the best fathers day ideas in the south
Father’s Day Sorted – Eats, Gifts & Good Times!
Father’s Day is just around the corner, and if you’re anything like Mamma, you want to make it fun - but don’t want the hassle! Whether your Dad’s the brekkie-loving, coffee-sipping kind or the adventurous type who'd rather be outdoors than indoors, we’ve pulled together the ultimate guide to make his day epic. We’re talking family-friendly spots for a feed, places to find a unique gift and outdoor experiences that'll have Dad grinning from ear to ear. All local. All Southside!
THE BEST FAMILY EXPERIENCES
You can't mistake that iconic clown's smile that is synonymous with happiness!
Luna Park is an all-time favourite!!
Looking for a fun family outing that’s got something for all ages? Goanna Mini Golf in Dingley is a total winner. With two fun 18-hole courses, one outdoor called The Gully and one fully undercover called The Burrow, it’s perfect to play all year round - rain, hail or shine!
Put your senses to the test in this interactive, hands on escape room in South Yarra. Sensas will test them all - sight, taste, touch, hearing, and smell - as you work your way through the challenges.
We have to admit - we are falling head over heels for a great escape room. Lucky for us, Rush Escape Rooms in South Yarra have a bunch of challenging rooms, including two that are all ages and great for completing with the whole family. Welcome to Cluemunji
If you're looking for the ultimate family fun, and budget-friendly day trip, head to Little Sherwood Petting Zoo in Drouin South — a place where you can enjoy fur, fun, and yummy food!
It is actual animal lovers heaven! (Especially if you are anything like this Mamma and are unapologetically obsessed with piggies!)
Step back in time and jump on board your booth carriage of the Mornington Heritage Tourist Railway. Open up the windows and let the fresh peninsula air refresh your face as you watch the scenery zoom past.
Everywhere you look the view here is breathtaking, with a playground and an onsite cafe - it’s the perfect way to spend the day!
If you haven’t been before, you really should add it to your list - and bring the family! This interactive war museum is home to incredible war memorabilia from all around the world, and is just brimming with Australian history.
The Australian National Aviation Museum (say that three times quickly) is a true surprise and delight. Located within the Moorabbin Airport district the planes are both on the ground and constantly flying overhead
Dinosaur fans UNITE! Every kid Mamma knows loves dinosaurs, so add this to your to do list ASAP if you haven't already.
You may have driven past the giant koala sign or seen the big pirate ship on your way to Phillip Island, but Maru Koala & Animal Park in Grantville is a destination in itself!
All Mamma can say is - wow! What an experience the wonderful Funky Farm is. Where else can you cuddle a wombat? Walk with emus? Wander amongst the wallabies and wonder at the prehistoric likeness of the saltwater crocodiles?
Sweet Mamma chocolate dreams! Panny’s Chocolate Factory that rests beside the road as you head through the island is a coco-lover’s haven and the kids will be impressed too.
You may think if you have seen one animal farm, then you have seen them all. Let mamma assure you, this is most definitely not the case.
Take a hot lap around the Phillip Island Circuit track, and take in those incredible views!
When 12pm approaches, these guys slowly gather around the foreshore and wait patiently for their lunch to arrive.
THE BEST PLACES FOR A FEED
There’s a new brewery - right in the heart of Frankston!
Located beach side is the newest establishment from Moon Dog Brewery - this is the Moon Dog Beach Club!
A family friendly brewery with a playground? Now you’re speaking Mamma’s language. You’ll find Banks Brewing hiding at the end of an industrial cul-de-sac in the beachside suburb of Seaford.
Tucked away within the grounds of Berwick’s Old Cheese Factory, Little By Little is a family friendly cafe with great coffee, delicious food and absolutely gorgeous surrounds.
Great news all of you BBQ lovers, the amazing Red Gum BBQ have spread their delicious wings and are now offering delectable BBQ goodness to take-away in Seaford!
The crew have JUST released a brand new menu - offering all the BBQ meat and sides that you are familiar with from their flagship restaurant in Red Hill! Same amazing flavour - without the travel time!
Set at the base of Mt Baw Baw, at The Toolshed in Noojee, you are surrounded by breathtaking beauty in every direction you look. Huge colourful trees (spectacular in Autumn!) and a abundance of beautiful birdlife, this hidden gem feels like something straight out of a storybook.
At the end of Parkdale’s main strip of restaurants is the family friendly Burgerlab. With a varied menu, burgers include fried chicken, spicy, vegetarian and seafood. If burgers aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other items on the menu - from lamb chops and chicken wings to burrito bowls and grilled salmon.
Big Pig Canteen in Moorabbin is THE place to visit if you love BBQ! Make sure you bring your appetite - as you are in for a feast!
Let Mamma introduce to the newest all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ buffet in the south - KoBQ in Aspendale Gardens.
This place is pure heaven!
This restaurant/bar is set on a sprawling 2 acre property, including an absolutely stunning heritage home, complete with an open fireplace, HUGE beer garden and multiple dining areas.
