Do you want to finally become the favourite child? It’s time you ditched the same jocks and socks Father’s Day gift that you’ve been giving dad for the past five years. No, not even the standard golf club or fishing rod is going to secure you the favourite child status. It’s time to step it up a notch. Luckily, dads are way easier to please than mums, because the way to many a bloke's heart is generally through his stomach.
This Father’s Day, treat your old man to a feast that will fill his belly, make him loosen his belt and will certainly guarantee you favourite child status. We’ve unearthed 13 of the best Dad Day specials happening across the Gold Coast this Father's Day, which are guaranteed to impress. But first, here's some last-minute gifts you can buy for your old man if you can't see him in-person this Sunday.
To Shop:
Victoria Bitter's Skincare Grooming Kit
In need of a hard-earned moisturise? The Victorian Bitter-infused grooming kit is the key to Dad's heart. Pairing the state's go-to beer with a little touch of luxury, the six-product self-care range includes a myriad of lager-mixed treatments from an exfoliating scrub, a facial mask, and moisturiser. There's even a VB bath bomb and a scented candle to really set the mood. Secure the gift of all gifts for this Father's Day over here.
Gold Coast Gin
If your Dad is a proud Gold Coaster (as he should be), encourage him to fly his Gold Coast flag high and grab him a bottle of Gold Coast Gin. It doesn't get more local than this. Produced by Australian Distilling Co., this global award-winning gin has soft notes of lychee and lim, in a subtle nod to the Gold Coast's local boatanical diversity. It pairs well with fruits like papaya, apricot and pear and we love it best in a cheeky caprioska. Grab yours here.
To Dine:
QT Gold Coast
Surfers Paradise
Sweeten up old daddio this Father’s Day with the dude version of the iconic High Tea. QT Gold Coast is mixing things up this Father’s Day with their famous Man Tea (yes, it’s a thing) created by the talented culinary team using only the finest, locally sourced ingredients. Indulge in nachos, Moroccan chicken buns and sashimi tacos for a truly unique high tea experience.
Plus, the belt-popping showstopper to finish is a spectacular smoking chocolate cigar with single malt whisky semifreddo, candied bacon and lemon ash. Hands down, one of the best and most unique Father’s Day experiences.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Cost: $64 per person; beverage upgrades available
For more information, click here.
Citrique
Surfers Paradise
Any Gold Coaster who’s in the know will tell you that Citrique is one of the best seafood restaurants around. Pair their elegant decor and refined atmosphere with a mouth-watering Father’s Day buffet and you’ve got the perfect recipe for an opulent Father’s Day long lunch.
Citrique’s Seafood Buffet Lunch showcases ocean treasures like Pacific oysters, Mooloolaba tiger prawns, Moreton bay bugs and Hervey Bay scallops. Land lovers can dig into succulent roasts, Asian fusion dishes and wood-fired pizza, all topped off with a fantasy array of artful pastry desserts. If you’re extra fancy, add on the beverage package and you might just earn major brownie points with dad.
Where: Citrique, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise
Cost: $155 per adult, $175 per adult with two-hour beverage package, $64.50 per child
For more information, click here.
The Langham
Surfers Paradise
Treat Dad to an unforgettable dining experience at The Langham's literal beachfront restaurant, Akoya. Indulge in a three-course lunch including shared entrées for the table (we're talking oysters, spanner crab and Moreton Bay bugs), followed by your choice of a main. You'll struggle to choose between twice-cooked pork neck, coral trout, lamb pressed ribs and more.
Top it all off with live music and an all-you-can-eat dessert buffet. Oh and if that wasn't enough already, The Langham has invited along Balter Brewing to share their new Mexican-inspired beer, the Balter Cerveza.
Where: Akoya, The Langham
Cost: $165 per person; $82.50 per child
For more information, click here.
The Valley Estate
Currumbin
If there’s one thing we know about The Valley Estate, it’s that they specialise in luxury. So it comes as no surprise that their Father’s Day BBQ is seriously luxe. Celebrate Father's Day in the ultimate style, with their Boujee BBQ Grill in the Olive Grove.
Experience culinary excellence with a seated four-course menu in the Manor, starring a succulent grill and BBQ selection, expertly curated by Executive Chef Aaron Teece. Let Dad take a break from the grill as you bask in the lush greenery of the Valley, compete in family lawn games, and relish a day dedicated to celebrating Dad.
Where: The Valley Estate, 393 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters
Cost: $127 per adult; $33 per child
For more information, click here.
Robina Pavilion
Robina
Skip the obligatory gift giving this Father’s Day—we all know the way to Dad’s heart is through his stomach. Treat daddio to a classic breakfast feast with a boujee twist at Robina Pavilion this Father’s Day.
The a la carte breakfast feast serves up all of your classic brekkie favourites with a focus on bourbon-infused dry aged meats. Dads can choose between 30-day Black Angus sirloin on the bone and 30-day Roaring Forties lamb rump cap.
Where: Robina Pavilion, 229 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina
Cost: A la carte menu; prices vary
For more information, click here.
