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

Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove

Now, we’re not saying anyone’s posh, but if Mum appreciates a refined spread, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove is serving up a Mother’s Day Pink High Tea with plenty of flair at Cove Café. Sip on a glass of sparkling Bimbadgen Moscato on arrival before diving into a seasonal lineup of elegant bites like Slow-cooked Toowoomba beef brisket doughnut, Lobster & tarragon vol-au-vent, plus sweet treats including raspberry macarons and tropical passionfruit tartelettes. Of course, there are classic and lemon myrtle scones with all the trimmings, alongside delicate finger sandwiches.

Priced at $89 per adult and $30 per child (aged 5–12), bookings are essential for Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th May from 12pm. Sunday is now fully booked, and there is limited space for Saturday, so get your bookings locked in quickly here.
Where: Cove Café, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Sanctuary Cove, Manor Circle, Hope Island

Sanctuary Cove

Celebrate Mother’s Day in style at Sanctuary Cove, where waterfront views and feel-good moments set the scene for a day to remember. Head to the Marine Village for a complimentary retro Kombi photo booth on the Village Green from 10am to 2pm, complete with printed snaps and the chance to win a luxe Hunter Valley getaway.

Make a day of it with long lunches, bubbles by the water or a little retail therapy, with plenty of dining options across the precinct. Think a two-course feast at Red’s Kitchen & Bar, live music and giveaways at Cove Tavern, a blush-toned Pink High Tea at Cove Café, or a festive feast at Pablito’s.

Happening Sunday 10 May, this is your go-to for a relaxed yet elevated Mother’s Day by the marina. For information on all the offers and activities, click here.
Where: 4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa

If Mum’s love language is luxury (and let’s be honest… it probably is), JW Marriott Gold Coast is pulling out all the stops with their seriously elegant High Tea by JW at Chapter & Verse Bar & Lounge.

Start things right with a glass of Moët and Chandon Rosé Champagne on arrival, before settling in for a beautifully curated spread of handcrafted sweet and savoury delights from the resort’s talented pastry team. Tea is served in stunning Cristina Re teacups with 24-carat gold detailing, adding an extra layer of sophistication to an already special experience.

There are even a few extra surprises in store, including the chance to win limited edition “Mum” mugs, so the spoiling doesn’t stop at the last sip.

Priced at $109 per person, with sittings at 10:30am and 1:30pm on Sunday 10th May, this is one Mother’s Day treat she will not forget. Book here.
Where: Chapter & Verse Bar & Lounge, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

QT Gold Coast

Is Mum a fan of the finer things, but you know it’s quali-tea time that really fills her (tea)cup? Ditch the daisies and dial up the indulgence with QT Gold Coast’s Mother’s Day QTea High Tea. Think tiered towers stacked with standout bites like duck bombolini with truffle aioli, beef brisket and ratatouille tarts, smoked salmon en croute, plus sweet treats including Ferrero-inspired delights, cassis macarons and strawberry basil cheesecake. There are bubbles (or even a craft beer), plus tea or espresso coffee to keep the good times pouring.

Priced at $99 per adult (including a glass of G.H. Mumm Rosé Champagne), $85 per teen and $39 per child, bookings are available for Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th May from 11:30am to 2pm (two-hour sittings). Book here.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

Palette

Palette Restaurant at HOTA is serving up a Mother’s Day lunch that’s as impressive as she is. Set inside the Gold Coast’s only three-hatted restaurant, this is your cue to swap brekkie in bed for something a little more elevated.

Settle in for a long, leisurely lunch filled with beautifully plated, seasonal dishes that are equal parts art and flavour. Think standout plates like Australian bay lobster with brioche, char siu beef with crispy eggplant, and dreamy desserts starring feijoa or caramelised pineapple. It’s all thoughtfully curated and perfectly paired with a glass of wine or beer, because Mum deserves nothing less.

Choose between two courses for $85 or go all out with three for $100, with sittings from 11am on Sunday 10th May. Consider this your sign to book now and favourite child status is basically guaranteed. Book here.
Where: HOTA, Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise

Paradise Centre

Everyone’s favourite Surfers Paradise shopping centre, Paradise Centre, is dialling things up this Mother’s Day with cool-mum energy and experiences to match. Forget the predictable pressies, this year it’s all about margaritas at El Camino Cantina, axe throwing at MANIAX, fresh piercings at Lovisa or even a cheeky tattoo at Celebrity Ink.

