Father’s Day is just around the corner, taking place on Sunday September 7 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 father figure in your life to a delicious feast or take the whole family out and make memories together in some amazing attractions around town. Here are some great things for you to do in Melbourne on Father’s Day.
The best things to do in Melbourne for Father’s Day
Go shopping for dad at the Makers and Shakers Market
Visit the Makers and Shakers Market at the Royal Exhibition Building, and browse through hundreds of stalls featuring homewares, gourmet treats and more. There will be a dedicated Dad Zone, as well as a space to take Awkward Portraits if you’d like to give a funny gift. This market will run on Saturday September 6 and Sunday September 7.
Have a magical day out at Harry Potter: The Exhibition
If your dad is a Potterhead, he’ll have an enchanting day at Harry Potter: The Exhibition. You’ll be able to see authentic props and set pieces from the films, and snap some memorable photos that put you at the heart of the films! Then, conjure your own Patronus, test your Quidditch skills, and come face to face with the ferocious Hungarian Horntail… You’ll find it at the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre in Brunswick. Get your tickets here.
Go axe throwing with Dad
Have an axe-citing time with dad at MANIAX. To celebrate Father’s Day, families can redeem one hour of free axe throwing by booking online. After your session, keep the party going with some mead and hot food. Learn more here.
Go for a footy-themed brunch or lunch at Melbourne Zoo
Put on your footy colours and head to Melbourne Zoo for a fun buffet-style brunch or lunch. In this BBQ buffet, you’ll find wings, ribs, steaks and more, as well as tasty sides and desserts. Along with the food, there’s face painting, a gift for dad and one hour access to the zoo. Brunch is from 10:30am to 2:30pm. Meanwhile, lunch is available from 2pm to 4pm. If you’re out west, you can also go to Werribee Zoo for a footy-themed BBQ.
Treat dad to a barbecue buffet lunch at Grand Hyatt Melbourne
Treat dad to a Succulent Barbecue Buffet lunch at Grand Hyatt Melbourne on Father’s Day. This special feast will include some excellent cuts of meat from around Victoria and Tasmania, prepared over smoke and open flames. Enhance your experience with curated whisky tastings, special gifts and live jazz. This lunch costs $179 for adults and $89.50 for children. It will take place between 12:30pm and 3pm on Father’s Day. Learn more here.
Lose yourself in the rhythm of The Jazz Room
Kick off Father’s Day weekend with at night at The Jazz Room. Head to Brunswick Ballroom on Friday September 5, and feel whisked away to New Orleans. Listen to a mix of carefully chosen classics and spontaneous improvisation. Get your tickets here.
Sink your teeth into a roast at Beverly Rooftop
Take in gorgeous views of the city skyline, while feasting on a grass-fed, 40-day dry-aged short loin, accompanied by a mustard and parsley crust. Named as “Dad’s Roast”, this meal at Beverly Rooftop will be paired with classic trimmings, like Yorkshire pudding, roast falcon potatoes and more. The roast is $65 per person, and starters and desserts will be available from the à la carte menu. Bookings are available now.
Have a day out for dads and dogs at Rippon Lea Estate
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The annual Father’s and Dogs Day Out is coming back to Rippon Lea. Style your dog in a Victorian-era costume, or a grand outfit inspired by the mansion, and join the best-dressed competition at 1pm. Admire a display of vintage vehicles, then wander around the gardens and enjoy the spring weather together. You’re welcome to bring a picnic along to enjoy on the lawn. Dogs must be on a lead at all times. This event will take place on Sunday September 7, from 10am to 5pm. Entry is $15 for adults. More info here.
Keep it sweet with the Papamisu at Pidapipo
Pidapipo has brought back their decadent Papamisu for Father’s Day. Buy a tub for $32, and dive into this ode to tiramisu. Find layers of mascarpone gelato, Savoiardi biscuits soaked in espresso and sweet sherry syrup, gianduja ganache and topped with chocolate shavings. This treat is available from August 23, and you can pre-order it or find it in all Pidapipo stores. You can also get it via Uber Eats and Doordash.
Indulge in a meal at Lexy Melbourne
Head to Lexy on Flinders Lane for their lunch menu, ‘Meating With Dad’. Graze on wagyu beef tartlet, crispy rice bibimbap, fresh pacific oysters and more, followed by wagyu cube roll, seared black cod and crème brûlée espuma. This lunch is $180pp. Bookings are available now.
Race over to the Acland Street Father’s Day Car and Bike Show
Wander along Acland Street in St Kilda, and admire plenty of classic cars, hot rods and bikes with dad. Stay entertained with live music, carnival rides for the kids, face painting and more. Check it out from 10am to 6pm on Sunday September 7. Entry is free! Learn more here.
Unwind over a meal by the bay at Stokehouse
For views of the sea, treat your dad to a leisurely meal at the Stokehouse precinct. At Stokehouse, you’ll find a $195pp four-course banquet, with elegant courses like scallop & caviar and whole roast duck. Upgrades to Southern rock lobster or Altair wagyu short rib are also available. Meanwhile, at Stokehouse Pasta & Bar, you’ll find a $100pp four-course Mediterranean-style menu, with tuna crudo, pasta and more. Bookings are available now.
Set sail for a VR voyage on the Titanic
If your dad likes history, why don’t you try out this virtual reality experience? Dive to the wreck site of the Titanic, then journey back in time to explore iconic spaces around the ship, such as the Grand Staircase. Along the way, you’ll meet characters based on real passengers and crew members. Titanic: A Voyage Through Time is now open at 206 Bourke Street in Melbourne. Get your tickets here.
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.
Celebrate with a meal at North & Common
Treat dad to a three-course sharing menu at North & Common. Tuck into Cobb Lane sourdough, salmon ceviche and burrata with salt baked beetroot, followed braised beef cheek and tiramisu. Dads will also get a glass of tap beer on the day. After lunch, stretch your legs and explore Pentridge Prison. Lunch is available from 11:30am to 2:30pm, and is $89 for adults and $29 for kids. Learn more here.
Give your dad an exciting experience of his choice
Feeling overwhelmed? Let your dad choose from a variety of incredible events and experiences around Melbourne with a Fever gift card. See what gift cards are available here.
Attend a Father’s Day BBQ at Healesville Sanctuary
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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 buffet lunch. There will also be face painting, live music, marshmallow roasting and lawn games. This lunch is available from 11:00am to 3pm. More info here.