Happy Father's Day to approximately 5.4 million dads in Australia! Cards, gifts, celebratory lunches, and breakfasts in bed will be rolled out on Sunday to celebrate dads in Newcastle and beyond. We are lucky that Father's Day in Australia doesn't align with Father's Day when rest of the world celebrates, or the weather for our BBQ's and outdoors activities would be significantly colder resulting in one grumpy dad. If you, like me haven’t prepared the festival of dad yet and like to leave things to the last minute, we have found some great ways to celebrate Father's Day in the wonderful Spring weather.
Book a Euro Patisserie Father's Day Hamper and head straight to Blackbutt Reserve or Richley Reserve for a Father's Day morning tea or lunch. Devour pies, sausage rolls, mini Danish, Rocky Road, caramel fudge tarts and cupcakes in tranquil surroundings amongst the wildlife.
- Channel your inner Rex Hunt and head to the Newcastle Foreshore to fish as a family! If you're a beginner, throw a line in and hope for the best. Celebrate dad afterwards with some takeaway seafood at Scratchleys on the Wharf.
- If you have never explored the historical Fort Scratchley, take dad on a tunnel tour which provides unique insight into the history of the site. Tours are offered at regular intervals each day the Fort is open: 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.10pm 1:40pm, 2.30pm and is a very affordable day out. Check out the many restaurants and cafes in the area or for a quick bite head to The Kiosk at Newcastle Beach for a burger and shake.
- After the kids have presented dad with their handmade card and $2 item from the school Father's Day stall, head out to Nobby's for a quick walk to the breakwater before stopping in at Nobby's Head Lighthouse. Newcastle's iconic Nobbys Head Lighthouse is open every Sunday between 10am and 4pm and is the perfect way to combine a scenic walk with reconnecting with some of Newcastle's local attractions. Take the short 800 metre walk from Nobbys carpark but keep in mind that it is quite a steep walk at the end. Grab a tea, coffee or cold drink from the kiosk on site or pack your own to enjoy the 360 degree views from the lighthouse. If you are after a more substantial meal with dad, don't go past the breakfast options at Swell Kiosk at Nobbys Beach. Who doesn't love a bacon and egg roll on the beach? Look out for dolphins, take a swim or just enjoy watching the kids play in the sand at beautiful Nobbys Beach.
- There's nothing better than heading out for a BIG brekkie with the family. Newcastle's foodie scene has a plethora of fabulous restaurants and cafes in the CBD and surrounding areas. Head to your favourite or test out a new one to add to your BIG brekkie list!
- Show dad whose boss when you pass him at the finishing line at Go-Karts-Go in Broadmedow.
- Give your golf loving dad the ideal Father's Day when you take him to the Newcastle Golf Practice Centre to hit a bucket of balls this Sunday!
- Step aboard Nova Cruises for a 5 hour whale watching treat for dad. The tour includes bonus harbour and outer beach cruise and runs at 9am and 12pm. Drinks can be purchase from the bar on board.
- Why should dad have all the fun where the whole family can get involved? Book the family into a sandboarding or sand surfing safari this Sunday at Stockton Sand Dunes. Sandboarding Adventure will take you across the magnificent sand dunes in one of the custom 4WDs to a private Sandboarding area, right in the heart of the dunes! You will also be provided a shaded picnic area with tables and chairs, so feel free to bring your food and drinks.
- Cheer in your loudest voices with dad at McDonald Jones Stadium when the nib Newcastle Knights NRL take on the Cronulla Sharks and the nib Newcastle Knights NRLW take on the Paramatta Eels! Dress in red and blue to support our home teams.
For more information on what's happening on Father's Day weekend click HERE.