O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards
Canungra
There are few things we love more than digging into a delicious picnic spread—it’s one of those simple pleasures of life that never gets old (like dads, of course). Let your old man slow down and take it easy this Father’s Day with a delightful picnic hamper set against the stunning backdrop of O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards.
Grab your picnic basket and set up anywhere on the picturesque vineyard as you indulge in picnic goodies and listen to the finest voices from the Poperi Classics Collection band. With your picnic basket you’ll also score a bottle of Shane Shiraz and you can book a creekside table if that’s your thing. Spots are selling out fast so book your vineyard escape, stat.
Where: O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards, 852 Lamington National Park Road, Canungra
Cost: Hamper basket for two $125; additional adult for $40; $15 per child
For more information, click here.
Bazaar
Surfers Paradise
Your old man deserves more than socks this Father’s Day. That trick may have worked in the past, but if you want to win favourite child status this year, you’ll have to up your game. We’re talking about Bazaar's Father’s Day Lunch.
Executive Chef Greg Benney and his team have created the father of all feasts, prepped to tame a man-sized hunger. This Fathers' Day feast is set to be a family favourite, with a mosaic of cuisines including fresh trawler-caught seafood, steak cooked your way, slow-cooked meats, vibrant salads, and of course Bazaar’s famous dessert bar. Plus, dad will be treated with a beer upon arrival and there’s even going to be an epic paper plane competition.
Where: Bazaar, QT Hotels, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Cost: $95 per adult; $39 per child
For more information, click here.
Kiyomi
Broadbeach
We have an ongoing love affair with Kiyomi and when you visit The Star’s swanky Japanese restaurant nestled in the heart of Broadbeach, you’ll realise why. This Father’s Day, take dad on a modern yet authentic taste of Tokyo—without the long-haul flight.
You can dine from the a la carte menu, order from the $165 set menu which boasts refined delights (menu is still under wraps) or indulge in the $300 limited edition 2GR rib eye full blood wagyu MBS 7 with wasabi butter. This is one for the foodie dad.
Where: Kiyomi at The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Cost: Normal a la carte menu prices; $165 set menu
For more information, click here.
The Island Gold Coast
Surfers Paradise
If you’re looking to spice things up this Father’s Day, pull out all the stops and impress him with something different at The Island’s Rooftop Bottomless Brunch. The share-style menu includes all of your classics such as mini waffles, mini eggs benedict croissants, bagels, brunch pizzas and more.
Chuck in a two-hour bottomless drinks package with cocktail jugs, wines and on tap beer, and we’re sorted. We guarantee this Father’s Day Feast will have your old man sitting back with his belt undone a notch, beer in hand and a grin on his face.
Where: The Island Gold Coast, 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Cost: $79 per adult, includes a 2-hour beverage package
For more information, click here.
Cucina Vivo
Broadbeach
Although you might not be able to take daddio on his dream Italian getaway this year, you can transport him to the land of pizza and vino with Cucino Vivo’s Father’s Day a la carte menu.
Experience a feast of authentic Italian flavours, ingredients and cooking styles, producing delicious Italian classics designed for sharing. With every pizza purchase, Dad will receive a complimentary schooner of Birra Moretti. Tell him not to wear a belt, ‘cause he might just pop it.
Where: Cucino Vivo at The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Cost: Normal a la carte menu prices
For more information, click here.
The Oasis
Broadbeach
The Oasis Shopping Centre is slinging up a plethora of cheeky Father's Day deals this year, to spoil Dad without breaking the bank. Some deals include
- Free beer at Madison's Cafe & Patisserie
- Free Tsingtao beer at Grand Dynasty
- Free Yoyogi beer at Harajuku Gyoza
- Free beer or glass of wine at Spice Kitchen
Chapter & Verse
Surfers Paradise
Sweeten up your old man this Father’s Day with a gourmet fare of Brazilian flavours. Renowned for their decadent high teas, Chapter & Verse is mixing things up this Father’s Day with a Brazilian BBQ.
The resort’s traditional churrasco BBQ will be firing up and slow-roasting Brazilian flavoured wagyu brisket, chicken and lamb over a charcoal wood fire grill. Wash the barbecued delights down with a tap beer and you’ve got your Father’s Day plans sorted.
Where: Chapter & Verse, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise
Cost: $49 per person
For more information, click here or contact 5592 9800.
Nineteen At The Star
Broadbeach
Picture this—sipping champagne while overlooking The Darling’s luxe infinity pool and admiring the wrap-around views of the shimmering Gold Coast. They might not like to admit it, but all dads love a little bit of luxury. At Nineteen At The Star, this Father’s Day you can lounge in the lavish restaurant while feasting on their indulgent a la carte menu or one of the Father’s Day only offers which are currently under wraps and will be advised by your waitperson on the special day. If you’re looking for one of the fanciest Father’s Day feasts on the Gold Coast, stop your search.
Where: Nineteen at The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Cost: Normal a la carte menu prices
For more information, click here.
If you’re looking for somewhere relaxed to take dad post-Father’s Day feed, why not hit up the Gold Coast's best go-karting tracks?
Image Credit: VB & Hayley Williamson for Urban List