Australian calendar date guide

Mother’s Day Australia

Mother’s Day in Australia is held on the second Sunday in May each year. It is not a national public holiday, but it is one of the most important family, gift, dining and community dates on the Australian calendar.

Next 5 years Australia dates Not a public holiday FAQs and schema

Quick answer

Mother’s Day in Australia is held on the second Sunday in May each year. It is not a national public holiday, but it is a major family, gift, dining and community date.

How the date is worked out

Mother’s Day in Australia is the second Sunday in May every year. This means the exact date changes each year, but the day of the week is always Sunday.

Is it a public holiday?

Mother’s Day Australia is not a national public holiday. Shops, restaurants and venues may be busier, but normal public holiday rules do not generally apply.

Mother’s Day Australia dates for the next 5 years

Use this table to plan family gatherings, gifts, lunches, travel, restaurant bookings and school or community activities.

Year Date in Australia Rule
2026 Sunday 10 May 2026 Second Sunday in May
2027 Sunday 9 May 2027 Second Sunday in May
2028 Sunday 14 May 2028 Second Sunday in May
2029 Sunday 13 May 2029 Second Sunday in May
2030 Sunday 12 May 2030 Second Sunday in May

Important: These dates apply to Australia. Other countries may use different dates for Mother’s Day, especially the United Kingdom and some parts of Europe.

What you need to know

Why Mother’s Day changes date

Mother’s Day in Australia is based on the second Sunday in May, so the exact date changes each year.

Australia is different from some countries

Australia celebrates Mother’s Day in May, while the United Kingdom usually celebrates Mothering Sunday earlier in the year.

Booking and gift tip

Popular breakfast venues, lunch spots, florists, gift delivery services and family activities can book out, so planning early helps.

Planning around weekends and public holidays

Mother’s Day Australia is not itself a public holiday, but it can still affect family travel, restaurant bookings, retail promotions and weekend plans. For official days off, long weekends and public holiday leave planning, use the public holiday calendars for your state or territory.

State and territory public holiday calendars

Use these links to check the public holidays that sit around Mother’s Day and the rest of the year.

Related calendar and holiday pages

These pages help visitors move from Mother’s Day planning into other useful Australian holiday and family planning dates.

Mother’s Day Australia FAQs

When is Mother’s Day in Australia?

Mother’s Day in Australia is held on the second Sunday in May each year.

When is Mother’s Day 2026 in Australia?

Mother’s Day 2026 in Australia is Sunday 10 May 2026.

Is Mother’s Day a public holiday in Australia?

No. Mother’s Day is not a national public holiday in Australia.

Does Mother’s Day fall on the same date every year?

No. The date changes each year because it is held on the second Sunday in May.

Is Mother’s Day in Australia the same as the United States?

Yes. Australia and the United States both observe Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May.

Is Mother’s Day the same in every Australian state?

Yes. Mother’s Day is observed on the same Sunday across Australia, although it is not an official public holiday.