Because Dad has enough socks.
Because Dad has enough socks.
Dads are the best, right? So good, in fact, that they get one day of the year entirely dedicated to their happiness — and guilt-free lounging/napping. As fast as this year has gone already if you weren’t aware, Father’s Day is coming up quick smart on Sunday 5th September.
Don’t fear if you forgot or even if it hasn’t crossed your mind yet, we’ve done our research and have you covered.
Here’s a list of local goodies and activities you can get the main man, and trust us, you’re guaranteed to get some sweet brownie points in the process. Because you never know when they can come in handy!
The Undercurrent T-Shirt, Tanks & Singlets
Dad proud of his ‘burb? Grab him a shirt with his fav Gold Coast suburb scenes illustrated on the back, and you’ll be his favourite child. Choose from one of eight local suburbs with artwork designed by a Gold Coast artist and support QLD Surf Lifesaving simultaneously, as $2 from every shirt is donated to support our courageous team behind the red and yellow flags!
Where: Online or Damn Good Store, Sunbeau Court, Shop 2A/1740 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Gold Coast Longboards
If Dad doesn’t already love to skateboard, he should absolutely get on that. It’s the perfect father/child activity, and you potentially enjoy many laughs as you watch him learn. Longboards are the ideal place to start, and Gold Coast Longboards have you covered.
Granddad Jacks Spirits
Seriously, what is there not to like about award-winning Granddad Jacks? From vodka to varying delicious gins, whiskeys and liqueurs, you’re bound to find something daddio will like. Also, if he’s been an extra good father this year, investigate their readily put together gift packs for some gift-giving inspo.
Where: 45 Lemana Lane, Miami
Black Ops Boat Wash
If getting out on the water in his boat fishing or ripping around on his jet ski is something your Dad frequently does, he may be all too familiar with the monumental task it is to get — and keep — his toys clean. Well, it doesn’t need to be hard work anymore with Black Ops. This clever little Coomera based company has developed a great Aussie-made product to make cleaning and protecting your water-going vehicles a breeze. And who knows, he may take you out next time he hits the water…
Where: Marine Precinct, 1a/1 Waterway Drive, Coomera
Fine Chocolate Gift Box from Little Cocoa
Have you tried the exquisite chocolates that are locally made in Southport by expert chocolatier Alicia Chapman? Little Cocoa chocolates are next-level delicious and if your Dad’s anything like ours, he’s got a bit of a sweet tooth. He’ll certainly love this $38 gift pack made especially for Father’s Day including Biscoff Crunch, Cashew Caramel, Passionfruit Hazelnut and Whisky Butter Caramel (with real rye whisky!) chocolate bars. May as well add a pack for yourself too, because Dad probably won’t be sharing.
Order online here.
Stone & Wood Gift Packs
Everybody’s favourite brewery is coming up with some ingenious ways to show your old man how much he means to you. They’re letting you custom make crates from their core range of beers and also teaming up with local producer Brookies and putting together the Stone & Wood X Brookies Boilermaker Gift Pack: combining hearty Red Jasper Ale with the sweet nuttiness of Brookie’s Mac. liqueur. Get either delivered and ascend to legendary child status.
Travelshoot family photoshoot
When you take the time to look, do you always come across cheesy photos of your Dad and wish there were some better ones? After all, he’s likely not a bad-looking rooster. Well, enter Travelshoot. This innovative platform makes professional photoshoots an absolute piece of cake. You choose your location, give an idea of what photos you’d like, they connect you to a super local photographer, and it’s as easy as that. It’s high time to update the family album, folks!
Sporty’s Warehouse gift voucher
Your one-stop place for everything fit and active, Sporty’s stocks all the athletic equipment your Dad could want, from spearfishing to yoga, these guys do it all! However, choosing the ‘right’ item for Dad could be a bit of a gamble. Play it safe, get him a voucher, and let him choose his team’s latest footy attire or the fanciest fishing rod the big fella desires.
