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Looking for Father’s Day gifts in Melbourne to help celebrate Dad? Discover our selection of cool, hands-on experiences that swap stuff for memories. Whether your dad is a foodie, a tinkerer, a budding artist or just keen to try something new, experiences are a brilliant way to spend time together and give him a story to tell. ClassBento makes it super easy to find and book unique workshops across the city—think artisan-led classes, small groups, relaxed vibes and something real to take home. You can even send an instant gift voucher for a last-minute win.
Ready to find out more? Read on for some fun, alternative ideas to take Father’s Day in Melbourne to a whole new level.
Wheel throwing classes
If Dad loves to dive in and get his hands dirty, wheel throwing is the perfect blend of meditative and delightfully messy. In a typical beginner class, Dad will learn the foundations like wedging clay, centering on the wheel, pulling up the walls and forming simple shapes like cups and bowls. There’s a special kind of magic the first time a lump of clay turns into something real beneath your palms and it’s incredibly satisfying.
Most Melbourne studios offer relaxed taster sessions (great for first-timers) as well as longer courses if Dad gets hooked. Expect a welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere: aprons on, tunes playing and plenty of encouragement from a friendly ceramicist. Pieces usually get fired and glazed for you after class, so Dad can pick up his finished, dishwasher-safe wares a couple of weeks later—an everyday reminder of a great day out.
Perfect for… Dads who like working with their hands, need a screen-free reset or want to try a new hobby. Make it a family experience and book a couple of spots for everyone to enjoy. Plus, many studios in the inner north and east (think Brunswick, Burwood and Box Hill South) run weekend sessions that sell out fast around Father’s Day. Bonus points if you plan a coffee stop nearby (pottery and a pastry is a winning combo).
Cocktail classes
For the Dad who appreciates a well-made drink, a cocktail masterclass is equal parts entertaining and delicious. Led by pro mixologists in proper bars or pop-up spaces, these classes cover the fundamentals from shaking and stirring to adding creative flair. Dad can make and sip a trio of classics or modern signatures, explore different spirits and pick up pro tips like when to dry shake or how to flame an orange peel like a boss.
Many cocktail classes also offer non-alcoholic options too, so everyone can join in. Some sessions include grazing boards and most send you home with recipes and a new level of confidence behind the bar. If Dad’s more of a homebody, look for private or mobile cocktail classes that can come to your place, perfect for a surprise living-room speakeasy with the family.
Perfect for… Foodie dads, hosts with the most or anyone who loves a good yarn over a great drink. Book an afternoon spot and follow it up with dinner in the CBD or Fitzroy for a full Father’s Day itinerary. And if you’re gifting last-minute, a ClassBento voucher for a cocktail making class is guaranteed to raise a smile.
Painting classes
No experience? No worries. Melbourne’s painting classes are all about relaxing, having fun and unleashing a bit of creativity. Paint and sip sessions guide Dad step-by-step through a chosen artwork, from bold abstracts to iconic landscapes or even pet portraits. He will learn techniques like blending, layering and composition in a casual and encouraging environment. By the end of the class, Dad will leave with a finished canvas and a newfound respect for his inner artist.
If sipping isn’t Dad’s thing, there are daytime sessions, family-friendly classes and more niche options too, like watercolour botanicals, acrylic pour art or even street-art-inspired workshops. It’s a lovely way to spend a couple of hours together, talk, laugh and try something you don’t usually do, plus Dad can get a one-of-a-kind piece for the wall at the end.
Perfect for… Beginners or arty Dads. It doesn’t matter if your father has never painted before; he can come to a painting class and feel immediately at ease with expert teacher guidance. Look for studios around Kew, Port Melbourne, Mount Albert and the inner north, and consider booking two seats so you can paint alongside him. Add a frame and you’ve got a complete gift that keeps on giving every time he walks past the canvas.
Bonsai classes
If Dad gravitates toward slow, mindful hobbies (or he’s the unofficial guardian of the family garden), a bonsai workshop is a thoughtful, living gift. Perfect for beginners, Dad can learn the art behind these miniature trees like pruning, wiring, styling and repotting, along with how to care for it at home. It’s surprisingly hands-on and deeply calming, with a focus on patience and attention to detail.
Most classes include a tree, a pot and tools to use during the session, and Dad takes home his creation at the end, an evolving reminder of the day that he can shape over months and years to come.
Perfect for… Dads who like craft with purpose, love Japanese aesthetics or simply enjoy tending to something living. You’ll find workshops hosted by passionate growers and horticulture pros across Melbourne’s suburbs; weekend spots are popular, so Father’s Day is the perfect excuse to lock in a date and follow it up with brunch or a nursery stroll.
Turkish mosaic classes
For a gift that’s colourful, cultural and instantly rewarding, a Turkish mosaic lamp workshop is a standout. These classes invite Dad to design and assemble his own mosaic lamp or candle holder using vibrant glass tiles and beads, learning traditional patterns and techniques along the way. It’s immersive and relaxing—a day of mindful arranging, a little bit of grout magic and a glowing finished piece to take home.
Many sessions include Turkish tea and sweet treats, plus fascinating stories about the history and symbolism behind patterns. And the end result? A warm, ambient lamp that lights up his office, lounge or workshop and sparks conversations.
Perfect for… Dads who love travel, design or tactile crafts tend to fall for this one fast. You’ll find approachable, beginner-friendly mosaic workshops in Melbourne, with evening and weekend options. It’s a great pick if you want something low-pressure but with a big “wow” factor at the end.
Why book with ClassBento for Father’s Day?
- Choice and convenience: Browse a huge range of Melbourne workshops by date, location, budget and vibe—often from around $60–$150 per person.
- Support local makers: Your booking helps independent artists, chefs and craftspeople thrive.
- Flexible gifting: Send an instant e-voucher (perfect for last-minute gifting) or a physical gift card. Dad can choose any class and a time that suits him.
- Stress-free logistics: Clear inclusions, easy reschedules and helpful reviews mean fewer unknowns and more fun.
- Something to keep: From pottery and paintings to glowing lamps and bonsai trees, there’s a tangible memento of the day.
How to pick the right experience for your dad
- Match the mood: Hands-on and messy (pottery), delicious and social (cocktails), chilled and creative (painting), slow and mindful (bonsai), or colourful and crafty (mosaic).
- Consider timing: Weekend mornings are great for longer classes; weeknights suit after-work sessions.
- Add quality time: Book two spots so you can share the experience. It turns a gift into a memory you both own.
- Add a personal touch: Slip a note in the card - “Can’t wait to see your first wheel-thrown coffee mug” or “First round of martinis is on me.”
This Father’s Day, skip the usual and give Dad a story he’ll retell. Melbourne’s creative scene is brimming with workshops that are fun, welcoming and surprisingly addictive, whether he’s shaping clay, shaking cocktails or piecing together a glowing mosaic. With us, it’s easy to find something that fits his style and schedule, then lock it in with a couple of clicks. Here’s to more laughs, more learning and a gift that lasts long after the day itself.
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