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Looking for a Father’s Day gift that’s not your standard pair of novelty socks? What about giving him a day out to remember instead? We’ve put together some creative places to go on Father’s Day that’ll be fun for everyone—because sometimes celebrating with an activity that’s out of the norm is just what’s needed!
From making your own woollen rugs to playing with clay to cooking up a feast or making your own cocktails, there are plenty of places to take Dad where you can celebrate fatherhood and all the beautiful chaos that comes with family.
1. A tufting studio in Sydney city
Where to go: If Dad’s always up for a creative challenge and a unique adventure, book in a tufting class at either the Chatswood or Haymarket studio in Sydney—whichever location is best for you!
What you’ll do: Organise a design for you and Dad to bring along, and the studio will project it onto the primary fabric as a perfect starting point. You’ll both have an array of colourful yarns to choose from. From there, guided step-by-step, all you’ll have to do is load up a tufting gun and start weaving your design of choice into a fully formed and functional rug to take home! This is a solid 3-hour session of making hilarious and unique memories.
Great for: A unique Mum and Dad date, a Father-Daughter/Father-Son adventure, or a whole family affair!
What to do nearby: Make a day of it! If you’re heading to the Chatswood studio, make sure to take an easy 10-minute stroll into the heart of Chatswood, where you’ll find an array of delicious restaurants from main meal to dessert! For lunch, check out Khao Pla on Victoria Ave, one of the best Thai fusion restaurants around.
Or if you’re heading towards Haymarket, make sure to stop in for a bite at Sydney’s #1 Korean BBQ, Butchers Buffet, which is just around the corner from the studio, right down Sussex St.
2. A BBQ masterclass in Brunswick
Where to go: Maybe Dad isn’t the typical crafty type; luckily there’s more than one way to get creative and hands-on. If Dad loves a good BBQ and wants to learn a thing or two about making the perfect feast, this meat smoking masterclass in Brunswick, Melbourne, is one of the best places to go on Father’s Day.
What you’ll do: Indulge in four hours of smoke, fire and seriously good eats. Dad will get stuck into it, cooking beef, pork, lamb, chicken, steak, and even seafood! Then he’ll get to eat anything and everything he’s prepared, plus he’ll leave with new skills and the confidence to create mouthwatering BBQ at home. (A gift that keeps on giving for everyone involved!)
“Absolutely recommend this class to anyone who wants an introduction to smoked BBQ meats. The teachers were awesome and super helpful with any questions; I’ll be attending more classes in the near future. Best part was trying all the food at the end— it was out of this world delicious.” - Adam C.
Great for: Adult families, or a Mum and Dad adventure!
What to do nearby: Brunswick is a lively and alternative Melbourne suburb with plenty to explore! Your tummies may be full of BBQ’d meat, so if you want to keep celebrating Dad, head on over to The Brunswick Green for some post-barbecue drinks—you may even be lucky enough to catch a live gig!
Need some easy ideas for Father's Day with the kids? Try these crafty activities!
3. A pottery studio in the heart of Brisbane
Where to go: If Dad would like to get in touch with his creative side at the same time as finding a moment of mindfulness, head into the heart of Brisbane City—the Myer Centre—for this clay and sip pottery class.
What you’ll do: Bring Dad’s favourite drinks and snacks and let him unwind as he gets hands-on in this pottery workshop. You’ll all get to have a laugh, be present, and spend quality time as an experienced instructor guides everyone step-by-step with a live demo. There’ll also be plenty of one-on-one support, so Dad can create a unique clay piece to take home and remember this fun day out forever.
Great for: A date for Mum and Dad or whole family fun—suitable for kids 7 years and up.
What to do nearby: There is absolutely no shortage of activities to discover in Brisbane City. If you’re up for moving your legs after you’ve been moulding with your hands, take a 15-minute stroll (or a short walk to the ferry) and head across the Southbank Parklands where you can play tourist and ride The Wheel of Brisbane, take a picture with the iconic Brisbane sign, or simply enjoy the beauty of the river and gardens.
4. A cocktail-making class in Burleigh
Where to go: Does Dad love to entertain? Maybe he’s known to be a bit of a master host. Gift him the skills of refined cocktail making in Robina, Queensland.
What you’ll do: Dad will be welcomed with a gin and tonic to set the tone. Then, under the guidance of a skilled mixologist, he’ll dive into the craft of mixing two unique cocktails. Spend the time chatting, experimenting with different flavours, and making a Father’s Day memory to last.
Great for: An adult family day out, a Mum and Dad day date, or maybe Dad would like to go with his friends!
What to do nearby: Don’t indulge too much in your own creations, or at least make sure there’s one designated driver. Leave with new cocktail skills and enjoy some more at Burleigh Pavilion, where you can all fill your stomachs as you enjoy the stunning view that is Burleigh Beach. When everyone’s had their fill, take a beach walk and let Dad enjoy the peace of the fresh ocean air. Burleigh is a great place to explore on Father’s Day, giving Dad a spot of fun as well as moments of calm.
5. A cheese-making kitchen in Roseberry
Where to go: Is Dad a bit of a foodie or restaurant hopper? Lunch out and about is always great, but maybe you want a new place to go for Father’s Day! To get Dad crafting in a new and alternative way, why not try this unique cheese making class in Roseberry, Sydney?
What you’ll do: Dad’ll turn into a bocconcini buff in 100 minutes! In this class, he’ll learn how to whip up delicious cheeses using common kitchen equipment he probably already has back at home. You and Dad can sip on bottomless bubbles while listening to the basics of milk selection, acidification, coagulation, and finally turning the curds into luscious melty bocconcini and oozy burrata. He’ll get to take home his cheesy goods along with recipe cards to make it all over again!
“Loved everything about this class. Unlimited bubbles is amazing, the teacher was incredibly fun and informative, and the class was easy to follow.” - Duncan V
Great for: A Father-Daughter or Father-Son brunch activity, or a gorgeous date for Mum and Dad.
What to do nearby: If you’ve just finished up your morning class and are in the mood for a sweet treat after your cheese, head on over to Macondo Cafe. Not only will Dad get to indulge in a Kinder Bueno cold foam, but he’ll also have his choice of 5 uniquely flavoured scrolls, or a massive Dubai croissant. Oh, and if Dad’s in need of a haircut, he can get one here, too, in their luxury barber set-up!
So, skip the regular gifts for Dad this year, and find a place to go this Father’s Day that’ll ignite his creativity and give him a memory he’ll want to remake over and over!