There’s plenty happening across the weekend, from mums throwing for free at MANIAX (with a paying guest) to mystery gift boxes at Unique Trendz Boutique, plus escape room adventures at Padlock’d (with complimentary chocolates for Mum). TGI Fridays is also getting in on the action, with a complimentary dessert for mums when you book ahead.

From shopping perks to hands-on fun, Paradise Centre is your one-stop spot to spoil Mum (and have a little fun while you’re at it). Find out more information here.
Where: Paradise Centre, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

The Star Gold Coast

Spoil Mum your way at The Star Gold Coast this Mother’s Day, with a lineup of dining, indulgence and a little bit of everything in between. From Italian favourites at Cucina Vivo to fresh seafood feasts at Harvest Buffet, plus Japanese dining at Kiyomi and yum cha or banquets at Uncle Su, there’s something to suit every kind of celebration. You can even take things up a notch with sky-high dining at Nineteen at The Star.

If relaxation is more her style, treat Mum to a little downtime with a 90-minute escape at Azure Spa, or turn the whole day into a staycation she won’t forget.

On Sunday 10th May, with lunch and dinner options across the precinct, this is your one-stop spot for Mother’s Day plans. For information on all the events click here.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach

Burleigh Leagues Club

Burleigh Leagues Club is serving up a Mother’s Day Breakfast Buffet that’s all about starting the day on a delicious note. Expect a generous spread of hot and cold favourites, freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruit and all the hearty classics to keep everyone happy.

There’s a complimentary glass of champagne for Mum on arrival, because bubbles with brekkie just feels right, plus the chance to win a $300 hamper while you’re there.

With a relaxed, family-friendly vibe and plenty to go around, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser. Happening Sunday 10 May from 8:30am to 10:30am, priced at $45.50 for adults, $15 for kids and free for under fives. Book here.
Where: Burleigh Leagues Club, 80 Pacific Avenue, Miami

The Strand

The Strand Coolangatta is bringing all the feel-good vibes this Mother’s Day with a lineup designed to help Mum truly unwind. From Wednesday, May 6, swing by with the family to snap a pic at the dreamy floral photo wall. No bookings needed, just smiles all round. On Saturday, May 9 from 9am to 3pm, Level One transforms into Mum’s Lounge, where she can soak up some well-deserved downtime with free five-minute massages from Cozy Time Massage, live music and a relaxed, flower-filled setting. There’s plenty to keep everyone entertained too, from shell trinket workshops by The Craft Parlour and card-making stations to angel and tarot readings in the afternoon. Don’t miss the charity flower wall, where a gold coin donation could score Mum a prize from The Strand’s retailers. Find out more here.
Where: 72-80 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Words by Belinda Symons

She gave you the gift of life so that qualifies her for deserving the gift of everything, and with Mum’s big day just around the corner we’ve found some of the best ways to spoil that special lady in your life.

Mum’s officially the word at The Star Gold Coast and as usual they’ve come up with the biggest and best ways to treat your leading lady right – it’s time for her to have her Main Character moment.

Cucina Vivo
If she’s a foodie you’ve come to the right place. Treat mama bear to an indulgent 3-course shared Italian lunch and if this doesn’t secure ‘kid of the year’ status, the glass of Chandon on arrival will. For just $95 per person, let’s unpack the spread. There’s Warmed Ciabatta Bread with olive oil and aged balsamic plus irresistible Fresh Figs with aged balsamic, toasted pistachios and honey. But we’re not done yet coz you can also devour Stracciatella with pumpkin seed pesto and lemon olive oil and (drumroll ploise), the ever-faithful house made Arancini with mushroom, dill and aioli.

Then it’s time for the main event, Stockyard Scotch Fillet with lemon and garlic potatoes, broccolini and Primitivo wine sauce and Market Fish with Vin Bianco cream and soft herb salad. These are paired with some srsly good salad action, in this case the Italian Chop Salad. Top it all off with a taste of Italy sweets edition, aka Tiramisu. Bellissima!

