Where To Spend Father’s Day in Canberra

Father’s Day in Australia is fast approaching – have you sorted out your dad’s prezzie, yet?!

It isn’t too late to start planning some fun Father’s Day activities to make dad feel extra special come September 4th. Sure, a card and a hug is a thoughtful gift to give your dad, but why not take advantage of everything the city has to offer – and there is a lot to offer! – and treat dad to a Father’s Day out in Canberra?

From a family BBQ to a day at the footy, if you’re stuck for ideas on things to do for Father’s Day, then check out this list of places to spend Father’s Day in Canberra.

It doesn’t matter if you have young children, adult children, or are simply wanting to spend the day with your own dad or important man in your life, Canberra caters to all!

Things to do

Marketplace Carnival

Roll up! Roll up! Marketplace Gungahlin’s Marketplace Carnival is back! The Marketplace will be holding a carnival over Father’s Day weekend where there will be lots of free goodies including a FREE photo booth and popcorn where you can get a special selfie taken with dad to bring home. The Carnival will also feature roving entertainment a kids sparkle zone (where the kids can get all glitzed up and carnival-ready!) and a chance to win some awesome prizes including Apple Airpods and a HD TV. Simply spend $25 in the Marketplace and test your skills on the Claw Machine!

Giants vs Brisbane Lions

Got a dad who loves his sport? Then grab tickets to the AFLW Father’s Day match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Brisbane Lions; happening Sunday, September 4th at Manuka Oval in Griffith. There’s nothing better than enjoying a game of footy with family and friends. Plus there will be plenty of entertainment for the kids with the GIANTS Fan Zone featuring giveaways, face painting, inflatables and Kick 2 Kick post-game.

A Comedy Show

What better way to enjoy Father’s Day in Canberra than with a bunch of belly laughs?! Make dad’s day by attending the Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase Tour – bringing the best of the 2022 Festival to Tumut for the first time! The Comedy Show will feature a line-up of veteran favourites and some emerging new talent for a night of pure comedy gold entertainment. 

Canberra Railway Museum

The Canberra Railway Museum is a must-see for any dad! Whether he’s a train lover or not, the Museum will have him feeling like a big kid! Step back in time to the golden age of train travel and explore their fleet of locomotives and carriages including one of the oldest surviving steam engines in Australia and the very first train to arrive in Canberra! This Father’s Day, the Museum will be hosting a sausage sizzle to enjoy with the family.

Canberra Southern Cross Club Jamison

The Canberra Southern Cross Club – Jamison is inviting all dads (and their loved ones!) to their Father’s Day Buffet Breakfast and Father’s Day High Brew! Enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast filled with all of dad’s favourites including freshly baked pastries, artisan beef sausages and bacon & eggs. Follow up with a High Tea (but with a boozy twist!) comprising of a grazing tower complete with four special release Capital Brewing Co. beers. Kid-friendly platters are also available.

Power Kart Raceway

Start your engines! This Father’s Day, give dad an adrenaline rush with a day out at Power Kart Raceway – Canberra’s ultimate go-karting experience. Enjoy two hours of power with unlimited racing at just $80 and then continue the fun at the onsite Jungle Golf 18-hole glow-in-the-dark mini golf course or ice skating rink! There’s a cafe on site making it the perfect spot to spend Father’s Day with the entire family.

..or why not try these simple yet fun activities

A backyard picnic or BBQ

You don’t have to go out to have a memorable Father’s Day in Canberra. Get the entire family together, grab your favourite BBQ foods & supplies, and enjoy a truly Aussie Father’s Day by having a backyard picnic or BBQ. Don’t have the space? Make the most of Canberra’s numerous parks and picturesque picnic spots such as Canberra Nara Peace Park or Commonwealth Park!

Enjoy the outdoors together

Is your dad the outdoorsy type? Then he will love an out-of-the-box Father’s Day activity idea such as going hiking or bike riding! Canberra is an outdoor adventurers' playground, boasting a myriad of outdoor activities and stunning nature reserves. Some popular outdoor activities to do in Canberra include bike riding around Lake Burley Griffin, spotting koalas at the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, hiking the Mount Ainslie summit or trying your hand at stand-up paddle boarding at Yarralumla Beach. 

Have a movie night

Nothing beats the classic home movie night! Get dad to pick his all-time favourites (maybe even one from his childhood!) and watch them together as a family. Make the night special by serving homemade popcorn and movie snacks such as ice cream sandwiches and hot dogs then turn down the lights, grab all the comfiest blankets and pillows in the house and enjoy!

Grab all your Father’s Day Gifts and Supplies at the Marketplace

Marketplace Gungahlin has everything you need to make Father’s Day extra special. Whether it’s a novelty gift, a funny Father’s Day card or snacks and supplies for a Father’s Day BBQ and movie night – head down to the Marketplace, pop into Woolworths or one of the many retail stores, and while you’re there, treat dad to a yummy Father’s Day lunch at one of our eateries.