Mother’s Day in Parramatta 2026
Celebrate Mother’s Day in Parramatta with brunch spots, outdoor adventures, heritage walks and thoughtful gift ideas. Discover easy ways to spend time together, close to home.
Mother’s Day is a chance to slow down, spend time together and show a little appreciation. Whether that looks like a meaningful morning walk, a long brunch, a cultural outing or a peaceful moment in nature, Parramatta has plenty of ways to make the day feel special - without needing to go far.
Mother’s Day is Sunday 10 May, and here’s your local guide to celebrating the mums, grandmothers and carers who mean the most.
Start the day with purpose
Mother’s Day Classic at Parramatta Park
Begin Mother’s Day on a meaningful note at the Mother’s Day Classic, a community walk and run raising funds for breast and ovarian cancer research. Held in the heart of Parramatta Park, the event welcomes all ages and fitness levels, with 5km and 10km options.
It’s a gentle, feel‑good way to come together as a family — whether you’re walking side by side, pushing a pram, or cheering each other on.
- When: Sunday 10 May, 6am–12pm
- Where: Salters Field, Parramatta Park
Local tip: Stick around afterwards. Parramatta Park is ideal for a relaxed picnic, a coffee in the sun or a wander through one of the city’s most loved green spaces.
For the Foodie Mum
If Mum’s love language is good food shared with the people she loves, Parramatta has plenty of ways to make Mother’s Day delicious.
Mother’s Day High Tea
Slow things down with a Mother’s Day High Tea at Novotel Sydney Parramatta, hosted at 350 Restaurant & Lounge. Settle in for an elegant afternoon of thoughtfully prepared sweet and savoury bites, perfect for catching up, celebrating and spending quality time together.
Parramatta is also home to a range of much‑loved high tea experiences, from chocolate‑focused indulgence to classic tiered treats — ideal if you’re marking the day with something a little special.
Brunch & Breakfast Favourites
Whether Mum prefers a relaxed café catch‑up or a picture‑perfect plate, these local favourites are made for lingering mornings:
- Big Tree House Café, Rydalmere: A much‑loved café with a leafy courtyard feel, known for generous portions and a laid‑back vibe. A great choice for mums who enjoy an easy, unhurried lunch in a local setting.
- Java House Café, Epping: Bright and bustling, with generous breakfast portions, fresh pastries and quality espresso.
- June Café, Winston Hills: A cosy neighbourhood café dishing up wholesome breakfasts with a strong sense of community.
- The Hideout Café, Toongabbie – A friendly neighbourhood café known for its welcoming atmosphere and café classics. Ideal for a low‑key Mother’s Day lunch that keeps things simple and close to home.
- MISC., Parrmatta: Modern Australian brunch favourites like cilbir eggs and mushroom ragù on toast, served in a leafy courtyard with laid‑back weekend vibes.
Lunch Ideas
If Mother’s Day calls for a long, unhurried lunch, these spots are ideal for sharing plates and conversation:
- EUCA, Parramatta: Located inside the heritage sandstone walls of The Stables, EUCA’s artisanal pop‑up brings botanical‑led gelato, finely crafted pastries and house‑made drinks into Parramatta’s historic core.
- Enzo’s Cucina, Northmead: A long‑standing local favourite serving familiar Italian dishes in a warm, family‑oriented setting. Well suited to a comforting, no‑fuss Mother’s Day lunch.
- The Camellia Hotel, Parramatta: A much‑loved Parramatta institution serving pub classics in a warm, welcoming environment. Ideal for a low‑key Mother’s Day lunch with family.
- Lola’s Table Filipino Mexican Bistro, Wentworth Point: A vibrant neighbourhood bistro blending Filipino and Mexican flavours, perfect for mums who enjoy something a little different. Expect bold, comforting dishes designed for sharing and a relaxed atmosphere that suits a lively Mother’s Day lunch.
- Iluka on Baywater, Wentworth Point: A calm, waterside spot ideal for a long, leisurely lunch. With its peaceful outlook and relaxed dining style, Iluka is well suited to Mother’s Day celebrations that are more about slowing down and enjoying time together.
- Abattoir Blues, Sydney Olympic Park: Set within the heritage surrounds, Abattoir Blues offers a casual lunch option that pairs well with a post‑meal walk through the parklands. A great choice for mums who appreciate history, open space and an easygoing meal.
Dinner Destinations
- Yori Korean BBQ, Epping: A lively, interactive lunch option where sharing plates and cooking together becomes part of the Mother’s Day experience.
