Father’s Day 2024 is but a week away. We’re big believers in skipping the socks and jocks and making memories instead. If you’re not sure what to do for Dad, and you haven’t already made reservations at a restaurant or pub, here are some things you can take him along to in and around Melbourne.
1. Take him to Grazeland’s BBQ and Beer Festival
Melbourne’s foodie wonderland, Grazeland in Spotswood, is firing up the grill this Father’s Day weekend — indulge in BBQ, smoked meats, beer specials and more across the whole weekend from 31 August – 1 September.
2. Take Dad and the family doggo to Rippon Lea for a picnic
For one special Sunday each year, Rippon Lea opens its gates for families and their four-legged members to enjoy the beautiful grounds together. Bring your furry friends along for a wander around the gardens, lay out a picnic on the lawns, go blossom hunting around the estate, and soak up the glorious spring weather.
3. Dads go free at Monopoly Dreams
Enter Monopoly Dreams and be whisked away into the delightful world of Monopoly! Melbourne’s newest attraction is a fully immersive and interactive experience, featuring games, laser maze, and the chance to win Monopoly money. he fully immersive experience operates across two different zones: Monopoly City and Monopoly Mansion – with 15 different attractions in total. Dads go free this Father’s Day.
4. Join in the Father’s Day activities at District Docklands
There’s a range of fun activities, delicious dining deals, and exclusive shopping offers at District Docklands this Father’s Day. Dads can play free glow-in-the-dark golf at GlowGolf or enjoy a free activity at Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq or take advantage of other food and drink freebies.
5. Spend the day at Melbourne’s iconic Luna Park
Luna Park is welcoming all Dads to enjoy VIP treatment with FREE entry and unlimited rides all day on Father’s Day when they purchase a child’s (4+) unlimited ride ticket.
6. Take Dad on the ultimate foodie tour of the Queen Victoria Market
Guaranteed to warm the hearts of all Dads, the Ultimate Foodie Tour of the Queen Victoria Market includes an abundance of foodie delights including Coffin Bay oysters, grilled roo fillet, specialty cheese and antipasto, artisan chocolate, hot jam doughnuts and lots more.
7. Take him to a car lovers festival in St Kilda
Showcars Melbourne and the Acland St Traders Association will host and celebrate the 11th year of the Father’s Day Car and Bike Show in St Kilda’s most popular street, Acland St. Shakespeare Grove, O’Donnell Gardens and the Luna Park forecourt will be transformed into a car lovers festival with a great family vibe on 1 September.
8. Spend the day at Healesville Sanctuary
Join in Healesville Sanctuary’s Father’s Day celebrations. Dads enjoy a complimentary beer on arrival and enjoy live music performed by Dune. Their chefs will serve a delicious barbeque lunch featuring a variety of sausages, caramelised onions, salads and freshly baked bread. There will also be marshmallow roasting stations and lawn games for everyone to join in.
9. Take dad on a mystery picnic
Food, fun and the outdoors are enhanced by riddles, hidden gems and a secret picnic location when you book dad in for a mystery picnic experience.
10. Let dad try his hand at axe throwing
Dads can throw for free at Lumber Punk Axe Throwing in South Melbourne on Father’s Day when he’s accompanied by two full paying guests.
11. Go on a tour of a whisky distillery
Spoil dad with a tour and taste at Bakery Hill in Kensington – mainland Australia’s oldest whisky distillery. Park him, or join him where he’ll be treated to a guided tasting of their Single Malt whiskies each paired with a little bit of Bakery Hill history.
12. Join in Father’s Day celebrations at the Arthurs Seat Eagle
With live music, a classic Aussie sausage sizzle, and magnificent views, there’s something for every Dad at the Arthur’s Seat Eagle this Fathers Day weekend – 31 August to 1 September. Treat Dad to a St Andrews Beach Brewery – Beer Tasting Paddle, and relax on the sunny deck.
