Father’s Day is just around the corner, and for most of us this means frantically looking for a way to show the big man how much he means to you. But instead of serving up the remnants of charcoaled toast in bed with a side of crumbs tossed through every sheet crevice, why not let someone else do the hard work for you?
We’ve found five of Melbourne’s greatest father’s day offerings that say ‘I love you’ without the lack-luster culinary attempts. And, as an ode to the universal phenomenon of bad dad jokes, you best believe I’m about to douse this article in puns galore – prepare yourselves for the good, the bad and the ugly.
Option 1: Have a ‘steakout’ at the Grosvenor hotel
Hold your family meat up at St Kilda’s Grosvenor Hotel with an offering that is sure to get your dad’s blood moo-ving. Even men of the simplest pleasures will find themselves drooling over the Grosvenor’s pasture fed Filet Mignon paired with duck fat chips, creamed spinach, kohlrabi remoulade topped with parsley hollandaise.
The dish has been specially curated for Father’s Day and you can rest assured it’s top notch quality. The Grosvenor is committed to sourcing only the best premium grade meat from some of the country’s most reputable suppliers. Let’s just say passing up an opportunity like this would be a huge missed steak. [more info]
Option 2: Alpaca my bags for lunch at the zoo
Stop giraffing dad crazy with the socks and undies combos and give him an experience to remember this year with lunch at the Melbourne Zoo.
Hosted in the private function room, Bong Su, with its own tree kangaroo exhibit, the two course extravaganza is set to be otterly amazing. On arrival, enjoy a beer or a glass of wine before sinking your teeth into some slow cooked Gippsland fresh grass-fed beef striploin.
Follow it up with a triple chocolate fudge brownie, chocolate bark or milk chocolate pod with honeycomb shards before taking a stroll through your zoo-tiful surroundings. There will even be a photo booth to take some snaps in, activities for the kids, and all Dads attending will go in the draw to win a brand new BBQ.
Tickets will set you back $94.90 for an adult or $42.70 for kids, unless they’re under 2 in which case they can come along for free. I’d be lion if I said there was a better way to treat your mane man this Father’s Day. This event will sell out so click here to book a table! [more info]
Option 3: Go ‘clubbing’ at Holey Moley
Set down the overpriced, customized mug and slap on a visor because we’re off to kick some putt. It’s time to get the family friendly competition underway with a session at legendary two storey minigolf bar, Holey Moley.
This year, skip the traumatic family brunches with your racist great aunt, and instead give dad the day on the green that he always wanted. Whether it’s 9, 18 or 27 holes, Holey Moley promises an arvo full of drinks, tunes and some next-level terrible putting.
Inspired by pop culture phenomenon such as The Simpsons, Game of Thrones and Pac-Man, the multi-sensory labyrinth will put your ‘Espresso Partini’ addled brain to the test. Father’s Day is set to be a big one, so click here to book in ASAP to make sure you don’t miss out on the par-tee. [more info]
Option 4: Have a hull of a time aboard a Seafood Brunch cruise
If you’re looking to go a little overboard this Father’s Day, then you can’t go past the Seafood Brunch Cruise down the Yarra River onboard the Lady Cutler showboat.
The 2.5 hour harbour cruise from Docklands to Williamstown provides spectacular views of the city from the water, while you roam around the recently renovated, former Sydney Ferry. Boasting two levels of dining with generous seating and table layouts and large leather lounges for relaxing, you’d be shellfish not to share this experience with a deserving dad.
Indulge in a plethora of edible delicacies, from hot and cold canapes on arrival, a buffet of seafood, salad, meats and vegetables, right through to dessert, tea and coffee to polish it off. Drinks packages are available for purchase or just go one for one with dad at the bar on Lady Cutler’s selection of beer or wine.
At $109 a pop, the cruise comes in at the pricier end of the spectrum, but bouy oh bouy will it be worth it for an Father’s Day that’s a cut above the rest. Book your tickets here before they sell out! [more info]
Option 5: Enjoy an un-beir-lievable bottomless brunch at HopHaus
Bottomless brunch usually screams more ‘white girl weekend’ than family outing, but Hophaus’ Father’s Day Bier Brunch is bringing you the best of unlimited boozey goodness repackaged in a socially acceptable family format. Say thank-brew to your dad over a menu of classic brunch favourites including The Big Daddy Brunch, Pancakes, Eggs Benedict or a good ol’ Smashed Avo.
Get straight to the pint on some family bonding while indulging in 2 hours of non-stop tap biers (including Four Pines, Budvar, Weinhenstephaner & more) plus Mimosas, Prosecco and House Wines. This beautifully boozy day out will set you back $55 per person or kids under 12 can enjoy their own menu for just $10 per person. Book in now to secure you place in one of their two sittings at 11am or 1pm. [more info]
