Dads are almost impossible to buy for because yes, you already bought him a new wallet last year, and over the years he has been gifted more than enough biographies, caps, chocolates and beers to last one man a lifetime. We understand, so we’ve come up with some ideas for Father’s Day in Brisbane—from the best places for a feed to the most fun things to do—that will definitely put you in his good books. Delete that socks purchase from your cart and treat Dad to some quality time he'll treasure for a long time to come this Father's Day.
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Where To Eat This Father's Day
Dark Shepherd
The Star Brisbane, 33 William Street, Brisbane CBD
Dad likes his lamb? Then you need to treat him to The Star’s moody Mediterranean hotspot, Dark Shepherd, which will be serving their full a la carte menu on Father’s Day. With a special emphasis on woodfired cooking, their signature slow-cooked lamb dishes are sure to make him feel all warm and fuzzy.
The Details
When: 11am to 8:30pm, Sunday 7 September
Find out more here.
Layla
Cnr Montague Road and Rave Street, West End
This Father’s Day, give Dad the greatest gift of all: an exceptional meal bursting with vibrant spice and served with soulful hospitality. From the mind of foodie legend Shane Delia, Layla spotlights Queensland produce to deliver on flavours from the Middle East, Sri Lanka and the Subcontinent. To celebrate Father’s Day the team is doing an additional 20% purchase value on gift cards so you can go all out for Dad.
The Details:
When: Until 7 September
Find out more here.
Marble Korean Steakhouse
Portside Wharf, Hamilton
If Dad loves to grill, he’ll definitely get around Australia’s only Korean steakhouse where he can play chef and chomper in equal measure. Marble Korean Steakhouse is an elevated Korean BBQ spot dishing up the finest Australian wagyu and a top-notch wine list to wash it down. With two set menus to choose from on the day, it’s a treat for you as much as it is for him.
The Details
When: Sunday 7 September
Cost: From $105 per person
Find out more here.
Greca
Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane CBD
If you’re looking to impress with minimal effort, may we suggest Father’s Day lunch or dinner at Greca? Your booking includes an outdoor table on the Brisbane River in the shade of the Story Bridge and a Greek beer on arrival for Dad. Spend an afternoon indulging in Greek fare from one of two menu options jam-packed with signature Greca classics—from souvlaki to roasted lamb rack. Be sure to book your spot in advance.
The Details:
When: Sunday 7 September
Cost: From $80 per person
Find out more here.
Pompette
The Star Brisbane, 33 William Street, Brisbane CBD
You’re in for a night of elegance at French dining room Pompette, where classic dishes meet modern twists—steak au poivre to bucketloads of champagne. After all, what better way to show how much you care than with caviar?
The Details
When: 11am to 8:30pm, Sunday 7 September
Find out more here.
DUMBO
Portside Wharf, Hamilton
Does Dad like a feed that requires two hands? Then you need to treat him to DUMBO’s limited edition Father’s Day burger: The Big Poppa. Served to the tune of Biggie playing all day, this banger is packed with double smashed dry-aged beef patties, cheese, pastrami slices, caramelised onion with bourbon glaze, pickles, and spicy mustard mayo inside a milk bun.
The Details
When: Sunday 7 September
Book here.
Yoko
Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane CBD
Controversial opinion, but: Father’s Day is so much better when you don’t need to cook. And, dare we say, elevated even further by a whisky cocktail for your dad made by someone else? If you’re aligned, you’ll find your perfect Father’s Day affair at Yoko. Sydney rock oysters, miso glazed eggplant, and wagyu strip loin await.
The Details:
When: Sunday 7 September
Cost: $80 per person, $100 per person for premium banquet
Find out more here.
Longwang
144 Edward Street, Brisbane CBD
There’s a feast for every dad at Longwang this Father’s Day, from their iconic bottomless Yum Cha Cha Cha to the Lucky Banquet full of favourites. The a la carte menu will also be available on the day for the dad who knows what he wants.
The Details
When: 11am to 8:45pm, Sunday 7 September
Find out more here.
Belle Epoque
267 Grey Street, South Brisbane
If there’s one sure thing in life, it’s that a croque monsieur is the way to anyone’s heart. Belle Epoque gets it, and have included their beloved version on their Father’s Day high tea line up. Dad will be treated to a complimentary Regal Pearltini on arrival as well as Chivas 18 with their choice of jasmine, chamomile or hibiscus tea. Kids can enjoy the high tea too, with a mini fondue just for them.
The Details:
When: Sunday 7 September
Cost: $85 per adult, $45 per child
Find out more here.
DogTap
77 Metroplex Avenue, Murrarie
If you’ve got a dad who’s an absolute champion of dad jokes, you’ll want to book a table at BrewDog's Murrarie location, DogTap. Why? Because they’ve got a best dad joke competition running all day to win your own Big Daddy platter. The platter is designed to share and comes overflowing with buffalo wings, garlic bread, ribs, fried, brisket, pulled pork, beans, pickles, slaw and mac and cheese. It’s also available to purchase on the day if you want to guarantee a taste of the good stuff or if Dad’s more of a breakfast person, opt for the McDaddy Breakie instead that’s just as hearty.
The Details:
When: Sunday 7 September. McDaddy Breakie 8am to 10:30am, Big Daddy Platter from 11am.
Cost: McDaddy Breakie $35.95, Big Daddy Platter $79.95
Find out more here.
Massimo
123 Eagle Street, Brisbane CBD
Authentic Italian dishes and riverside views are always a perfect pair, so why not take Dad to Massimo? Whether you opt for their bottomless lunch, delicious banquet or go a la carte, the whole family will be singing your praises.
The Details
When: 11am to 8:45pm, Sunday 7 September
Find out more here.
