South Bank is one of Brisbane's most beautiful precincts to spend Mother's Day — riverside walks, cultural experiences, and a long family meal at a table that's been saved just for you.
Mother's Day in South Bank is something special. The Parklands are at their autumn best, the river catches the morning light, and the whole precinct has a slower, more relaxed feel. Whether you're planning a quiet brunch for two or a big family lunch, here's our guide to making the most of it.
Before brunch, take Mum for a walk through the South Bank Parklands. The Arbour — the kilometre-long bougainvillea-covered walkway — is at its most beautiful in autumn, and the riverside path from the Wheel of Brisbane to the Goodwill Bridge is quiet and peaceful in the early morning. The Rainforest Walk behind the Nepalese Pagoda is a hidden gem that most visitors miss. It's a short loop through lush tropical greenery, and on a cool autumn morning it feels a world away from the city.
We open at 7am on Sundays, and on Mother's Day we go all out — fresh flowers throughout the venue and a warm, relaxed atmosphere for families of all sizes. Our full menu is available, from all-day brunch favourites to our lunch and dinner options later in the day. If you're coming with younger kids, we have activity packs to keep them entertained while the adults enjoy their coffee. We recommend booking the 8:30am–10am window for brunch — it's the sweet spot before the midday rush.
The South Bank Collective Markets run every Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday — and on Mother's Day weekend they're particularly good for last-minute gifts. You'll find handmade jewellery, artisan candles, local art, and fresh flowers from local growers. The markets are a 3-minute walk from Poppies, so you can easily combine a browse with your meal. If you want to pick up flowers before brunch, the Parklands themselves are full of beautiful blooms in autumn — the jacarandas may have finished but the bougainvillea along the Arbour is stunning.
QPAC often has special Mother's Day performances — check their program closer to the date. The Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) and Queensland Art Gallery are both free entry and make for a lovely post-brunch activity. The Queensland Museum is also free and has excellent exhibits. All three are within a 10-minute walk of Poppies. If Mum enjoys live music or theatre, a QPAC matinee paired with lunch at Poppies beforehand is a genuinely special way to spend the day.
If brunch isn't your family's style, we're open all day — so a late lunch or early dinner works just as well. The afternoon light on Little Stanley Street is beautiful in autumn, and our alfresco area catches the golden hour perfectly. For a longer celebration, book a table from 4pm and enjoy cocktails before dinner. Our signature cocktails make a great way to toast Mum, and the dinner menu has something for everyone.
The Wheel of Brisbane is a short walk from Poppies and offers panoramic views of the city, river, and surrounding mountains. It's a lovely 10-minute experience that Mum might enjoy, especially at sunset. After the wheel, the riverside boardwalk from South Bank to Kangaroo Point is one of Brisbane's best evening walks — flat, well-lit, and beautiful at dusk.
Make it special
Flowers, family, and a table that's been saved just for you. Our full menu is available all day — brunch, lunch, or dinner.
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