Things to do in Canberra this Father's Day (3 September)

With Father’s Day (Sunday, 3 September) just around the corner, it’s time to decide how to celebrate dad on the day that’s all about him.There’s no shortage of venues for tasty brekkies or lunches, including a boozy twist on a High Tea at Canberra Southern Cross Club Jamison.

Plus a special Father’s Day edition of the Hartley Hall Markets, a chance to catch some sporting action and a free beer at The Dock, and much more.

Ultimate BBQ Buffet Lunch at Eastlake Gungahlin

When: Sunday 3 September, from 12 pm
Where: Eastlake Gungahlin, 51 Hinder Street, Gungahlin
Cost: Adults $65, children 12 and under $30, book here.

Treat your father to what Eastlake Gungahlin promises will be the ultimate barbecue buffet. Dads will be given a complimentary beer on arrival and invited to tuck into a buffet complete with seafood including Aussie Tiger prawns, steaks, skewers and more meats, cheese and fruit platters and salads. Kids also get free face painting and a special buffet section, complete with Frog in the ponds.

Father’s Day at Southern Cross Club Jamison

When: Sunday 3 September, 8:30 am to 10:30 am for breakfast and 2 pm to 5 pm for the high brew
Where: Southern Cross Club Jamison, corner Catchpole and Bowman Street, Macquarie
Cost: $16 to $130, book here for breakfast and here for the high brew.

Canberra Southern Cross Club Jamison has prepared a special double feature for dads this Father’s Day. Kick off the celebration with a buffet breakfast featuring a selection of freshly baked breakfast pastries, artisan barbecue beef sausage and more. Then continue the fun with High Brew, a fun twist on High Tea featuring a grazing tower and five beers from Capital Brewing Co..

Father’s Day Lunch at Southern Cross Yacht Club

When: Sunday 3 September, 12 pm to 3 pm
Where: Southern Cross Yacht Club, Lotus Bay, Mariner Place, Yarralumla
Cost: $95 per person, book here.

Treat dad to a four-course lunch at the yacht club, prepared by executive chef Brad Howden. Dads will receive a complimentary glass of beer or wine or arrival to pair with the meal, which begins with warm focaccia and a selection of dips, followed by market fresh seafood, red wine braised wagyu beef short rib and finally, a French pastry platter with freshly made tarts, gateaux and slices.

Hartley Hall Markets: Father’s Day edition

When: Sunday 3 September (first Sunday of every month), 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Hall Village Showground, Victoria Street, Hall
Cost: Gold coin donation, no booking required.

Score a bargain at a special Father’s Day edition of one of Australia’s largest home-made and homegrown goods markets. The rural-themed markets offer fresh produce, baked goods, plants, furniture, clothing, pottery, jewellery, children’s toys, crafts, unique gifts and much more. Barbecues, canteens, live music and other entertainment make each visit a fun, family day out.

Father’s Day at The Old Canberra Inn

When: Sunday 3 September, 12 pm to 10 pm
Where: The Old Canberra Inn, 195 Mouat Street, Lyneham
Cost: Free entry, no booking required for groups under 12 people.

Celebrate dad in a living piece of Australian history, older than Canberra itself. Originally built in 1857, the former coach stop is now a family-friendly pub with a rustic and relaxed atmosphere. Think: live and local music from 4 to 5 pm every Sunday, a menu of fresh, locally sourced food featuring parmigiana, steaks, burgers and more, plus 10 beer taps exclusively serving craft beer.

Father’s Day at Dickson Taphouse

When: Sunday 3 September, 11:30 am to 12 am
Where: Dickson Taphouse, 30 Woolley Street, Dickson
Cost: Free entry, call (02) 6193 2574 to book a table.

Take dad out to a classic corner pub in the centre of Dickson’s dining and entertainment precinct this Father’s Day. Book a table with the family and enjoy a home-made pasta, free-range pork schnitzel or something slow-roasted in the venue’s new custom-made offset smoker, paired with one of 18 different tap beers or another drink of choice. Plus, some live music to top it all off.

Father’s Day at Lerida Estate

When: Sunday 3 September, 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Lerida Estate Winery, 87 The Vineyards Road, Lake George, NSW
Cost: Free entry, book here.

Enjoy lunch and a glass (or two) of wine among the grapevines overlooking Lake George. Treat dad to a full tasting of 10 of Lerida Estate’s distinctive, cool-climate wines (Region’s food and wine writer says the chardonnay is a particular standout), before sitting down for a chef-prepared three-course lunch. Or do both simultaneously and graze and sip the afternoon away in style.

Father’s Day at The Dock

When: Sunday 3 September, 10:30 am to 11 pm
Where: The Dock, 7/81 Giles Street, Kingston
Cost: Free entry, book here.

It’s no secret the popular waterside pub in Kingston has been swept up in the commotion around the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The sporting fun is set to continue this Father’s Day, with the Raiders and Sharks game being screened from 4 pm, complete with commentary. Plus, there’s live music from 1 pm over lunch and a free Travla schooner for dads with any meal purchased.