with two course lunch overlooking Lake Macquarie in Salt Kitchen. On the Ground Floor or the Belmont 16s Sailing Club. Choose from an option of three delicious main courses and three yummy desserts. 📍Belmont 16s, The Parade, Belmont NSW 2280 | 💰 Adults $61pp, Children 25pp

🛍️ Markets & Free Days Out

Homegrown Markets — The Station | 9 May Handmade stalls, street food, live music, kids activities and a permanent jewellery bar. A big free Saturday option right in Newcastle. 📍 The Station, Newcastle | 💰 Free

Homegrown Markets — Maitland | 10 May Handmade stalls, street food, live music, kids activities, permanent jewellery bar and face painting. A full free morning out in Maitland. 📍 Harold Gregson Park, Maitland | 💰 Free

Hunter Region Botanic Gardens Picnic | 10 May Live music from Jumpin' Jukebox, a free plant for every mum, card readings, a kids craft stall and scones. Bring a picnic or pre-order a grazing box from Feast & Foliage — note bookings for platters close 1pm on 8 May. 📍 2100 Pacific Highway, Heatherbrae | 💰 Adults $10, Children $5, Family $20

✨ Activities & Experiences

Hey Tilly Permanent Bracelet Experience | 9–10 May Coffee, mimosa and pastry on arrival, a custom permanent bracelet in 14k gold filled or sterling silver, and a fresh bouquet to take home. Relaxed, thoughtful, and a bit more memorable than flowers alone. Spaces are limited. 📍 Darby Street, Cooks Hill | 💰 From $109

ART PLAY at MAP mima | 10 May A creative family morning of guided art-making for all ages, followed by a wander through Speers Point Park. One of the few completely free and genuinely fun options for families with young kids. 📍 Multi-Arts Pavilion mima, 96 Creek Reserve Rd, Speers Point | 💰 Free

Miss Porter's House Museum | 10 May Something a bit different — a National Trust property from 1909 with special Mother's Day displays telling the stories of the women who lived and worked in early Newcastle. A genuinely interesting afternoon if Mum loves local history. 📍 Miss Porter's House, Newcastle | 🕐 1pm–4pm

Mother's Day Classic | 10 May Kick off Mother's Day with a 5km walk or run along the Stockton Foreshore, raising money for breast and ovarian cancer research. Views of the Hunter River, Nobbys Lighthouse and Stockton Beach the whole way. 📍 Griffith Park, Stockton Foreshore | 🕐 Run 8am, Walk 8.30am & 9am | More info.

Mums bowl or putt for FREE | 10 May Mums bowl or putt for FREE at Dullboy’s this Mother’s Day. Plus Mama’s Mimosas are available all day. *Mums must be accompanied by a full-paying customer. 📍Dullboys, Rutherford and Warners Bay

Know something we've missed? Email info@newcastledigest.com, and we'll add it in.

Happy Mother's Day from the Newcastle Digest team. 🌸