In case you’ve not glanced at a calendar recently, you might want to know that Father’s Day is lurking in the near distance, with the big day arriving on Sunday, September 1. That is – *checks watch* – not much time to figure out a gift plan, but this kind of last-minute saviour schtick is the kind of stuff Secret Sydney lives for, so we’re here to lend you a hand. Jazzy ties and socks are out, as we’re off in search of something more memorable for the best things to do on Father’s Day in Sydney. Here are five alternative ideas to treat the man or the father figure in your life!
1. Whisk him on a VR journey through history
If your dad is the kind who’s always fiddling with the latest tech (I know this feeling well), or lives for history and impressive tales, Horizon of Khufu is arriving just in time to make an ideal present. Opening on September 5 in Olympic Park, it’s a buy now, enjoy soon Father’s Day gift, but the blend of incredible VR tech and painstaking historical research is genuinely impressive. Plus, in the quest for originality, it’s something he won’t have been gifted before… You can book a ticket here.
2. Go crate digging at a Sydney record store
My own personal go-to Father’s Day gift is usually a vinyl record, helping fill a collection that’s swelled steadily since the late 1970s. So, if your dad is anything like mine, the thrill of rummaging through old record shops could be the ideal way to spend Father’s Day, especially if a rare gem is unearthed. Destinations may vary depending on taste, but we’d suggest Egg Records (Newtown) if you’re casting a wide net, Repressed Records (also Newtown) for the former punks, and The Vintage Record (Annandale) for classic dad rock.
3. Book a tour of a Sydney sporting icon
If Father’s Day fell during cricket season, children across Sydney would most likely breathe a sigh of relief, safe in the knowledge that a ticket and a beer would do the trick. Even the NRL could be more hindrance than help at this stage, if your dad’s team has fallen by the wayside in the battle for the Grand Final. So, instead of live sport, go and appreciate the history of both cricket and rugby in Sydney with a guided walking tour of the SCG. Tickets are still available for Father’s Day, and it might prove particularly helpful for those who’ve heard one too many tales of past sporting glories.
4. Take advantage of the numerous Sydney dining deals
Freed from the curse of picking up the bill, your father figure has plenty of options to choose from this Father’s Day. For instance, Q Station is laying on a veritable feast on Sunday, September 1, complete with wagyu beef, snapper, and a themed cocktail, whilst Forrester’s in Surry Hills hosts a more casual offering of their famed ‘Big Yorkie’ roast, with a complimentary Young Henrys schooner for every booking.
5. Escape into nature on a rainforest walk
Literally priceless gifts can be had with a retreat from the city, and if Father’s Day is all about making memories, then a wander through NSW’s stunning forests could be the ideal day out. Hop in the car – or pick up a train from Central Station for car-free options like the Couranga Track – and into the wild for a day of family bonding. We’ve rounded up some of our favourites here.