With Mother's Day approaching on 10 May 2026, SeaLink Marine & Tourism is encouraging Australians to swap traditional gifts for something more meaningful—shared experiences and memories that last well beyond the day itself.

From harbour cruises and island escapes to wildlife encounters and adventure experiences, SeaLink's Brilliant Gift Card gives mums the flexibility to choose an experience that suits their travel style.

Redeemable across SeaLink's national tourism portfolio, experiences include:

• Sydney Harbour dining and sightseeing cruises with Captain Cook Cruises
• Island escapes to K'gari (Fraser Island), North Stradbroke Island, Magnetic Island, Rottnest Island, Bruny Island and Kangaroo Island
• Murray River cruising and onshore experiences aboard the Murray Princess, as well as day coach tours to the Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale wine regions
• Cultural touring experiences in the Northern Territory, including the Tiwi Islands

According to recent research from the Australian Retailers Association and Roy Morgan, Australians spent approximately $1 billion on Mother's Day gifts in 2025, with flowers remaining a popular purchase. At the same time, experiences such as trips away and dining experiences continue to grow in popularity as Australians look for more meaningful ways to celebrate in 2026.

Donna Gauci, CEO of SeaLink Marine & Tourism, said more Australians are prioritising experiences and meaningful moments over traditional gifts.

“Mother's Day is about celebrating the people who do so much for us year-round, and often the most meaningful gift is time together or an experience someone can genuinely look forward to,” Ms Gauci said.

“Whether it's a relaxing harbour cruise, an island escape, a wildlife encounter or an adventure experience, our Brilliant Gift Card offers the flexibility to choose something personal while creating lasting memories.”

For environmentally conscious mums, experiences can also offer a more sustainable alternative to traditional gifts that are often short-lived or over-packaged. From ferry journeys to island destinations and wildlife experiences that encourage connection with nature, SeaLink's experiences create lasting memories while supporting regional tourism and reducing unnecessary waste.

With gift cards starting from just $20, the Brilliant Gift Card also offers added convenience for last-minute shoppers:

• Instant delivery
• Flexible value options
• Redeemable across multiple destinations Australia-wide

To purchase a Brilliant Gift Card, visit: https://www.brillianttravels.com.au/brilliant-gift-card/.