Garden Kitchen & Bar
With the change of season comes that glorious Autumn sun, so why not soak it up while Mum sips on a spicy marg at Garden Kitchen & Bar. The perfect spot for the whole fam with space aplenty for your little rascals to burn some energy before you tuck into their a la carte menu or indulge yourselves with a signature seafood platter and enjoy a complimentary glass of Domaine Chandon.

Kiyomi and Uncle Su
Got a craving for some of the best Asian cuisine on the Coast? Lucky for you The Star has two, Kiyomi and Uncle Su. Think indulgent and authentic Japanese and Chinese fare with flavours that are out of this world. Enjoy both of their traditional a la carte or banquet menus, plus a complimentary glass of Chandon on arrival for mum – we can sense a theme happening here and we’re all for it.

Harvest Buffet
Sometimes more really is more, and the chefs at the Harvest Buffet know that all too well. Let mum eat until her heart’s content with their signature all-you-can-eat buffet, tuck into a feast of prawns and oysters at lunch or if you’re wanting the full seafood buffet experience, stay for dinner. PSA: You’ll want to wear stretchy pants – trust us. Of course, mum will be treated to a glass of bubbles with her meal here too and we’ll cheers to that!

Nineteen at The Star
If Mum is on the boujee side then there’s no place like Nineteen At The Star for her special day. Pop in for lunch or dinner and soak up the glorious view from one of the Gold Coast’s most iconic rooftops. Enjoy all your favourites a la carte. The best of seasonal produce and fresh seafood, paired with one of their signature drops – sounds like a win-win for yours and mum’s tum.

Azure Spa & Fitness
She’s more of an R&R kind of gal we hear you say? Azure Spa & Fitness is the home of indulgence so why not get Mum something that will let her zen out and forget she’s a parent for a moment. Raising you was no joke – she deserves it. Get your hands on a signature spa treatment for $215 and let the Mother’s Day treatment keep going because she can use this bad boy throughout the month of May and be treated like the Queen that she is.

For a one-stop (Mother’s Day fun) shop, it’s all about The Star. For more information on any of The Star Gold Coast’s Mother’s Day activations, go here.

Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach
When: Mother’s Day, Sunday 12th May. Azure Spa & Fitness treatment available throughout the month of May

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski

STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST

The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol. Guests must be aged 18 years or over to enter the casino. BET WITH YOUR HEAD, NOT OVER IT.

Undoubtedly, one of life’s greatest pleasures is sitting in front of a multi-tiered tray, delicately filled with morish bite-size eats and paired with a cuppa. Or bubbles. Okay both.

And just when you thought high tea couldn’t get any fancier, a lot of places are now serving up seasonal theming with their tiers- think themed décor, seasonally adapted ingredients, and a twist on the classics. It’s high tea with a seasonal spin, and we’re absolutely here for it.

In all honest-tea, here are 13 of the best high tea haunts on the Coast, listed north to south. Bake a leg and get bready to tick them off your must-visit list, one by one. And go!

Cove Cafe

Following a multi-million dollar refurb, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort is looking better than ever, as is the ever-elegant High Tea menu, hosted in Cove Cafe from 1–4pm every Saturday and Sunday. Elevate your weekend with decadent morsels such as slow-cooked 12-hour Beef Cheek with a Chimmi Churri Doughnut and Milk Chocolate, Hazelnut, Disaronno Amaretto Layer Cake. 

Plus, since they also have the bragging rights as the first hotel to feature globally renowned Tea Forté teas, you can rest assured you’ll be treated like royal-tea, starting with a welcome of Tea Forté-infused towel and palate-cleansing iced tea piccolo from your host. You can also upgrade your tea time to include their signature ‘Pear-tea-ni’ cocktail, NV Jansz Premium Cuvee or NV Miguel Torres ‘Santa Digna – Estelado’ Pais Sparkling Rose, with more options to choose from! Prices start at $69 per person.
Where: Cove Cafe, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove

Mecca Bah

Have you tried a Middle Eastern high tea yet, and if you’re shaking your noggin, we’re about to open up a whole new world of d-lish. Boasting exotic sweet and savoury bites a-plenty, it will become your new normal to meet your mates here. Tuck into three tiers brimming with treats such as Orange Blossom Cheesecake and Halloumi and Eggplant Skewers, with unlimited barista-made coffee and tea, and a sparkling wine or mocktail on arrival. $65 pp, minimum of four people.
Where: 18/10 Santa Barbara Road, Hope Island