Stanley
Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane CBD
Picture it with us: the sun is shining, you’re sitting by the Brisbane River at Stanley with your nearest and dearest, and bamboo basket after bamboo basket is being loaded onto your table. Inside, steaming pork and prawn dumplings, ora king salmon and your family’s favourite yum cha. Of course, there’s the grilled Australian Wagyu too and a schooner of Felon’s beer for Dad on arrival. If that sounds like bliss to you, book your Father’s Day lunch at Stanley pronto.
The Details
When: 11am to 4pm Sunday 7 September
Cost: $128 per person
Find out more here.
Sono Restaurant
Portside Wharf, Hamilton
While you might not have time for a quick trip to Japan on Father’s Day, give Dad the next best thing at Sono—the authentic restaurant known for dishing up stunning flavours crafted by honed techniques. With mouth-watering sashimi in one hand and sake in the other, he’ll be on top of the world.
The Details
When: Sunday 7 September
Book here.
Opa Bar + Mezze
123 Eagle Street, Brisbane CBD
Dad will be sure to say ‘opa’ when you take him to Opa this Father’s Day. The Greek icon certainly knows how to take care of its guests, with crowd-favourite flavours, a charming atmosphere and stunning waterfront views.
The Details
When: 11am to 8:45pm, Sunday 7 September
Find out more here.
Things To Do On Father's Day
Snag Dad The Ultimate Crown At Portside Wharf
Image credit: Portside Wharf | Markus Ravik
Step right up and win Dad the bragging rights he deserves with Portside Wharf launching a custom claw machine full of limited-edition caps naming him Brisbane’s Best Dad. With two designs on offer, the claw machine is free to play and will be located next door to Deer Sir from 30 August to 8 September—simply scan the QR code, enter your email and you’ll receive instant credits to play away. Plus, if you want to keep the competition going, Portside Wharf’s interactive baseball venue The Ballpark is letting dads hit for free on Father’s Day with code BBALLPAPA when booking.
Line Yourselves Up For Some Axe Throwing
Score a bullseye this Father’s Day with the most epic axe throwing experience at Maniax. With several packages to choose from, you finally have the chance to flex your muscles—and maybe release some pent up parent-child tension—as you conquer the ultimate tournament. For first timers, individual coaching and target practice is available so you can be on your way to becoming an ‘axe-pert’ in no time. The best part? Dads throw free at all Maniax locations on Father’s Day—just book here and use code FREEDAD.
Line It Up At Clay Target Shooting
Clay shooting is probably one of those things you’ve always wanted to try, but only ever actually seen in the movies. Well, if there was ever an excuse to finally give it a go, it’s Father’s Day. Brisbane has its own clay shooting experience, and you’ll find it out in Belmont towards the bay. You’ll get all the equipment provided, get some expert tuition from an experienced shooter, and then have the chance to shoot at 30 to 35 targets over 2.5 hours, competing against other participants to be the best. Book in for a session here.
Throw Your Way To Victory At Oche
Image credit: Sophie Spencer | Urban List
Who doesn’t love some healthy competition between father and child? Have your aim at the ready and your game face on because Oche in Fortitude Valley has revolutionised the game of darts. Say goodbye to dingy pubs with crumby boards and hello to technologically advanced darts boards. With automatic scoring, all you have to do is grab a drink and ready your smack talk. If this hits the bullseye, everything you need to know about Oche is here.
Learn To Sail Out In The Bay
Got a dad who loves getting out on the water? Maybe he even has his own tinnie. Well, it’s time to level up with a yacht sailing lesson in beautiful Moreton Bay. This course will teach you how to steer, work the sails and winches, tie a rope and use a compass. He might not be ready to buy his own yacht by the end, but he’ll definitely be on his way with a heap of practical skills under his belt. The full day experience takes place most Saturdays and Sundays and you can buy a voucher here.
Take To The Skies On A Scenic Helicopter Flight
Breakfast with a view? Clichéd. A sky high view of the Brisbane city skyline from a helicopter? Unforgettable. One for the dads with no fear of heights, this scenic helicopter flight will take you soaring over the Story Bridge, Gabba Stadium, South Bank and of course, the winding river. Trust us, no rooftop view in Brisbane can compare to seeing the city by helicopter, and Dad will agree. Book yourself in here.
Take A Quad Bike Through The Dunes
Want to spend some quality time with dad this Father’s Day, or gift him an island adventure? Well tell him to clear his entire schedule and enjoy a day full of adventure on breathtaking Moreton Island. From a thrilling ATV quad bike tour in the morning to feeding dolphins at dusk, there’s no shortage of bonding activities to bring you closer. After soaking up the sun, end the trip on a high note with a cheeky beverage as you cruise home—what could be better than that? To book dad’s day out, head here.
Ramp Up The Adrenaline With Go Karting
Start the day with some friendly rivalry as you zoom around Kingston Park on a pair of Sodi SR5 Race Karts. Cranking up a speed of up to 85km, you’ll endure the thrill of whizzing around an international 1100m race track—after some training of course—as you strive to take home first place. The package includes your kart racing licence, helmet hire, driver tuition, four 10 minute race sessions and printed race results all for a cost of $125pp. Head here to book now.
Hike Your Way To Serenity
Image credit: Urban List | Supplied
We know there are active dads who major in fitness as a hobby (goals). Show dad you’re at least a little genetically linked by taking him on a Brisbane hike, with locations close to home like Mt Coot-tha or a short road trip away like Lamington National Park. Wind down those windows and let Jimmy Barnes blare as you trip with Dad to one of these breathtaking hiking locations.
Just want a gift you can wrap up? You’ll find plenty of ideas that will guarantee favourite child status here.
Image credit: Maniax | Supplied
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