It’s time to show mum just how much she means to you with a gift that comes from the heart. Have a look at PakMag’s local gift guide to make her Mother’s Day the best one yet. This year we’ve uncovered our favourite places to eat, stay, play and shop for mum.
Great Getaway Ideas
Hey dads and kids… want to know what mums really want this Mother’s Day? Let me, let you in on a little secret. Mums want to spend the day with you. That’s right. Sure, flowers, chocolate and handmade cards are great, but what we really want is to enjoy quality family time without any whinging or washing up to do.
So, how can you make this happen? How about by giving mum a weekend away? With or without the kids, here are our top picks for Cairns and the surrounds:
Pullman Hotels and Vie Spa
Give mum a night away from all responsibility with a voucher to the Pullman Reef Casino or Pullman Cairns International. There are great specials for locals who want to eat, stay and play in the heart of the city.
Pullman International is also home to the indulgent Vie Spa, a relaxing oasis where guests can enjoy replenishing spa treatments, massages and therapies. There are a number of different gift voucher options for families on all budgets.
Paradise Palms Resort
Whether mum loves golf or not, one of our favourite local Guide destinations for a weekend away is Paradise Palms, located just before Palm Cove. Not only do they have great family specials, but they also have mini golf, jumping castles, swimming pools and playgrounds galore.
Oaks Lagoon
If you’re looking for a Port Douglas escape, you can’t go past the Oaks Lagoon, which is one of the only hotels in Port Douglas that offers private plunge rooms and swim-up pool rooms. The rooms are self-contained, clean and perfectly suited for families.
QT Resort
Another family-friendly Port Douglas hot spot is the QT Resort, which provides you with a five-star hotel experience for a fraction of the five-star price.
Dining Out (and dining in) Options
Another thing that all mums would love on Mother’s Day? A day off from kitchen duties. Whether this means the kids are in charge of the cooking (and the cleaning) or whether you treat Mum to a meal out, both are great options!
If you’re looking to create a culinary masterpiece at home, then stop off at The Source Bulk Foods first. Located in the Main St Arcade, 10/85 Lake St, The Source stocks a wide range of healthy, hearty and local foods including ingredients to master the perfect Mother’s Day menu.
Where to Shop
If you want something special for mum to unwrap in the morning, then you are spoiled for choice and selection. With five main shopping centres in Cairns (plus plenty of additional village-type centres in pretty much every suburb), you really don’t have to travel far, regardless of whether you are located at the Beaches, Southside or somewhere in between.
Have a look at our favourite shopping destinations for unique and local finds:
Central:
Rusty’s Markets
Pick up something that is local, fresh and from the heart at Rusty’s. Fresh fruit, veg and flowers are just the beginning with handmade gifts, crafts and jewellery also on offer. Open every Friday to Sunday, Rusty’s is centrally located on Sheridan Street.
Cairns Central Shopping Centre
In addition to the big names, Cairns Central has a number of local shops that stock educational items, books, clothing, jewellery and unique homewares that you won’t find anywhere else.
The Pier
Not only is The Pier home to some of Cairns’ most fantastic restaurants, but it also houses a number of speciality and local gift shops. At The Pier you will find local and international fashion labels, funky footwear, swimwear and precious gemstone jewellery that mum will adore.
Southside:
Mount Sheridan Shopping Centre
There are plenty of retail, jewellery and gift shops in the centre that will provide the perfect gift for mum at Mount Sheridan. Mount Sheridan is also home to bi-weekly Sunday markets where you can find unique gifts from local artisans.
Stockland Shopping Centre
The largest shopping centre on the southside, Stockland has something for every type of mum. Whether you’re looking for clothing, homewares, jewellery, sporting equipment or technology, you will find it at Stockland.
Northside:
Clifton Village Shopping Centre
Clifton Village has everything you need to perfect Mother’s Day without having to make the trek into the city. With over 20 speciality stores you are spoiled for choice.
Smithfield Shopping Centre
Smithfield is the largest shopping outlet on the northside. Smithfield Shopping Centre also plays host to a bi-weekly market where you can browse through an array of local and handmade gift items.
Any gift from the kiddies is special, especially when it comes from the heart. This is one of the many reasons why we at PakMag love to buy locally. When you buy local gifts, you are not only supporting the local artisans, but the community of Cairns as a whole.
Plus, you can be sure that you are selecting a gift that is crafted with love and not mass produced. Local gifts tend to be built to last and have heart to them. You can choose a gift that is unique and personal. Plus, when you shop locally, you are also in for a more personal, less stressful shopping experience.
Picking out a present for mum shouldn’t be a chore. When you shop locally, it becomes an adventure in selecting something that is special, meaningful and customised for that special person in your life – the one you call mum.