- Alex & Co, Parramatta: A relaxed riverside venue overlooking the Parramatta River, perfect for a Mother’s Day dinner that feels celebratory without being formal. With a spacious setting, varied menu and a lively yet comfortable atmosphere, it’s an easy choice for an evening that can stretch from dinner into drinks.
- Thai Garden House Restaurant, North Parramatta: A relaxed Thai restaurant offering fragrant curries and classic dishes in a calm, welcoming space, perfect for a shared lunch with Mum.
- Madam Pho, Newington: Vietnamese comfort food at its best, from fragrant bowls of pho to fresh rice paper rolls and crispy bánh xèo.
- LILYMU, Parramatta Square: Contemporary Asian flavours served in a vibrant dining room, ideal for mums who enjoy bold flavours and sharing plates in a lively atmosphere.
- Fishboy Kitchen, Dundas: A relaxed local favourite specialising in fresh, seafood‑focused dishes. A great option for a casual Mother’s Day lunch that feels a little different, without being too formal.
- Got Pho, Carlingford: Comforting Vietnamese classics served in a laid‑back setting. Ideal for a shared Mother’s Day lunch built around warm bowls, familiar flavours and easy conversation.
- Okami Japanese Restaurant, Silverwater A relaxed, all‑you‑can‑enjoy Japanese dining experience that’s easy to share and suits family celebrations. A good option for mums who enjoy variety and lingering over lunch together.
- Station Hotel, Parramatta: Right in the heart of the CBD, this modern pub is a convenient choice for a relaxed Mother’s Day meal before or after shopping, a walk or a show.
Little India Food Crawl in Harris Park
For mums who love colour, spice and exploring new flavours, Harris Park is a Mother’s Day feast waiting to happen. Often called Sydney’s Little India, this vibrant neighbourhood is packed with restaurants, sweet shops and street‑food favourites.
Some highlights:
- Amaravathi: A go‑to for pani puri, biryani and bold South Indian flavours.
- Jaipur Sweets: A vegetarian favourite serving generous thalis piled high with curries, breads and pickles.
- Chatkazz: A cult street‑food spot known for dosa, chaat and Indo‑Chinese snacks.
- Jalebi Junction: Finish on a sweet note with freshly fried jalebi, crisp, warm and syrup‑soaked.
Local tip: Many venues open from 10am and parking can be limited, so public transport is the easiest way to enjoy the crawl.
For Mums who Love the Outdoors and Adventures
Whether Mum enjoys being active or simply spending time outdoors with the people she loves, Parramatta offers plenty of ways to slow down, move at her own pace and enjoy the change of scenery this Mother’s Day.
Kayaking at Lake Parramatta
Hidden just minutes from the CBD, Lake Parramatta Reserve feels like a peaceful escape. Calm waters framed by eucalyptus bushland make it an ideal spot for a gentle paddle, whether you’re gliding across the lake together or taking turns while others relax by the shore.
It’s scenic, quiet and a lovely way to spend quality time outdoors — with the added bonus of spotting native birds and the occasional water dragon along the banks.
- Hire from: Parramatta Rowboats (no booking required)
- Open: Weekends & public holidays, 10 AM – 5 PM
- Price: From $25 per hour (single kayak), $35 per hour (double kayak)
- Location: Lake Parramatta Reserve, Lackey St, North Parramatta
- Facilities: Picnic tables, BBQs, kiosk
Cycle the Parramatta Valley Cycleway
For mums who enjoy gentle movement and riverside views, the Parramatta Valley Cycleway is a beautiful way to spend Mother’s Day. This shared path follows the Parramatta River, connecting parklands, leafy stretches and neighbourhoods along the way.
Ride the full length or choose a shorter section — it’s easy to tailor the day to Mum’s pace, with plenty of places to stop for coffee, brunch or a relaxed lunch.
- Length: 15km one‑way (Parramatta Park to Sydney Olympic Park)
- Cost: Free
- Highlights: Riverside views, shady parklands, heritage surrounds
- Café stops: Salt and Butter Café (Ermington), MISC. in Parramatta Park, or finish in the Parramatta CBD
Archery at Sydney Olympic Park
Try something a little different with a beginner archery session at Sydney Olympic Park. These guided sessions are designed for first‑timers, making it easy for the whole family to have a go — no experience needed.
With friendly instructors guiding you through technique and safety, it’s a fun, light‑hearted way to add a bit of friendly competition to Mother’s Day.
- Open: Saturdays & Sundays 10am – 4pm
- Price: $27 per person (minimum age 10)
- Location: Sydney Olympic Park Archery Centre, Bennelong Parkway, Sydney Olympic Park
Picnic in Parramatta Park
Sometimes the simplest plans make the best memories. Parramatta Park offers wide open lawns, shady trees and plenty of peaceful spots for a Mother’s Day picnic right in the heart of the city.
