How to celebrate Father's Day in Brisbane
Father’s Day is the perfect excuse to spend some quality time with the incredible Dads and father figures who mean the world to you. Whether he’s happiest adventure seeking, discovering the next best brew, unwinding at a spa day or heading off on a memorable day trip, Brisbane is packed with ways to celebrate. Explore our curated list of top Father’s Day experiences in Brisbane to make his day extra special!
Adventure seekers
If your Dad thrives on adventure and loves an adrenaline rush, Brisbane has plenty of ways to make this Father’s Day unforgettable. Take to the Brisbane River with a high-speed Jet Ski Tours Brisbane experience or glide along the river with Riverlife Adventure Centres’ guided kayaking tours. If Dad prefers his feet on solid ground, lace up your walking shoes and explore the many trails around Mt Coot-Tha, then enjoy a well-deserved bite to eat at The Summit Cafe, overlooking the beautiful Brisbane vistas.
Take Father’s Day to new heights with an unforgettable experience for the whole family – the Story Bridge Adventure Climb and the all-new Story Bridge Swing, a thrilling giant pendulum swing soaring 80 metres above the Brisbane River! Celebrate the climb with a ‘Toast at the Top’ experience and soak in the views from one of Brisbane’s most iconic landmarks. Continue the adventure to Kangaroo Point and tackle Riverlife’s guided rock-climbing adventures or descend the cliff face on a twilight abseil as The City lights begin to shine.
If he’s up for a vertical thrill, test his limits with the daring Vertigo dining experience at the Brisbane Powerhouse before keeping the fun going with a competitive game at Oche Darts. What about a serious ‘wow’ adventure? Take to the skies with Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights, where Dad can watch the sun rise over Brisbane and the Scenic Rim from above. Experience ‘epic’ with Dad in the hinterland at Thunderbird Park. Soar through the treetops on the TreeTop Challenge, tackle suspended bridges and aerial obstacles or dial up the adrenaline on the Canyon Flyer Zipline Tour, flying through the ancient rainforest canopy at exhilarating speeds. Challenge Dad to a game of pickleball or a round of mini golf, then try your luck thunderegg fossicking and uncover a prehistoric treasure or two for the ultimate Father’s Day adventure.
Family-friendly activities
Spend quality family time together with activities that are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Get up close with native Australian wildlife at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, or make a day of it with a scenic Koala & River Cruise and take a relaxing journey along the Brisbane River to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. For another chance to spot one of Australia's most iconic animals, head to Daisy Hill Koala Centre, where you can learn more about koalas and stroll through the surrounding forest trails.
For families with Bluey fans in tow, Bluey’s World is sure to be a hit, even Dad will love it! Afterwards, hop aboard a GoBoat and captain your own electric picnic boat, cruising along the stunning Brisbane River – it's the perfect way to wish Dad a happy Father’s Day.
If your Dad prefers a slower pace, pack a picnic and unwind at New Farm Park, Mount Coot-Tha Botanic Gardens or South Bank Parklands. Bring along a charcuterie board or keep is classic with a snag on bread cooked up on one of the many public barbeques, while the kids make the most of the playgrounds, open green spaces.
Take Father's Day beyond the city at Summer Land Camels in the Scenic Rim. Meet the resident camel herd from afar, snap a few selfies and go behind the scenes on a farm tour before settling into the Homestead Cafe and Farm Shop for fresh local fare and a scoop of camel milk gelato. Before you leave, browse the range of camel milk products, skincare and unique gifts, with plenty of Father's Day gift inspiration waiting on the shelves.
Father’s Day also lands on the same weekend that Brisbane Festival begins, making it the perfect excuse to plan a family day out. Gather the crew and head to one of the many family-friendly family events taking place across the city, or celebrate Father’s Day eve at Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust, where fireworks, flyovers and riverside celebrations light up Brisbane. Here are some of the best places to watch one of Brisbane’s brightest nights.
