This Father’s Day, switch up the usual routine and actually make a day of it. From long lunches and Asian-fusion feasts to circus thrills and cruising down the Brisbane River, we’ve rounded up four ways to spend the day that feel a little more special and way more fun.
Regatta Hotel
Toowong’s favourite 1874 heritage pub is pulling out all the stops this Father’s Day, serving up stellar riverviews, top-tier hospitality, and zero dish duty. With three distinct waterfront events on offer, there’s a session tailored to Dad for every kind of celebration.
Boatshed Breakfast
Start the day right by the water at the award-winning Boatshed Restaurant. Expect a delicious, laid-back morning meal featuring top-notch local produce, ideal for catching up over quality coffee before the rest of the day’s madness kicks off.
- When: Sunday 6 September, 7:00am – 9:00am | Boatshed Restaurant
- Price: Adults $35 | Kids $15
Level One Buffet Breakfast
Trot upstairs to the elegant Winterford Room for a generous, crowd-pleasing brekkie spread overlooking the water. It is a super relaxed set-up with sweeping river views, making it effortless to feed a big family crew or tame restless kids.
- When: Sunday 6 September, 7:00am – 9:00am | Level 1 – Winterford Room
- Price: Adults $55 | Kids $25
Level One Luncheon
If Dad prefers a proper sleep-in, lock in a table for a lingering midday banquet upstairs. Running across three prime afternoon hours, this specially curated luncheon combines fantastic food, ice-cold drinks, and arguably the best skyline vantage point in Toowong.
- When: Sunday 6 September, 12:00pm – 3:00pm | Level 1 – Winterford Room
- Price: Adults $80 | Kids $40
Iconic heritage vibes and prime river views. Session spots fill fast, so jump online and snag your table before it is flat out booked. Check out Regatta Hotel’s Father’s Day here
Marlowe
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Where: 105 Melbourne St, South Brisbane
Give Dad the Sunday he deserves at Marlowe. Settle in for an afternoon of good food, premium wine and proper quality time around the table. The famous tableside cart will be making its rounds with bloody Marys mixed exactly how he likes them, while premium wines are poured throughout the afternoon… basically, everything you need for a very good Sunday.
Then, let the food do the talking. Head Chef Ollie Hansford has put together a generous share-style menu inspired by the classics, starting with warm bread and stout butter, beef cheek and ale pie, and cheese and onion croquettes. For the main event, expect a 250g sirloin with onion rings and beef jus, grilled market fish, salt and vinegars skin-on fries and mixed leaf salad. Finish with the King of Puddings, then stay a little longer because, honestly, there’s nowhere else you need to be. $115 per person
Southside
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Where: 63 Melbourne St, South Brisbane
Take Dad somewhere he can actually switch off this Father’s Day. At Southside, gather under a canopy of lush greenery and settle into the heart of this urban oasis for an Asian-fusion feast. It’s the kind of Father’s Day plan that lets you escape the hustle and bustle for a while and simply enjoy good food and even better company.
When it comes to food, you’ve got options. Let Dad explore Southside’s Asian-fusion menu à la carte, go all in with one of the banquet menus, or make it a Yum Cha Sunday. Whether you’re keeping things low-key or bringing the whole family, there’s something for everyone. À la carte is available for groups of 1–7, while bookings of 8+ require the $75pp or $99pp banquet menus.
To top it all off, raise a glass to the man of the hour with a complimentary Fish Lane Lager for every Dad, crisp, cold and made for a long Sunday lunch. Available Sunday 6 September only. Bookings are recommended, with limited spaces available.
KOOZA | Cirque De Soleil
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Where: 261 Curtine Ave E, Eagle Farm
If Dad’s idea of a good time is anything but sitting still, take him to KOOZA. This Cirque du Soleil show brings the classic circus back in a seriously fun way, with wild acrobatics, big stunts, clowning and live music all happening under the Big Top. Basically, expect a lot of “HOW are they doing that?” moments.
The story follows The Innocent as he gets pulled into a strange, colourful world ruled by the mysterious Trickster. It’s part comedy, part spectacle and part complete chaos, with everything from 70s funk and jazz to orchestral scores and traditional Indian rhythms playing live throughout the show. You don’t really need to know the storyline; just sit back and enjoy the ride.
KOOZA is in Brisbane until 4 October, so you’ve got plenty of time to plan a Father’s Day outing. Catch it under the Big Top on Curtin Ave E, behind the Royal Queensland Golf Club, with tickets starting from $79. Honestly, way more memorable than another pair of socks.
River City Cruises
If Dad deserves more than just another lunch reservation, make a whole day of it. Hop aboard River City Cruises and swap the usual Sunday routine for a morning on the Brisbane River. This experience comes complete with scenic river views, local stories and Devonshire tea… yes, we’re talking fresh scones with jam, cream and strawberries. After 45 minutes on the water, you’ll arrive at the Breakfast Creek Hotel, where you can stretch your legs, soak up the Brisbane sunshine and settle in for lunch.
And this is where things get fun. You’ll have two hours to dig into a proper meal, with the hotel’s famous steaks on the menu, before Dad gets his moment at the traditional ‘Spiking of the Keg’ at 11:45am. You’ll even get to try their famous ‘beer off the wood’ while hearing a little of the hotel’s history. Once you’re suitably fed and watered, jump back on the boat for a relaxed cruise back towards South Bank. With morning tea, lunch and beer tasting included, this is less “what should we do for Father’s Day?” and more “why don’t we do this every year?”