Pearls Bar

This eclectic fave with warm mood lighting for days is known for its rotating seasonal high teas. From now until May 31, they invite us all to celebrate the ethereal hues of a Gold Coast sunrise with their Golden Aurora High Tea. The limited-time high tea, served daily from 12–4pm, is a tribute to our fave time of day- golden hour! The warm glow of sunrise will come to life in every dish, from the Smoked Salmon with Citrus Cream, Cucumber and Onion Pickle on Rye, the Lemon Meringue Choux Craquelin and Passionfruit & Gold Leaf Sponge.

It all gets better with a Gilded Spritz– a radiant cocktail featuring gin, Angostura bitters, lemon, honey, and organic prosecco, elegantly garnished with a golden rim and raspberries dipped in edible gold dust. $79 per adult or $39 per child (aged 5-12 years), which includes a glass one Gilded Spritz cocktail (over 18 only) and unlimited Tavalon tea and coffee.
Where: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Le Jardin

The Imperial Hotel, Seaworld Drive’s HQ of luxury, might be sporting a fresh new name – but thankfully, they’re serving up that same fabulous Couture High Tea experience we know and love. Bringing a fashionable culinary experience to the perennial classic – you’ll feel very high socie-tea indeed, sipping bubbles surrounded by the sparkling crystal chandelier and grand vaulted ceilings.

There are two high tea options (fancy and fancier) – depending on how boujee you’re feeling. You have the Couture High Tea with all the embellishments for $69 per person. You begin with Buttermilk Scones with English Breakfast spiked Sultanas, White chocolate and treacle, served alongside Double Thick vanilla-bean cream and House-made Preserve– just to give you an indication as to where tea is going (somewhere marvellous, that’s where). Or for a slightly less extravagant experience (that doesn’t skimp on the delish factor), there are also four curated mini-spreads to pick from (think Devonshire tea) starting from $25 per person.
Where: Imperial Hotel, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Chapter and Verse

Located in the luxurious JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, high tea at Chapter & Verse is an unmissable resort tradition created by their esteemed culinary team. Using local ingredients, this team take their high tea business seriously – sharing that each homemade morsel is inspired by the echo of birds in the resort’s peaceful and tranquil surrounds. So excuse us as we channel our inner seagull and duke it out over the likes of JW lavender, honey, white chocolate chip scones with fig and peach jam and fresh cream and Lobster crumpet with citrus aioli… we kid, of course – only our best etiquette for a classy establishment like the Marriott. There’s also a cute mini-me version for the little ones, Teeny Tiny Tea for $39 per child. Prices start from $79 per adult.
Where: 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Bumbles

Tucked peacefully a stone’s throw from the Budds Beach waterfront, Surfers stalwart Bumbles has long been a beloved spot to meet for coffee and some grazing action (and now cocktails – thanks to neighbouring big sis sip spot, Blue House #squee).

Inside the most charming little cafe in 4217 (and perhaps, the entire coast), there’s a mix of themed private rooms that branch off the main space – so it figures that it also makes a particularly spesh spot for a fanciful high tea soiree. Acquaint yourself with the divinely appointed Library (or luxurious Hamptons room, perhaps) and tuck into a spread of smoked salmon blinis, pint-sized quiches, fruit tarts and tea sandwiches. Bookings for the “regular” high tea (a misnomer if ever we’ve heard one) come in at $50 per person, with dietary and bubbles options also available. La-de-dah indeed.
Where: 19 River Drive, Surfers Paradise

QT Gold Coast

This is no ordinary high tea! … well, okay, technically speaking, they do offer an ‘Ordinary’ High Tea option, but since you know QT Gold Coast is all about infusing the unexpected into everything they do – trust us when we say it’s anything but. The variety of pinky-popping menus also includes a champas-studded Extraordinary High Tea experience, a Man Tea for a more savoury take and a mini spread for your little Q’Ties for $39 per child.