The foodie Dad
Treat Dad to a well-earned feast and a cold brew at one of Brisbane’s best bars. Head to Felons Brewing Co. at Howard Smith Wharves for laid-back riverside eats, Revel Brewing Co at Rivermakers for locally brewed beers bursting with personality and flavour, or BrewDog DogTap serves up epic burgers, loaded fries, and an impressive beer lineup in a family-friendly space. If your Dad considers himself a beer connoisseur, Brisbane’s home to a vibrant brewery scene with the likes of likes of s like Stone & Wood, Valley Hops Brewing, Sea Legs Brewing Co, and Range Brewing. Or go behind the scenes on an XXXX Brewery Tour, where you'll learn about the history of one of Australia's most iconic beers before enjoying a tasting fresh from the source.
For something a little more refined, discover the growing collection of renowned restaurants and bars in Brisbane. Head to the buzzing Queen’s Wharf precinct, where Cucina Regina serves up classic Italian fare, Azteca brings bold Latin American flavours to the table and Black Hide is ideal for Dads who appreciate a great steak. Or for a little luxe this Father’s Day, spoil Dad with a delicious dining experience on James Street, where award-winning dining meets effortless alfresco venues.
Dine at a memorable steakhouse such as Rothwell’s, Fatcow for premium cuts, or Dark Shepherd for a moody setting with a curated menu and delicious cocktails. Elevate the evening with award-winning dining at Agnes for wood-fired perfection or explore the renowned charm at Rogue Bistro. For a drink to remember, Rich & Rare offers a whisky bar experience perfect for toasting Dad in style.
If your Dad likes to know exactly what's on his plate and in his glass, treat him to one of these unique foodie adventure. Head to the Moreton Bay Region for a Brisbane Oyster Farm Tour, where you'll cruise through working oyster leases and sample freshly shucked oysters straight from the water. Or swap the ocean for the vineyard at Sirromet Winery, where wine tastings, vineyard views and long lunches are all part of the experience – a glass in hand overlooking the vines might just be Father's Day perfection.
Relax and unwind
Give Dad the gift of slowing down this Father’s Day with a soothing escape at one of Brisbane’s luxury wellness spas. Soak away the stresses of everyday life at Soak Bathhouse, where hot and cold pools, steam rooms, and tranquil lounges invite Dad to enjoy a few uninterrupted hours for the ultimate reset. Over at Albion Bathhouse, hydrotherapy spas and infrared saunas create the perfect wellness experience or book The Healing Stone in South Bank for Japanese-style stone bathing and soothing massage treatments. For a male focussed spa day and wellness treatment head to Archon, a sleek high-performance recovery studio, or head to Total Fusion Newstead where Dad can enjoy everything from ice baths, infrared saunas and yoga in a state-of-the-art facility.
Don’t stop at just a treatment, turn Father's Day into a city stay with a spa-and-stay experience. AWAY Spa at W Brisbane pairs perfectly with a riverside weekend in the heart of The City, while Stephanie's Spa Retreat at Sofitel offers a luxurious escape complete, indulgent treatments and plenty of opportunities for Dad to switch off.
A day trip to remember
If Dad loves the great outdoors, venture beyond and discover some of Brisbane’s most memorable day trip destinations. Cruise across to Moreton Island/ Mulgumpin and dive into unforgettable experiences like snorkelling or kayaking around the Tangalooma Wrecks, spotting dolphins, turtles and other marine life or hurtling down the sand dunes on a thrilling sandboarding adventure. Choose from experiences with Tangalooma Island Resort, a thrilling Australian Sunset Safari, or a scenic wildlife and adventure cruise with See Moreton.
For something truly special, surprise your dad with a Brisbane Whale Watching tour, departing from Redcliffe in the Moreton Bay region, and enjoy the rare opportunity to see humpback whales up close in their natural habitat. Or take the road less travelled with G’Day Adventure Tours on Bribie Island, offering 4WD adventures through sandy trails, lagoons, and national parks. It’s the perfect way to celebrate your father figure with a day of excitement, nature, and quality time together.
For a calm day on the water, set sail with Aria Cruises on the Redlands Coast, where island-hopping adventures and stunning bay scenery make for a memorable Father's Day escape. Enjoy picturesque waterways, local wildlife and a side of the Redlands many visitors never get to see.
