Father’s Day is here, and if you’re still wondering what to do with Dad, there’s no need to venture far from home.
Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs are packed with easy family activities that are more about spending time together than buying another Father’s Day present. From a movie at the Ritz to a coastal adventure, picnic or family bike ride, there’s something to suit every kind of dad.
Here are seven Father’s Day ideas in the Eastern Suburbs to make the day a little more memorable.
1. Take Dad to the Movies at the Ritz
Sometimes the simplest plans are the best. Let Dad choose the movie, order the popcorn and settle in for a family session at Ritz Cinemas in Randwick.
The beautiful Art Deco cinema makes a trip to the movies feel a little more special, and it’s an especially good option if you have children of different ages and want something everyone can enjoy together.
Make a day of it: Head out for lunch or an early dinner in Randwick afterwards and let Dad choose where to eat.
2. Walk the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
If Dad loves being outdoors, give him one of Sydney’s best views for Father’s Day.
The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk takes you past beaches, cliffs, ocean pools and some spectacular coastal scenery.
You certainly don’t have to tackle the entire walk with younger children. Pick a shorter section such as Bondi to Bronte, Bronte to Clovelly or Clovelly to Coogee and stop along the way for coffee, breakfast or ice cream.
And remember, it’s not a race. Father’s Day is the perfect excuse to slow down and enjoy the view.
3. Have a Father’s Day Picnic at Centennial Park
Grab a picnic blanket, pack some of Dad’s favourite food and head to Centennial Park for a relaxed family afternoon.
Bring a footy, cricket bat, frisbee or bikes and let the kids burn off some energy while Dad enjoys the outdoors.
You could even get the kids involved in preparing the picnic. Homemade sandwiches, Dad’s favourite snacks and a handwritten Father’s Day card can make it much more personal than an expensive lunch.
4. Start the Day with Breakfast and a Beach Swim
One of the great things about living in the Eastern Suburbs is having some of Sydney’s best beaches on our doorstep.
Start Father’s Day with breakfast or coffee near Bondi, Bronte, Coogee or Maroubra, then head down to the beach.
Depending on the weather, Dad can go for a swim, take the kids for a walk along the sand or simply sit by the water and enjoy a coffee.
For dads who are usually rushing through the morning routine, a slow start by the beach might be the perfect Father’s Day present.
5. Have a Hit of Golf with Dad
For golf-loving dads, Father’s Day is a great excuse to get out the clubs.
Older kids can join Dad for a game, while families with younger children could opt for something more casual, such as hitting a bucket of balls at a driving range.
You don’t need to be a great golfer either. In fact, watching the kids attempt their first few shots may provide Dad with some of the biggest laughs of the day.
The important part is getting outside and doing something together.
6. Explore La Perouse
Turn Father’s Day into a mini family adventure and head south to La Perouse.
Take a walk around Bare Island, explore the coastline or head towards Cape Banks for some impressive ocean views.
There’s plenty of history and scenery to discover around this part of the Eastern Suburbs, making it a great choice for dads who enjoy walking and exploring.
Finish the outing with fish and chips or an ice cream by the water and you have a pretty great Father’s Day without needing an elaborate plan.
7. Go for a Family Bike Ride
Dust off the bikes, pump up the tyres and get everyone outside for a Father’s Day ride.
Centennial Park is always a family favourite, while Heffron Park is another option for getting the kids out on their bikes and enjoying some time together.
Keep the ride relaxed, stop when the kids need a break and finish with breakfast, lunch or coffee.
Better still, let Dad choose the post-ride destination.
The Best Father’s Day Gift? Time Together
Father’s Day doesn’t have to mean expensive presents or complicated plans.
A movie, walk, picnic, bike ride or morning at the beach can become one of those family days everyone remembers — particularly when the kids are involved in choosing and planning what to do.
So whether Dad is happiest with a golf club in his hand, walking beside the ocean, watching a movie with the kids or sitting on a picnic blanket doing absolutely nothing, there are plenty of ways to celebrate him right here in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.
Happy Father’s Day to all the Eastern Suburbs dads, granddads, stepdads and father figures!