Pack a picnic, grab takeaway from a nearby café or keep it casual with coffee and pastries. With walking paths, playgrounds and heritage surrounds, it’s an easy, flexible option that suits all ages.
- Location: Parramatta Park, Parramatta CBD
- Facilities: Picnic areas, walking tracks, playgrounds, nearby cafés
- Cost: Free
- Tip: Head to quieter areas away from main paths for a more relaxed picnic
See a Show at Riverside Theatres
If Mum loves a night of theatre, live music or something a little unexpected, Riverside Theatres is one of Parramatta’s best ways to celebrate.
There’s also a new way to experience Riverside: Riverside Live at PHIVE, located at 5 Parramatta Square. This fresh, city‑centre venue brings live performance into Parramatta’s newest civic and cultural hub — making it easy to pair a show with dinner, dessert or a stroll through Parramatta Square.
Here's a sample of What's On:
- Mark Vincent Live – You Raise Me Up (Riverside Theatres)
- A Midsummer Night's Dream (Riverside Live at PHIVE): This bold, fast-moving production is a mischievous invitation for a young audience to venture deep inside Shakespeare’s most playful and surreal world — where chaos rules, identities merge, love turns to madness, and your best friend might just turn out to be a donkey.
- Selene (Riverside Live at PHIVE): Part myth, part coming‑of‑age story, part shared experience, Selene explores the light, dark and wild stuff inside all of us.
For the History‑loving Mum
Mother’s Day is a lovely opportunity to slow down and connect with Parramatta’s rich history and cultural heritage. As one of Australia’s earliest European settlements and a place of deep significance to the Burramattagal people of the Darug Nation, Parramatta offers historic sites that invite exploration, reflection and unhurried time together.
From grand colonial buildings to intimate homesteads and riverside heritage precincts, these places bring the past to life in ways that feel thoughtful and grounding.
Old Government House & Parramatta Park
Set within the sweeping grounds of Parramatta Park, Old Government House is Australia’s oldest surviving public building and a UNESCO World Heritage‑listed site.
Built between 1799 and 1816, it served as the country residence of early colonial governors and remains a striking example of Georgian architecture. Guided tours take visitors through the beautifully restored interiors, offering insight into colonial life, while the surrounding parklands provide space to wander, picnic or simply sit and take it all in.
- Opening Hours: Daily, 9 am - 5pm
- Entry: Free for Parramatta Park, Old Government House entry by guided tour (book online)
Parramatta Park itself is perfect for extending the visit, with walking trails, shaded picnic areas and plenty of peaceful spots to pause.
Elizabeth Farm
For a more intimate heritage experience, Elizabeth Farm offers a glimpse into early settler life in one of Australia’s oldest colonial homesteads, built in 1793.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the historic house at their own pace, wander through the heritage gardens and learn about the lives of the Macarthur family. The on‑site café makes it easy to turn a visit into a relaxed Mother’s Day outing, whether for a light lunch, coffee or afternoon treat.
- Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10am - 4pm
- Entry: Adults $12, Concession $8, Children under 16 free
- Location: 70 Alice St, Rosehill
Newington Armory
For mums who enjoy history paired with nature, Newington Armory is a quiet hidden gem. Once a naval armament depot, the site features well‑preserved tunnels, magazines and historic buildings set within bushland along the Parramatta River.
It’s an ideal spot for a gentle heritage walk or bike ride, with river views and open space adding to the sense of calm. A visit here feels less like ticking off a landmark and more like discovering a lesser‑known chapter of Parramatta’s story.
- Opening Hours: Daily, 7am - 5pm
- Entry: Free
- Location: Newington, Silverwater
Go shopping in Parramatta
If you’d like to surprise Mum with something thoughtful to wrap up the day, Parramatta offers plenty of easy shopping options — from big‑name brands to local finds with a personal touch.
- Westfield Parramatta: One of the largest shopping centres in the Southern Hemisphere, home to fashion, beauty, books, homewares and speciality stores. A convenient one‑stop destination for finding something Mum will genuinely enjoy.
- Parramatta Farmer's Markets: Keep an eye out for farmers’ markets and pop‑up artisan stalls around Parramatta’s riverside precincts and neighbourhood centres. They’re great for picking up handmade gifts, fresh flowers or locally made treats.
- Carlingford Court: A smaller, more relaxed shopping centre with a mix of fashion, homewares and everyday essentials, ideal if you’re after a calmer, less hectic shopping experience.
Local tip: Pair gift shopping with a coffee or dessert stop to turn it into part of the Mother’s Day experience, rather than a last‑minute errand.
