3 Epic Getaways He’ll Love This Father’s Day

Whether he’s into the outdoors, fine wines or the latest art exhibition, there’s a perfect weekend escape for every dad – and the perfect gift. Whisk him away for a Father’s Day he’ll remember.

A weekend getaway for… the outdoorsy dad

For dads most at home when not in the house, a weekend on Tasmania’s wild north-east coast is calling. Fly into Launceston before heading to local favourite Bread+Butter for coffee and an omelette with comté and house-baked sourdough. Grab a pork and fennel sausage roll for later then head for Tamar Island, just a 10 minute drive from the heart of Launceston. Set off on the 90-minute return walk (don’t worry, it’s not taxing) and keep your eyes peeled for pelicans, cormorants and swans along the way.

Drive an hour north-east of Launceston to find one of Australia’s most celebrated golf courses, Barnbougle Dunes. Dad will be wowed by the spectacular vistas from The Dunes, one of the three courses to explore, before he retreats to the on-site accommodation. The Ocean Villas offer two bedrooms, two bathrooms and uninterrupted views of the rugged Bass Strait and Barnbougle Beach.

After a little downtime, lead Dad to Lost Farm Restaurant where you’ll look out over the course and coastline while enjoying a menu of locally-sourced dishes such as Tasmania east coast oysters, Bridport scallops, Scottsdale pork and Tasmanian Atlantic salmon.

Surprise him with his Father’s Day present – the slick Zenith Chronomaster with a 39.5mm steel case and matte black dial – over a bottle of Tassie pinot noir. As for tomorrow? Two more golf courses beckon.

A weekend getaway for… the connoisseur dad

If your dad has ticked off most of Australia’s wine regions, a visit to New Zealand’s Central Otago – known for its cool-climate varieties like riesling and pinot noir – is a must. Fly into Queenstown before heading to Amisfield, an organic, single-estate vineyard. Here, he can sample the 2020 Pinot Noir and crisp, mineral-laced 2022 Riesling before taking his place at the winery’s celebrated restaurant. Chef Vaughan Mabee showcases Central Otago with a seasonal tasting menu – think Bluff oyster with house-made jamon, Fiordland wapiti and truffle brioche – and matching wines.

Just a 20-minute drive away is Queenstown. On the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Eichardt’s Private Hotel’s elegant suites and apartments have front-row views of the lake. Eichardt’s Bar offers a list of New Zealand wines, French champagne and the Otago Pinot Noir Experience: a flight of three local reds for Dad to sniff, swirl and swallow. Order a few share plates; confit pork belly with burnt apple gel, salmon tataki with wasabi cream and butternut agnolotti should do nicely.

In the morning, there’s no need to venture far: Eichardt’s Grille will hit the spot with eggs Benedict and bacon or the only slightly less sinful steel-cut oatmeal topped with Whittakers chocolate and walnuts. Order a round of Bloody Marys and gift dad with the present of a lifetime: the IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Chronograph, which features a compact diameter of 41mm, a blue dial and rhodium-plated hands and appliqués.

A weekend getaway for… the culture-loving dad

Treat your dad to a jam-packed weekend of art, theatre and epic bars and restaurants in vibey Melbourne. Father’s Day weekend sees two blockbuster exhibitions at NGV: Pierre Bonnard: Designed by India Mahdavi and Rembrandt: True to Life. Wander across the Yarra to fortyfivedownstairs theatre where the Melbourne Shakespeare Company’s production of Julius Caesar plays its swan song (5pm, bookings essential). From there, you can shout dad to an appetite-whetting Negroni, the colour mimicking the sun’s last throes, at Rooftop at QT's bar where you can also stay the night. The Loft King room, which overlooks Russell Street, will really elevate his weekend.

Ensure you book a table at Reine, the Nomad group’s latest offering. In the magnificent dining room of the former Melbourne stock exchange, feast on French-hued dishes such as king salmon Lyonnaise and steak from the woodfired grill. For dessert, offer to split the dark chocolate, espresso and caramel tart before presenting Dad with his gift: the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Calendar. The 49.4mm x 29.9mm stainless-steel duoface concept allows wearers to track two time zones at once. Plus, it features a silvered-grey, grained dial on the front paired with a complete calendar function and deep-blue sunray dial on the reverse fitted with a day-night indicator.