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The first Sunday of September is an annual opportunity to do something extra special for the amazing father figures in your life. If you find it challenging to buy Father’s Day gifts that are a step up from the classic Aussie “presents for dad” assortment of socks, pjs and books, then you’ve come to the right place. Our fabulous, travel-themed Father’s Day gift ideas cover a variety of experiences to suit every type of dad, and you can enjoy them together – now that’s what we call going the extra mile!
Blue Mountains, NSW
The breathtaking landscape of dramatic cliffs, deep valleys, lush forests and cascading waterfalls makes the Blue Mountains a fabulous Father’s Day present for an adventure-loving dad. Explore the underground wonders of the Jenolan Caves, experience the thrill of zip-lining through the treetops and navigating high ropes courses, or discover remote areas, hidden waterfalls and scenic viewpoints with a 4WD off-road guided tour.
Glenworth Valley, NSW
Located on the NSW Central Coast, you will find a multitude of fun activities to get dad’s adrenaline going, from bushwalking and quad biking to abseiling and kayaking. As one of the largest horse-riding centres in Australia, Glenworth Valley is a fantastic destination for riders of all skill levels, ranging from absolute beginner to Man from Snowy River.
Great Barrier Reef, QLD
If your dad loves the ocean, a diving trip to the Great Barrier Reef may be the ultimate Father’s Day adventure. Explore vibrant coral reefs and shipwrecks, encounter diverse marine life, and for the ultimate thrill, go skydiving over Mission Beach.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of New Zealand’s Southern Alps and offering an astonishing variety of thrilling escapades, it’s no wonder that Queenstown enjoys a reputation as one of the world’s great adventure capitals. Challenge your dad to a round on one of the region’s spectacular golf courses, experience the thrill of white-water rafting or jet boating on the Kawarau or Shotover Rivers, go snowboarding or skiing on the snowy slopes of Coronet Peak, or try your luck fishing for King Salmon in Lake Wakatipu.
Daintree, QLD
One of the oldest and most complex rainforest ecosystems in the world, a visit to this UNESCO World Heritage site is a perfect present if your dad loves nature and wildlife. Learn about its unique cultural heritage and diverse flora and fauna on a guided walking tour, take a cruise along the Daintree River to spot wildlife such as crocodiles, birds, and tree frogs, or experience the rainforest from a different perspective on the elevated walkways and aerial walkway at the Daintree Discovery Centre.
Tasmania
From the rugged beauty of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park to the white sandy beaches and pink granite peaks of Freycinet National Park, Tasmania is a nature-lover’s dream. Experience the unique wildlife and diverse landscapes of Bruny Island, marvel at the pristine beauty of the Bay of Fires or take a serene cruise through the lush rainforest wilderness of the Gordon River.
Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Get Dad out in the Great Outdoors on Kangaroo Island, where he can enjoy all sorts of experiences that showcase its unique wildlife and landscapes. Visit Seal Bay to see Australian sea lions lounging in their natural habitat, go sandboarding and tobogganing in the sand dunes of Little Sahara, or visit the Raptor Domain for a unique experience with various species of birds of prey.
Bali
From the serene rice terraces of Ubud to the vibrant marine environment of Nusa Penida Island, Bali’s diverse natural beauty makes it a fabulous choice for nature-loving dads. Go on a sunrise trek to the summit of Mount Batur, go kayaking on the serene Lake Tamblingan, or spend a day snorkelling and diving amidst the pristine coral reefs of Menjangan Island.
Melbourne, VIC
Whether it’s sampling the local craft beer scene or immersing yourself in Australian history, culture, and natural history at the Melbourne Museum, this city is a dream destination for a fun-filled Father’s Day weekend. If he’s a sports enthusiast, treat him to a tour of the Melbourne Cricket Ground for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world’s most famous sports stadiums, then take in a live cricket or football match.
Sydney, NSW
With its iconic landmarks, lively cultural experiences and vibrant neighbourhoods, Sydney truly has something for everyone. Challenge Dad to climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and harbour, enjoy fabulous shopping and dining in the historic precinct of The Rocks, or take the ferry to Manly Beach to enjoy sand, surf and a relaxed seaside vibe.
Singapore
If your dad is a foodie, a chance to enjoy the diverse culinary scene at Singapore’s famous hawker centres could be the perfect Father’s Day gift. He can enjoy tucking into iconic local dishes like Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, and char kway teow, then shop for great gifts for the rest of the family in Chinatown or the high-end malls and luxury boutiques of Orchard Road. After that, it’s all about choosing the perfect spot to unwind – will it be the lively riverside bars of Clarke Quay, the spectacular observation deck of Marina Bay Sands, or the birthplace of the classic Singapore Sling: Raffles Hotel’s famous Long Bar?
Tokyo, Japan
From tranquil temples and gardens to the intense bustle of Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo is a city of fascinating contrasts and unique experiences. Explore the vibrant atmosphere and otaku culture of Akihabara, experience a futuristic fusion between art, technology and entertainment at teamLab Borderless or wander through the historic Yanaka district, known for its well-preserved old Tokyo charm.
Barossa Valley, SA
Renowned for world-class wineries like Penfolds, Jacob’s Creek and Seppeltsfield Estate, a wine-tasting tour is a fabulous way for Dad to sample some of Australia’s finest Shiraz and other varietals. Take a scenic drive or bike ride along the Barossa Valley Heritage Trail, enjoy a gourmet tasting session at the Maggie Beer Farm Shop or experience the serenity of a sunrise hot-air balloon flight over picturesque vineyards and rolling countryside.
McLaren Vale, SA
Another of South Australia’s iconic wine destinations, McLaren Vale also offers incredible scenery and a fabulous gourmet food scene. A visit to the architectural marvel of the d’Arenberg Cube is a must: this five-story tasting room and art space offers immersive wine experiences, tasting flights and interactive exhibits. The weekly Willunga Farmers Market is a great place to pick up fresh, locally-grown produce and gourmet foods before heading to the nearby Fleurieu Peninsula for a beachfront picnic.
Margaret River, WA
Located three hours’ drive south from Perth, a visit to the Margaret River region is the perfect Father’s Day gift for dads who appreciate renowned wineries, stunning beaches and mouthwatering gourmet treats. If wine is not your dad’s thing, there is also a thriving craft beer scene and award-winning distilleries, or he can tempt his taste buds at the Margaret River Chocolate Company. You can balance all that indulgence with a kayaking expedition on the Margaret River, a surfing lesson at one of the region’s many idyllic beaches or exploring the unique subterranean landscapes of Jewel Cave.
If you are still having trouble deciding on the perfect present for Dad, your personal travel manager can provide more ideas and inspiration for thoughtful gifts. Alternatively, our gift certificates are wonderful as personalised gifts that make it easy for him to choose something he really loves.
TravelManagers respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands where we work and gather, and those we visit.
