There are heaps of special meals, live carvings, buffets, mammoth steaks and cold beers across Canberra and beyond catering for Father’s Day. Photo: Byron Photography.
Father’s Day is almost here and we all want to celebrate dads but the question is what to get them.
Getting something for dad is always difficult but taking them out for a meal is always a sure bet. There are plenty of spots around Canberra and beyond that make it easy by providing great steaks and pub food, carvings, cold beer, buffets, markets and more.
If you’re finding yourself stumped trying to plan something for Father’s Day, read on for our guide to the best dad-centred meals and more.
Head to the Tradies, tuck into four awesome mains and enjoy a free bottle of wine. Photo: The Tradies, Dickson.
Father’s Day at the Tradies, Dickson
When: 7 September, 12 pm to 9:30 pm
Where: The Tradies, 2 Badham Street, Dickson
Cost: Free to book | Book online.
The Tradies in Dickson is serving up great value, great food and free wine to celebrate the Dads in your life.
Bookings of four or more who purchase four mains (including kids) at The Tradies in Dickson for Father’s Day will receive a free bottle of Nick O’Leary wine.
Can you spot the dads in this photo? Photo: Hartley Lifecare.
Hartley Hall Markets
When: 7 September, 9 am
Where: Hall Showgrounds, Victoria Street, Hall
Cost: Free entry.
Looking for something casual this Father’s Day? What’s better than walking around, sampling some great locally made food and drinks and enjoying the vibes of a Sunday market?
This Father’s Day markets will have all the normal goodies: stalls will be offering food, locally grown vegetables, fresh produce, baked goods, plants, furniture, clothing, pottery, toys, arts and crafts, unique gifts and more.
Chill out in the shade, get a bite to eat and keep it casual with live music and entertainment.
The Yacht Club has the lake views, you just have to bring a dad. Photo: Canberra Southern Cross Yacht Club.
Father’s Day at the Yacht Club – Slow-roasted lamb
When: 7 September, 11 am to 9 pm
Where: 1 Mariner Pl, Yarralumla
Cost: $120 ticket price for members | $145 ticket price for non-members | Book online.
A cosy, flavourful lunch with water views awaits at the Yacht Club this Father’s Day with free-range Riverina lamb, marinated in saffron and traditional Persian spices, resulting in a perfect, delectable dish.
The Yacht Club is a great spot to enjoy wide views of the lake, meaning diners get to enjoy the lake while celebrating the dads in their lives.
Steak, chicken and beer. Photo: QT Hotels.
Father’s Day at Capitol Bar and Grill
When: 7 September, Sessions at 12 pm and 12:30 pm
Where: Capitol Bar & Grill Restaurant, 1 London Cct, Canberra
Cost: Adult tickets are $99 | Child/teen tickets are $55 | Book online.
The Capitol Bar and Grill’s Father’s Day event is one you’re not going to want to miss, with a bone-in ribeye steak and a half-roast Bannockburn chicken on offer, as well as sides and sticky date pudding to finish off. Of course, there will be plenty of beer or wine.
In addition to the food and drink, the sunny deck at Capitol will be transformed with putt-putt golf and plenty of prizes up for grabs for the best mini golfer. A hole in one could just nab you freebies from BentSpoke Beet, Boy + Co or a night at the QT Hotel.
The Steampacket Hotel is THE place for Father’s Day celebrations on the coast. Photo: Steampacket Hotel.
T-Bone at the Steampacket Hotel, Nelligen
When: 7 September, live music from 1 pm
Where: Steampacket Hotel, Nelligen, 963 Kings Hwy, Nelligen
Cost: Tickets are $55 | Book by emailing manager@steampackethotel.au or phoning 02 6421 1092.
Heading to the coast for this Father’s Day? Don’t worry, the Steampacket Hotel in Nelligen has you covered, with a special steak and live music.
Celebrate Dad with a half-kilo T-bone steak, which comes with a choice of sides, along with a schooner and a Steampacket Hotel stubby holder to remember the special day.
The Hyatt’s live carving is the main attraction this Father’s Day. Photo: Hyatt Hotel.
Father’s Day at the Hyatt Hotel
When: 7 September
Where: Hyatt Hotel, 120 Commonwealth Avenue, Canberra
Cost: Buffet $110 per person or $55 for kids from 6 to 12 | High tea $103 per person or $$52 for kids from 6 -12| Book online.
