20 August 2024

Canberra has dad covered this Father's Day - so now's the time to start planning

| Morgan Kenyon
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black car in crowd

Wondering what to gift Dad this Father’s Day? We have a few ideas! Photo: James Coleman.

Father’s Day is just around the corner – Sunday, 1 September – and if you’re keen to embrace the trend of collecting memories not stuff, or if the father figure in your life has enough socks, we have compiled a list of memorable things to do.

This year, Canberrans are spoiled for choice with loads of local ways to celebrate everything that makes dads special, whether yours prefers to dine, relax, explore, or jump into something a little more adventurous.

Get in early for the Canberra Festival of Speed

Where: Thoroughbred Park, 1 Randwick Road, Lyneham
When: Saturday, 25 January, and Sunday, 26 January 2025.

The Canberra Festival of Speed will be back with all the action at Thoroughbred Park on 25 and 26 January 2025.

If Dad wants to spend his Father’s Day relaxing at home, why not get in early and gift him some tickets for next year’s event? He’ll have a showcase of more than 200 of the world’s most exotic cars, loads of interactive trade stalls and a European-inspired food village to look forward to.

Close encounters at the National Zoo & Aquarium

Where: National Zoo & Aquarium, 999 Lady Denman Drive, Yarralumla.

This Father’s Day, spoil dad with a close encounter at Australia’s National Zoo & Aquarium – have him feed a tiger, pat a rhino or meet a cheetah – or simply walk around the park’s 47 picturesque acres at his leisure.

If luxury is more his thing, check out the ultimate overnight safari at Jamala Wildlife Lodge, where he can enjoy gourmet cuisine and relax in five-star surroundings while interacting with some of the world’s most impressive animals.

bacon and eggs

No.10 Restaurant’s breakfast makes any Sunday a special occasion. Photo: Iconic Hotels.

Big Brekky at No.10 Restaurant + Bar

Where: No.10 Restaurant + Bar, 10 Bowes Street, Phillip, and 3 Grazier Lane, Belconnen
When: Sunday 1 September, 7 am to 11 am.

Drop in to No.10 Restaurant + Bar in Woden or Belconnen this Father’s Day for a hearty breakfast spread featuring mouth-watering sweet and savoury options, including pillowy waffles with all the trimmings and corn and potato hash browns with crispy bacon.

paintball team photo

You won’t forget a day of paintball in a hurry. Photo: Paintball Sports ACT, Facebook.

Colourful competition at Paintball Sports ACT

Where: Paintball Sports ACT, 625 Pialligo Avenue, Majura.

For the more adventurous father figures out there, why not book a (mostly) friendly game of paintball? Get your family and friends’ hearts racing as they compete against their loved ones. Choose from 12 diverse fields and enjoy half-day rates from just $35 per person.

Dinner and drinks at Midnight Bar

Where: Ground floor Midnight Hotel, 1 Elouera Street, Braddon
When: Sunday, 1 September, 3 pm until late.

After a long day of celebrations, all that’s left for you and Dad to do is kick back and relax at Midnight Bar.

With loads of drinks ranging from neighbourhood ales to signature cocktails and plenty of Modern Australian dishes to choose from, it’s the perfect way to end Father’s Day.

Barman standing behind row of beers.

Home to the Ale Mary Brewing Company, this year, the Durham Castle Arms Pub is putting on a Father’s Day Sunday Roast all day. Photo: Michelle Kroll.

Sunday Roast at the Durham

Where: Green Square, 52-54 Jardine Street, Kingston.

What’s better than a Sunday Roast? A Sunday roast when someone else does all the work!

Home to the Ale Mary Brewing Company, this year, the Durham Castle Arms Pub is putting on a special Father’s Day Sunday Roast all day. Tuck into succulent roast beef with crispy spuds, fluffy Yorkshire Pudding and a cauliflower bake for $28, and add a paddle of beer for an extra $20. Even better, all dads get a Father’s Day stubby holder.

Capitol Bar and Grill – one of Canberra’s most recommended restaurants. Photo: Supplied.

Italian inspiration at Capitol Bar & Grill

Where: QT Canberra, 1 London Circuit, Canberra City
When: Sunday, 1 September, from 12 pm.

Join executive chef Josh Smith-Thirkell from noon this Father’s Day as he serves hearty and rustic dishes rooted in the finest local ingredients.

Enjoy Italian-inspired antipasti with freshly sliced San Danielle Prosciutto and mighty mains, including a 12-hour braised sovereign lamb shoulder. A one-hour drinks package is also available, offering bottomless BentSpoke Beer and prosecco for $30 per person.

Indulgent doesn’t even begin to cover the Father’s Day Package at Assuage Massage in Canberra’s inner south. Photo: Michelle Kroll.

Father’s Day Package at Assuage Massage

Where: Assuage Massage, 68/71 Giles Street, Kingston.

The massage therapy team at Assuage have put together an extra special package for dads this Father’s Day.

For $140, he’ll get a one-hour specialist remedial massage in a soothing environment to ease those aches and pains.

The wellness doesn’t end there. He’ll also be gifted PlantWater and magnesium salts for added wellness.

eggs and asparagus with toast and a coffee

Braddon Merchant breakfast is a great start to any day – but especially Father’s Day. Photo: Iconic Hotels.

Coffee and sweets at Braddon Merchant

Where: Braddon Merchant, 1 Elouera Street, Braddon
When: Sunday 1 September, 6.30 am to 10.30 am.

Looking to kick back for breakfast in the heart of the city?

Award-winning restaurant Braddon Merchant has a range of fresh, tasty dishes to choose from, including zucchini, corn and halloumi fritters, smashed avo on toast and Belgian-style waffles. Top it all off with barista-made coffee or a cheeky mimosa.

Bunch of grapes on the vine at Lerida Estate Winery

Get out of Canberra and reconnect with nature (and some of the region’s best wines). Photo: Lucy Ridge.

Food and wine galore in Yass Valley

Looking to explore this Father’s Day? Grab your keys and take Dad for a Sunday drive to explore the many award-winning venues Yass Valley has to offer.

Discover cosy little cafes, luxurious fine dining destinations and some of the most coveted wineries in the region, with a backdrop of rolling green hills right on Canberra’s doorstep.

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