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 that will definitely put you in his good books. Delete that socks purchase from your cart and treat Dad to some quality time instead of a lame gift this Father’s Day.
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. Head here to learn more.
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
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.
Eat Your Weight In Steak
What says ‘I love you, Dad’ more than a steak? Honestly, nothing. Treat pops to a meal of epic proportions, also known as Brisbane's best steak houses. Whether it’s dry-aged goodness at Walter’s Steakhouse or dinner with a view at Blackbird Bar & Grill, dad is sure to be pleased with this list of drool-worthy options.
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.
Drive A Virtual Race Car Simulator
If your dad is a backseat driver (should we even say ‘if?’), here’s a chance for him to take the wheel. VR Motorsports lets you and dad learn to drift in a way you never could before because one, your tyres (obviously), and two, your life. This virtual reality experience has been created so that you feel every roll, tap or jolt, and best of all, you can drink in-between drives. Buckle up and read all about it 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.
Wine And Dine At City Winery
If your dad likes to think of himself as a bit of a wine connoisseur, it’s time to put those taste buds to the test with the ultimate wine tasting, no tour bus necessary. Sit back and enjoy a four-course shared dining experience at City Winery in Fortitude Valley, along with a wine tasting paddle of four Gerler wines all for the price of $75pp. While sipping away to some of Brisbane’s finest wines, he’ll have the chance to immerse himself in the winemaking process of the city’s first urban winery since 1860. To nab him tickets, 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.
Devour A Brunch To Remember
Killer French toast, bagels, big brekkies or trusty avo on toast? It’s a yes to all of it from us. If you’re looking to cruise into Father’s Day in Brisbane with ease, brunch is the way to do just that. And luckily for you, we’ve collated a list of Brisbane’s best cafes. Choose one (or give dad that difficult task) and treat him to a hearty AM feed.
Hike Your Way To Serenity
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.
Indulge In Brisbane’s Best Dinner Spots
Gourmet dads, we see you, and thanks for cooking for us all these years. And in return kids, take him out for an oh-so-luxury dining experience. Indulge with dad at reliable favourites like Agnes or lesser-known gems like Rogue Bistro for an evening of delectable dinners. And if a three-course meal just doesn’t do it for you, banquets are plentiful at a number of our current fave Brisbane restaurants, which you’ll find here.
Sip And Snack At Brisbane’s Best Breweries
As spring lurks just around the corner, crack open a cold one with dad this Father’s Day. And by crack, we mean on-tap pints of pale ales, lagers, ciders and IPAs at some of Brisbane’s best taphouses and breweries. Here’s where to get the best pours. Bonus points if you can hit multiple in one afternoon stroll.
Just want a gift you can wrap up? You’ll find plenty of ideas here.
Image credit: Maniax
Urban List editors independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. Urban List has affiliate partnerships, and if you purchase something through the links in this article, we will earn a commission from those partners. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.