Stepping into Beach 162 feels like you have taken a trip overseas and are dining beside a Mediterranean oasis! But nope - you are just in the middle of a suburban street in Frankston!
Wow folks, St. Andrew’s Beach Brewery is the perfect location for your next family get together - good food, drinks and a great atmosphere, what more could you ask for!
Perched on top of Red Hill, nestled under the hop vines; this rustic, charming barn in the middle of the bush is where delicious craft beer is produced and great BBQ food is served!
At this brewery you will find the most loveliest owners, amazing food, delicious beer and a cheap kids meals. What more could you need?!
Whether you choose to soak in the atmosphere of the epic rooftop or bask in the warmth of their downstairs fireplace, the family friendly Hotel Lona’s got it covered!
Located on Seaford beach, the upstairs restaurant overlooks the bay and is the perfect place to watch a storm come rolling in, or enjoy the sunset and listen to the waves crash.
Devilbend Farm Beer Brewery is a great family friendly spot that place that the whole family will love!
If you have never tried a Korean BBQ before, let Mamma tell you all about the AMAZING fun and tastiness that awaits you here at Geonbae in Frankston!
The Prince Public Bar transformed from what it was quite a few years ago now, but still feels authentic and familiar. It’s relaxed, and open and welcoming, with the stunning curved bar and the cozy family friendly dining section.!
In the front courtyard area there are sprawling gardens bursting with colourful flowers, gigantic trees full of all sorts of birdlife, and a kids playground!
Big Earle’s has such an awesome vibe, there’s warm fire pits (great for a winters day!), live music, and the entire venue is filled with rustic charm.
So at the risk of spoiling a local hidden gem - fasten your seatbelts and get ready to explore this wonderful family-friendly restaurant!
Mamma loves finding a local gem that the whole family can enjoy - and Daintons Brewery in Carrum Downs is exactly that!
Right on the waterfront, with views of the city out in one direction, and red cliffs in the other - you will LOVE this spot!
THE BEST OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Feeling like some outdoor adventure with the kiddos? Well, Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve is the perfect place for you!
*Kids are free - over 18s $6 entry. (City of Frankston locals are free)
Over 16 hectares of lush ti tree bush-land to uncover 100 weird and wonderful pieces of art, hidden amongst the bushes. Perfect picnic spot to let the kids imaginations run wild.
This unsuspecting waterfall is the perfect family friendly destination, as the walk to the viewing point is only 200m from the carpark! Perfect for those little legs!
No words or pictures can fully explain the sheer beauty of this spot. The scenery in every direction and the rich Australian history you’re walking amongst, is pretty spectacular. Fort Nepean on Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula is the site of the first shot of the British Empire in WWII - as well as the last know location of Prime Minster Harold Holt before he disappeared!
If you’re looking for the perfect spot for a weekend picnic with INCREDIBLE views, you simply cannot go past the STUNNING Seawinds Gardens in Arthurs Seat.
Here’s the perfect outdoor adventure for all ages, with absolutely stunning scenery surrounding you in every direction.
Mushroom Reef Sanctuary is the perfect spot to discover some fossils, collect pretty shells and just take in the sheer magnificence of the Mornington Peninsula.
Descend the spiralling staircase showcasing the most stunning scenery. Once you get to the bottom you are rewarded with the spectacular jetty and access to a sprawling stretch of sand.
Wow! What a beautiful spot! Mamma just LOVES the peaceful tranquillity of this stunning place.
This marine sanctuary is home to many waterbirds - even ducks and swans at times - starfish, crabs, fish and pelicans!
The Nobbies sit at the southern tip of the fabulous Phillip Island but you feel like you could be at the edge of the earth.
THE BEST PLACE FOR A GIFT and EXPERIENCES
Tucked away in the heart of Tyabb Village is a hidden gem that is Dear Reader Bookshop – the cutest second-hand bookshop that’s bursting with books that are just waiting for little (and big!) hands to discover.
Tucked away in the treasure trove that is the Tyabb Packing House village, The Gift Shed is your go-to spot for all things “bloke’. Whether you're shopping for your Dad, your partner or a mate, this little shop packs a serious punch!
If there’s two things this Mamma adores, it’s supporting small/local businesses and browsing the aisles of craft markets! So needless to say the combination of those here at T&S Emporium in Somerville is just heaven!
Whether you’re a lover of all things chocolate, prefer the sugar rush of freeze-dried candy or are a connoisseur of American candy - you will find it here.
This is SUCH a stunning and quirky shop. From the pink exterior to the bright and leafy inside - it’s a treat for your eyes.
Welcome to Azure on Panorama! This stunning 55-acre property is located in Boneo on the Mornington Peninsula. The views here are breathtaking, stretching across the countryside, hills, and the bay.
Perched high up on a hill in the Strzelecki Ranges, amidst a beautiful tree rainforest and the most spectacular views, you will find South Gippsland Tank Adventures.