While you might be thinking Father’s Day is ages away, we all know these celebrations arrive quicker than ever before. But do not fear! For if you have no idea what to do on the first Sunday of spring, we have a comprehensive guide of experiences perfect for you and Dad right here. From winery dining to an array of wild adventures and everything in between, check out some of the best Father’s Day ideas and experiences on the Mornington Peninsula below:
Drink & Dine
Including Mornington Peninsula Wineries, Restaurants, Breweries and Events.
1. Pack a picnic before finding a comfy place to laze around with the family in the afternoon sunshine. Discover all the best places to pick up all the essential feasting goodies here, as well as the region’s top picnic locations here.
2. Visit some of the best wineries, cellar doors, breweries and artisan producers on the Mornington Peninsula with the guidance of a local tour operator. An awesome way to get the whole family together to celebrate Dad!
3. Meander over to Max’s Restaurant in Red Hill South and enjoy a three-course meal on the special day. There’s so much about this first winery restaurant of the Mornington Peninsula to fall in love with; their panoramic vineyard are only the beginning. Make your lunch booking for the whole family via the link here!
4. Keeping with the feasting vibes, Red Gum BBQ in Red Hill is calling all families to enjoy a long delicious lunch . If you didn’t know already, these guys offer the best Aussie-smoked, American-style BBQ this side of the equator!
5. Order up! Jetty Road Brewery in Dromana is coming in hot with an awesome offer for all Dads this year. As well as enjoying either a lunch or dinner booking, treat the special man with a mixed pack of the brewery’s finest beer plus Jetty Road merch! What’s even better? Choose to have these ready on the table for when you arrive with the whole family. How’s that for a surprise?! Check out all the info for this offer from the link here.
6. Want to extend the celebrations over the entire weekend? (Lucky Dad!) Head on over to the Food Yard Night Market in Mornington the evening before the big day, and enjoy an array of pop-up food and drink trucks surrounded by great company.
Free Things To Do
Including Mornington Peninsula Walks, Beaches and Bike Tracks.
7. Spend the day relaxing at one of the region’s much-loved beaches. Stroll along the sand expanses, explore rock pools or simply bask in the warming spring sunshine. You’ll find the full list of beaches to explore more of this Father’s Day here.
8. If you didn’t know already, the Mornington Peninsula offers bountiful pathways, tracks and routes for scenic walks. Top picks from us (which we know Dad will love) include the Mornington Foreshore Walk and Arthurs Seat Circuit Walk. Find the full list of all walks you can take this Father’s Day here!
9. Home to both permanent collections and a seasonal exhibition program, the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery is an inspiring place to spend the morning or afternoon. As the largest public gallery in the southeast region of Melbourne, the variety of art installations are abundant and diverse - and will be great to explore more of as a family!
10. Located in Mount Martha, The Briars is a beautiful place to immerse in nature and soak in the vibrant bushland. There are plenty of walking trails to follow through wetlands and woodlands alongside picturesque picnic areas.
11. Hop on your bike! We definitely recommend the Point Nepean National Park or Mornington Peninsula Bay Trail for a biking journey this Father’s Day. Expect to witness awe-inspiring vistas as you soak in the fresh coastal breezes. Discover the complete selection of bike tracks throughout the region here.
12. Throw out your fishing line and get the catch of the day at one of the many piers or beaches on the Mornington Peninsula. A fishing licence is essential for adults, but they are available locally or online. Explore all fishing opportunities with a click of the link here.
Adventure O'Clock
Including Mornington Peninsula Attractions and Tours.
12. All aboard the historic Mornington Tourist Railway, running each Sunday of every month throughout the year. Journeying from Moorooduc to Mornington (and back), there are plenty of sights to see and fun to be had for the whole family! Check out departure times via the link here.
14. Soar in the sky on an Arthurs Seat Eagle gondola, soaking in panoramic views of the region’s lush hinterland and Port Phillip. Iconic, inspiring and downright magical, this experience will no doubt be one for the Father’s Day memory book!
15. Meet some other legendary Dads at the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park in Pearcedale, where fluffy, furry and even cuddly friends will welcome all the family warmly. There are over 60 Australian species to be spotted throughout the sanctuary, from kangaroos and wallabies to koalas, colourful birds, reptiles and dingoes.
16. Go off-grid and discover the hidden gem that is French Island, with the nature-based, small guided-tour company Naturaliste Tours. Home to stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, historical sites and more, the unspoilt island makes for the ideal location to reconnect with the environment as well as those special someones around you. Availability for this ultimate adventure to be confirmed via the link here.
17. Head out on the bay with Mornington Boat Hire, and make the most of the gloriously great outdoors. There are some pretty awesome boating, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and reefboarding opportunities to undertake alongside Dad, as you lap up the best scenic sights of Port Phillip.
It's Showtime
Including Mornington Peninsula Attractions and Events.
18. After packing the car full of blankets and pillows, drive on over to the iconic Dromana 3 Drive-In for a movie night beneath the stars. All the essential film snacks can be picked up from the on-site Shel’s Diner before the latest Hollywood flick lights up the silver screen. Check out what’s now showing here!
19. Witness the spectacle of Mark Vincent’s The Impossible Dream at Frankston Arts Centre. A rich repertoire of classical music songs and popular arias from the talented tenor will leave audiences spellbound. Not one to be missed, book your tickets via the link here!
20. Busting for a groove? Head on over to Hickinbotham of Dromana for a scrumptious lunch accompanied by the Southern European-inspired sounds from Rosario. Great food and great music, it really is the perfect match! All the details to be found here.
Tee-Time
Mornington Peninsula Golf.
21. For all those with a Dad who loves his golf, we’re looking at you! The Mornington Peninsula’s golf courses consistently rank as some of the best in the country and are a must-visit for both veterans and beginners. Did you know we have our very own Golf Trail to explore more of? Check out which greens you could tee off at with Dad here.
Explore More
Including Mornington Peninsula Drives and Itineraries.
22. Historic and charming at every turn of the corner, Flinders is a wonderful place to adventure on a road trip. The main thoroughfare of Cook Street offers a colourful variety of dining, shopping and artistic experiences. And there are so many opportunities to immerse in the coastal dream - walks and scenic sights aplenty.
23. Sorrento long stands as one of the most vibrant places to visit on the Mornington Peninsula. Ocean Beach Road offers eating, drinking and shopping pursuits in waves, while walking routes, beaches and iconic marine experiences continue the spectacle. A road trip here for Father’s Day? Absolutely yes!