Father’s Day at the Hyatt is going to be a day to remember, with a premium buffet feast for Dad to enjoy. Live carvings, hot dishes and, of course, the Hyatt’s famous desserts are waiting at Canberra’s most famous hotel. If the buffet isn’t your speed, the Hyatt’s high tea includes gourmet sliders, high tea dessert, cheese and charcuterie boards.
There are lots of reasons the Hyatt has endured as Canberra’s premier destination for elevated meals to celebrate special occasions, Father’s Day is just one of them.
More beers on tap than you can shake a stick at. Photo: Thomas Lucraft
Chef’s Tomahawk special at the Dickson Taphouse
When: 7 September
Where: The Dickson Taphouse, 30 Woolley St, Dickson
Cost: Special tomahawk is $210 to share between three to four people | Bookings essential via email (manager@dicksontaphouse.com.au) or phone (02 6193 2574).
The Taphouse’s chef is putting on something special for this Father’s Day, cooking up a tomahawk steak to share between the family. Because of the size of the tomahawk, diners will have to allow for a longer cook time, around 30 minutes, for the perfect sear. But don’t worry, while you wait, the Taphouse has plenty of beers from all over the place, covering every flavour profile to keep you occupied.
Celebrate with the old man at one of Canberra’s oldest joints. Photo: Old Canberra Inn, Instagram.
Father’s Day at the Old Canberra Inn
When: 7 September
Where: Old Canberra Inn, 195 Mouat St, Lyneham
Cost: Free to book by emailing manager@oldcanberrainn.com.au or by calling 02 6134 6000.
The Old Canberra Inn, built in 1857, is one of Canberra’s oldest watering holes. With the kind of cosy atmosphere and old-fashioned warmth your Dad can appreciate, especially with a cold beer in hand and a plate of great pub food.
If your Dad is looking for a casual celebration, the Canberra Inn is offering grilled chicken for $24, homemade pie with two sides for $25 and for someone a bit special, rosemary and garlic marinated lamb chops with roasted potatoes for $38.
Three different Southern Cross Clubs are holding their own Father’s Day specials. Image: Canberra Southern Cross Club.
Father’s Day T-Bone & Beer at the Canberra Southern Cross Club
When: 7 September, 11 am to 9 pm
Where: Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden, Jamison and Tuggeranong.
Cost: $85 for members | $105 for non-members | Book online.
The Southern Cross Club is making it easy to treat dad this Father’s Day. Get him something he’s going to remember, a grilled 500g dry-aged Yambinya Reserve T-bone steak served alongside an ice-cold coast ale, a glass of shiraz or a riesling. The best part is that this is on offer at three different clubs, meaning there’s almost certainly one near you.
Join the Running for Resilience group at Forde on Father’s Day! Photo: Running for Resilience.
Father’s Day with The Fathering Project
When: 7 September from 3 pm to 4 pm
Where: Frankies at Forde
Join Running for Resilience on Father’s Day for a special collaboration with The Fathering Project.
The Fathering Project is a national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to transforming the lives of children by supporting and equipping fathers and father figures to be the best dads they can be.
You’ll head out for a relaxed community run/walk, perfect for all fitness levels, and a great way to connect with family, friends, and other dads. Afterwards, you can celebrate with some mouth-watering smoked meat — every father’s dream!
Treat dad to a BBQ lunch buffet. Photo: Capital Hotels.
Father’s Day BBQ Lunch Buffet
When: 7 September from 12 pm to 2 pm
Where: Atrium Restaurant & Bar, 242 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra
Cost: $15 kids 12 and under | $65 13 years and up. Buy tickets.
Treat dad to a day he won’t forget with a BBQ lunch buffet at Atrium Restaurant & Bar. Start with a complimentary house beverage before diving into a selection of sausages, minute steaks, prawn skewers, and chicken tenders, alongside bread rolls and salads. Vegetarians will love our jacket potatoes with various toppings.
Does your dad love to eat? Spoil him with a three course feast at Marble & Grain. Photo: Marble & Grain.
Father’s Day Lunch: Three Course Feast
When: 7 September, two sittings: 12 pm and 1 pm
Where: Marble & Grain, 25 Mort Street Canberra, ACT 2612
Cost: $95. Buy tickets.
What better way to celebrate a day, just for dad, than to indulge in a three course feed me menu!? Marble & Grain is a European steakhouse serving tender cuts and craft drinks in a modern restaurant setting. Get ready to indulge!
