Father’s Day is just around the corner, taking place on Sunday September 1 this year. And, if you’re stuck for ideas, there’s plenty of cool things for you to do with your dad here in Melbourne. Treat the man or the father figure in your life to a hearty barbeque, take the whole family out and make memories together in some amazing attractions around town and more. Here are some great things for you to do in Melbourne on Father’s Day.
1. Check out the BBQ Beer Festival at Grazeland
Grazeland is celebrating Father’s Day with a BBQ Beer Festival. Feast on an assortment of meats from Grazeland’s barbecue vendors, like Zuya African BBQ and El Gaucho Argentinean BBQ. There will also be a large onsite smoker, serving up a variety of meats like 18-hour slow-cooked smoked beef and smoked cheese kransky. There will also be beer specials, entertainment for the little ones and live music. This festival is on from August 30 to September 1.
2. Have a day out for dads and dogs at Rippon Lea Estate
The annual Father’s and Dogs Day Out is coming back to Rippon Lea. Have plenty of fun with a Dad & Owner Lookalike Contest, a pawtrait photo session, a pop-up market and a sausage sizzle. The mansion will also be open to human visitors for an additional charge. This event will take place on Sunday September 1, from 10am to 5pm. Entry is $15 for adults. More info here.
3. Go on the rides at Luna Park
Dads can enjoy free entry and unlimited rides at Luna Park on Father’s Day when they purchase an Unlimited Ride Ticket for children aged 4-12 or 13+. Hang out together on the rides on Sunday September 1 from 11am. More info here.
4. Treat dad to a Papamisu from Pidapipo
The popular Papamisu is back at all Pidapipo stores for Father’s Day. Grab a tub and tuck into this sweet dessert inspired by tiramisu. Sweeten up the day with layers of mascarpone gelato, Savoiardi biscuits soaked in espresso and sherry syrup, gianduja ganache, topped with chocolate shavings. The tub is $32 and you can pre-order it now. Find out more.
5. Do pass go at Monopoly Dreams
Dads and primary caregivers can enter Monopoly Dreams for free when purchasing a full price adult or child ticket on Father’s Day. This promotion is available to walk-ins only. Check out this Monopoly-themed attraction on Sunday September 1 from 10am to 7pm. More info here.
6. Enjoy a meal at one of the Lucas Restaurants
Indulge in Father’s Day feasts at restaurants by Chris Lucas. On top of the tasty specials, the first 100 lunch reservations at Yakimono, Baby Pizza, Hawker Hall, Chin Chin Melbourne and Club Chin Chin will receive a free pair of limited-edition spots inspired by the venue. Meanwhile, the first 50 lunch reservations at Society, Grill Americano and Kisumé will receive a complimentary bottled cocktail to take home. Check out the different restaurants here.
7. Drive a European supercar
Not sure what to get dad for Father’s Day? Why don’t you help him take a spin in an iconic supercar like a Ferrari or Lamborghini. See what’s available here.
8. Soar up to Fleet rooftop bar
Take in views of the CBD at Fleet and graze on fresh Tasmanian oysters paired with Peated 7-Year-Old Single Malt Whiskey and Old Fashion’s made with Hellyer’s Road Double Cask. There’s also plenty of other drinks and an all-day dining menu if you feel like something different. Check it out on Sunday September 1 from 12pm to 8pm. See more here.
9. Enjoy a feast at Stokehouse
Dine by the beach and treat dad to a special four-course menu at Stokehouse for Father’s Day. Start with shared snacks, followed by coral trout crudo, a choice of mains and a choice of decadent desserts. This meal is $185 per person, and you can upgrade the main to a choice of Westholme Wagyu 5+ Sirloin or Macedon Ranges dry-aged duck breast.
For something more casual, head to Stokehouse Pasta & Bar for a Mediterranean-inspired four-course menu. At $90 per person, this feast includes shared starters, a family style risotto pescatore, a choice of main and a decadent chocolate Florentine torte to finish. See more here.
10. Have brunch at Lollo
Lollo at W Melbourne is serving up a wonderful brunch buffet for Father’s Day. Work your way through a spread of breakfast favourites and other indulgent items like oysters, prawns, beef porterhouse and braised lamb shoulder. For $110 per person, you can also expect a glass of sparkling wine or a CoConspirators Hazy Pale Ale on arrival, plus a four-pack of pale ale to take home. There will also be a curated craft beer menu by CoConspirators Brewery. See more here.
11. Find something beautiful at the Affordable Art Fair
If dad is a fan of all things art, take him to see works from galleries around Australia at Affordable Art Fair. This event is on at the Royal Exhibition Building from August 29 to September 1, just in time for Father’s Day. Learn more here.
12. Indulge in Italian dishes at Ombra
Ombra will be open from 12pm to 11pm on Father’s Day. Choose something à la carte, or opt for a five-course shared menu, filled with focaccia, pizza, tiramisu and more. The shared menu costs $75 per person. Bookings are available now.
13. Treat dad to lunch at Mister Bianco
Head to Mister Bianco between 12pm and 3pm for a delicious set menu. At $99 per person, this lunch features antipasti to share, lasagne, either barramundi or chicken cacciatore for main, followed by tiramisu bombe Alaska. Bookings are available now.
14. Find a gift at Lygon Street Market
A new market is coming to Carlton, and the first event will take place on Father’s Day. Head to Piazza Italia and browse through a variety of market stalls at Lygon Street Market from 10am to 3pm.
15. Sink your teeth into a BBQ at Lizzie’s Lane
Discover a delicious BBQ buffet and carvery for Father’s Day. Head to Lizzie’s Lane in Pullman & Mercure Albert Park, and look forward to a sausage sizzle, kangaroo kebabs, pork ribs, wagyu beef burgers, apple & cinnamon pie, red velvet cake and more. There will also be games like axe throwing and table tennis to keep you busy. Check it out from 12:30pm to 3pm. Learn more here.
16. Relax with bottomless brunch at Shadowboxer Bar & Kitchen
Shadowboxer is celebrating with a special Father’s Day bottomless brunch. Enjoy braised beef and veal croquette, potato & fermented chilli filled flatbread, braised lamb ribs and salted Gianduja custard & cardamom tart. This bottomless brunch is $50 per person. Bookings are available now.
17. Attend a Father’s Day BBQ at Healesville Sanctuary
Dads can receive a complimentary beer on arrival and enjoy live music at Healesville Sanctuary on Father’s Day. After seeing the animals, gather around Brolga Lawn for a BBQ lunch, featuring sausages, onions, salads, bread and marshmallow roasting stations. There will also be lawn games. This lunch is available from 11:30am to 2:30pm. More info here.
18. Celebrate 50 years at Kryal Castle
Escape to Kryal Castle in Ballarat and celebrate 50 years of medieval adventures. This birthday bash just happens to take place over the weekend of Father’s Day. Have fun with jousting, an archery challenge, fire performances and more. Then, on Sunday night, the sky will light up with a spectacular fireworks display. Check out the celebrations on Saturday August 31 and Sunday September 1. See more here.