Here, the typical savoury tea fare has been treated to a tapas-style twist, such as Spiced Tempura Cauliflower and Smoked Salmon and Cucumber Poppers to excite the taste buds – so, move over cucumber sandwich, you culinary snooze-fest you (there, we said it). And don’t get us started on the Caramello chiffon and Mini Pavlova. Prices start at $69 per adult with a variety of boozy upgrade options, such as jugs of Aperol Spritz and Pink Gin Spritz to really enhance your experience.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Ms Margot’s

A pretty little gem nestled just inside the lobby of Hilton Surfers Paradise, Ms Margot’s certainly knows a thing or two about being boujee. Along with serving up superb sips and all-day bites, the signature High Tea spread is available from 11:30–3:00 daily for whenever the urge for a lavish light lunch hits. Gather your gal and/or guy pals for a glam #SATC style rendezvous, and spill the tea over Roast Duck Bao Bun with Hoisin, Slaw and Kewpie mayo, Gelato Bon Bon, and, of course, Freshly Baked Scones with Dollop Cream, Blackberry Jam and Berries (plus more). The Signature High Tea comes in at $49pp with an optional upgrade to bottomless Mimosas or Sparkling Wine for an extra $25pp- very Carrie approved!
Where: Hilton Surfers Paradise, 6 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Palette

Every Sunday, locals and visitors alike flock to HOTA not just for their arty fix or a spot of market browsing, but to tuck into a delightful High Tea. Served in the critically acclaimed and ever-popular Palette restaurant, superstar Executive Chef Dayan Hartill-Law has curated the ultimate high tea experience. A couple of highlights are the Glazed ham with wattle mustard, smoked cheddar and pickle, the Coronation chicken and the Caramel pecan millionaires shortbread. Divine! Prices start at $70 per adult with bubbly upgrades available.
Where: HOTA Gallery, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Greendays

With its pavilion backdrop, lush gardens, and tranquil setting, this centrally located secluded oasis is the home of high tea. Not only high tea, though! They also have High Cheese! What’s High Cheese, you ask? It’s basically a tour through cheese land with 8 decadent dishes and a wine in hand. Say less! Stop one- champagne poached pear with gorgonzola. Stop two- house specialty carrot cake with cream cheese, and so on. That dairy dream boat is $85pp.

They also have a French Inspired high Tea- think Spinach Choux with Creamed Eggs and French Apple Tart Tatin for $68pp. Also, a Vegan High Tea for $78pp, a Gluten Free High Tea for $78pp and a Junior High Tea (babycinos included!) for $39 per child. No one misses out!
Where: 8/6 Ashmore Road, Bundall

The Langham

Okay, so technically this one is officially called an Afternoon Tea, but when it comes to sumptuously snacking our way through bite-sized helpings of Opera cake made with coffee, almond and 54% dark chocolate Callebaut and tarts of crispy prosciutto, mushroom, truffle mousse, and fried quail egg. 

In a British nod to its namesake at The Langham, London, where traditional English afternoon tea was served over 150 years ago, the stunning Palm Court restaurant inside the hotel pays tribute to its heritage. Serving a bespoke offering of the traditional Afternoon Tea crafted by culinary experts, it’s time to start practising your tea drinking etiquette (no pinky!). Prices start from $95 per person.
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise

Bon Appetea Teahouse

Nestled in leafy Mudgeeraba, the stunningly decorated and truly breathtaking Bon Appetea Teahouse exudes French charm and traditional elegance. Popular for bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays and basically any event you can think of, their Luxe High Tea is the definition of decadence. Think buttermilk scones with homemade jam and cream and a selection of petite patisseries, organic sandwiches and savoury bites. Oh and if you’re on the hunt for a truly beautiful, quaint, spot to tie the knot, this one’s a keeper. $55 per adult.
Where: 7 Johns Road, Mudgeeraba

Tarte Tea Garden

It was only a matter of time before the Gold Coast’s fav boujee bakery and brunch spot threw their hat into the High Tea ring. Thank god they did, because now we have a gorgeous tea garden to drink tea and coffee and nibble on cakes, scones, and sweet treats amongst greenery. Could we ask for more? No, but they delivered more. Starting with Tiramisu Coffee, Traditional French Hot Chocolate (AKA a teapot of liquid chocolate), fresh-baked scones, mini pastries, ceremonial-grade matcha, batch-brew coffee and cloud drinks. My goodness! Walk-ins welcome or book ahead.
Where: 2 Thrower Dr, Currumbin

Words by Kellie Leader and Chelsea Ipsen