Whether it be a mother, aunt, grandmother or wise older woman, we all have special mother figures who support and nurture us. Whether she leans towards art, gardening, books or simply a long lunch, the Convent offers a combination of nature, culture, creativity and good food creating the perfect place to celebrate mothers and mother figures in all their forms.
1. Step into stories: She Shapes History tour
The She Shapes History walking tour of the Convent brings forward the often-overlooked stories of women, offering a thoughtful and engaging way to experience the Convent grounds through a different lens.
2. Get hands-on at Amfora Ceramics Studio
For something tactile, book A Mother’s Day Morning at Amfora. You’ll sit side by side, hand-building and decorating your own ceramic pieces. No experience required, and you’ll have plenty of guidance from teachers.
3. Market wander + garden picnic
Fill your basket with fresh, local produce from 45+ stalls Regional Farmers’ Market, then settle into the Heritage Gardens for a picnic.
4. Long lunch at Julie restaurant
If you’d rather let someone else do the cooking, book a table at Julie. The menu is seasonal, generous, and grounded in produce grown right on site in the Convent’s kitchen garden.
5. Sneak a peek in these artist studios
Explore the Convent’s resident makers and shops and pick up a special gift. These Convent shops are open on weekends, or you can order online via Convent Made
- Pick up playful, one-of-a-kind ceramics from Big Bite Studios
- Browse rare and unusual greenery at Holy Grail Plants
- Discover handcrafted jewellery by Katheryn Leopoldseder
6. Browse ethically made textiles and homewares at Ink & Spindle.
Give mum a locally made textile or homewares from Ink & Spindle (or just drop in to the shop for a browse) .
With a focus on ethical and sustainable production, the Ink & Spindle collection features bespoke, hand-printed textiles, window furnishings, homewares & accessories inspired by the Australian landscape.
7. Immerse yourself in French-themed classical music in a 19th Century chapel
Kick off Mother’s Day weekend with Friday night classical music. Take mum to Insterstellar Call and experience the next generation of musical talent as ANAM musicians present a vibrant program of French-themed brass works in the Good Shepherd Chapel
8. Give the gift of reading:
- Claire Thomas – a deft storyteller whose latest novel, On Not Climbing Mountains, tells of a woman’s train journey through Genova, her father’s birth country
- Sophie Cunningham – for non-fiction books about trees, walking and broader environmental issues and novels with a deep sense of place
- Tony Wilson – for sports history nerds, Tony can’t be beat. Or subscribe mum to Speakola for a weekly dose of the greatest speeches from around the world
9. Browse the Artisan Market
Held in the Salon, the curated Artisan Market by Revival Runway focuses on Australian designers and makers selling jewellery, accessories and small fashion labels. It’s a good place to find something you won’t see everywhere else.
10. Relax into winter with Wellbeing
For a present that lasts beyond the day, consider a voucher from the Convent’s Wellbeing practitioners. Options include:
- Ayurvedic treatments at One Big Love
- Treatments at Flying Needles Acupuncture
11. Move, breathe and reset with Cello Yoga
If your mum prefers experiences over things, Cello Yoga offers a uniquely calming session combining gentle movement with live cello music.
12. A taste of the regions: Heathcote in the City
Fancy a relaxed afternoon of wine and produce tastings with mum? Heathcote in the City will bring regional wine and produce into the Convent setting.