Where: 32 Straithard Road, Bundall
R&R at Endota Spa
Certainly not one just for the ladies — this is the 21st century, after all. Show Dad another side to gift-giving and indulge him in a treatment from Australia’s largest luxury spa franchise. Whether his sore muscles need a Deep Recovery Relaxation Massage or his prickly face could do with a bit of a touch-up, he may not say it, but he’ll love the experience!
Where: Broadbeach, Coolangatta and Surfers Paradise
A voucher to his favourite restaurant
We’re spoilt for places to eat on the Gold Coast, and we think you should play this card to your advantage. Do your research (AKA ask mum) and go about getting him a voucher for his favourite place to eat out. And if you’re a tad unsure, we’d recommend Burleigh Heads’ contemporary Restaurant Labart or Broadbeach’s ode to Italy, Gemelli.
Do a few hot laps at Slideways Go-Karting
If there’s a competitive streak between you and your Dad, we suggest you take it out on the track! This Go-Karting centre has enough twists and turns to separate the good drivers from the great. You’ll also reach speeds of up to 70km/h and have the option to race at night. Finally, you can settle the dispute of who is the better driver. Oh and to help you kids out, here is a voucher for 20% OFF 20-minute sessions.
Where: 232 Old Pacific Highway, Pimpama and 10 Spencer Road, Nerang
Head out on a Fishing Charter
A full or half-day spent out on the big blue is an experience your Dad won’t forget in a hurry. Not only will he have the chance to battle some decent size fish — and take them home — he’ll also have the opportunity to take in the stunning sight of our coastline from the ocean. Be sure to take a camera with you and take some memorable snaps together. Avenger Gold Coast Fishing Charters and BK’s Gold Coast Fishing Charters will be able to look after dad a treat!
Go head-to-head at mini-golf
Enjoy an afternoon of fun with a side of competitiveness when you take Dad for a whirl around 18 holes of miniature golf. Whether he is a golf fanatic or not, having a swing of the putter will be sure to entertain him (and you!). Choose between a myriad of courses across King Tutt’s Putt Putt, Putt Putt Mermaid Beach or Surfers Paradise Mini Golf. (Be sure to click on each place for their current voucher!)
Where: Mermaid Beach and Surfers Paradise
Complete an Escape Room
Ever wanted to be locked in a room with your Dad he can’t get out of? Well, now’s your chance! Both Escape Hunt and Padlock’d will do precisely that but also provide clues so you can both get out eventually (who will be the savviest?).
Where: Southport and Surfers Paradise
Learn to surf with Walkin on Water
Has Dad ever wanted to give surfing a go but put it in the ‘too late’ basket? Well, here’s the perfect opportunity for him to give it a try. Walkin on Water works out of Greenmount Beach down Coolangatta way, where the waves are long and mellow and perfect for beginners. Plus, you’ll probably get a laugh out of it. Click here for a $25 discount!
Where: Marine Parade, Coolangatta
See the Goldy from above with GC Heli Tours
How good would a helicopter ride over the Gold Coast be? SO good! And the perfect present for Dad this Father’s Day if we do say so ourselves. GC Heli Tours will take Dad (and the rest of the fam if you so choose) high up over the city and along the coastline to take in the most beautiful view of the Gold Coast there is. What a gift!
Where: Mirage Heliport (D) Arm Marina Mirage, Main Beach
Visit a local brewery or book a brewery tour
Some clever and talented folks have opened award-winning breweries right across our Coast. Our picks, though, would be Tamborine Mountain’s Fortitude Brewing Company with regular live music and great hinterland vibes, or Miami’s ever-popular Precinct Brewing, who just so happen to be offering Dads, plus one (AKA you), a free brewery tour on the day itself with a complimentary beer for Dad! Or if you’d prefer the organisation and transport taken care of, then look no further than Pineapple Tours. These guys have a set roster of exciting and imaginative tours taking in breweries, distilleries and a bunch of other cool stuff along the way.
Words by Alex Mitcheson.