When it comes to Father’s Day, there are only so many golf balls, socks, jocks, and BBQ utensils you can buy, so why not go beyond the norm this year, and give Dad the gift of time together with these easy escape ideas from Oaks Hotels, Resorts and Suites.
And remember, you don’t have to whisk Dad away on Father’s Day weekend, you can always plan the trip and give him the gift of anticipation on the big day ahead of a future date…
For Dad’s who love dining out, coffee and events: A Melbourne city break
With its impressive foodie scene and slew of cultural and sporting events, Melbourne is a prime pick for an activity-packed weekend for Dads who crave coffee, cool restaurants, catching a game of footie or hitting up a gallery or lively market. From the vibrant eateries and street art of Flinders Lane to old-school Italian on Lygon Street to produce aplenty at the Queen Victoria Market, forget three meals a day, Melbourne is a city made for all-day (and late night) grazing, and with three locations to choose from in Collins St, Market St and Southbank, there’s an Oaks hotel to ensure you’re at the centre of it all.
When it comes to events, Melbourne always delivers, and Father’s Day weekend is no exception with options ranging from Father’s Day racing in Geelong to bottomless brunch cruises or ‘water biking’ on the Yarra River to visiting the Australian Sports Museum at the iconic MCG, taking a Melbourne Foodie Culture, taking in a show with the Kings of Comedy or delving into the city’s dark underbelly with the Slums and Guns crime history tour.
For Dads who love fishing (and fun): Escape to FNQ
From deep-sea fishing to snorkelling to white water rafting or hiking in the rainforest, there’s plenty to keep active Dads occupied in Far North Queensland. Whether you stay at Oaks Cairns Hotel in the heart of the city or at the Oaks Port Douglas Resort, you’ll be ideally located to take Dad out to the Great Barrier Reef and the surrounding waters to get up close and personal with local marine life…or reel some in for dinner one of the many fishing charters operating out of the Cairns and Port Douglas marinas.
A little further south, Townsville is also super family friendly, and the Oaks Townsville Metropole Hotel and Oaks Townsville Gateway Suites boast roomy apartment-style accommodation so you can spend time with Dad – and then retreat to your own bedrooms! In Townsville you can play footy or chuck a frisbee on the palm-fringed beach, go koala spotting on the famed Forts Walk, indulge in seafood by the sea or hop on a ferry to explore Magnetic Island – it’s the stuff laidback holiday dreams are made of.
For Dads who love adventure: Dive into Darwin
Let’s face it, Darwin is a vibe right now, there’s so much going on, so if your Dad doesn’t like to sit still – unless it’s with a beer in hand in which case don’t miss the Six Tanks micro-brewery – he’ll be in heaven in the Top End.
After morning breakfast at the on-site restaurant or a dip in the pool at the Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel, ideally located in the middle of town and just minutes from the waterfront, Dad will be spoilt for choice. From a Jumping Crocodile Cruise to a half-day pub crawl by helicopter to a world-class museum and gallery (which will even impress non-gallery going Dads) to jet-ski tours of Darwin Harbour to day trips to explore the natural beauty of Litchfield National Park or the culture of the Tiwi Islands, there’s plenty to pack in.
During the tropical evenings, stroll the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, try local dishes like mud crab, freshly caught barramundi or crocodile laksa or stir-fry, then hit the iconic Darwin Railway Club for a live music gig and game of pool with the locals.
For Dads who love golf and wine: Hit the Hunter Valley
For drop-dead gorgeous vineyard views, a cool combination of historic and contemporary wineries, a raft of regional restaurants and a leisurely game of golf on one of the most picturesque championship courses in NSW, you can’t go past Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort in the heart of Hunter Valley Wine Country.
Perfect for Dads who are fans of fairways followed by fine food and wine, Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort enjoys a central location with easy access to activities to keep the entire clan entertained (especially while he’s playing golf), including horse riding, go-karting, animal encounters and family-friendly events at the Hunter Valley Gardens – plus massages and spa treatments at the on-site Elysia Wellness Retreat.
For Dads who love the beach: Surf’s up on the Sunshine Coast
Made for family fun, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast are the perfect picks for Dads who enjoy surfing, stand-up paddle boarding or just spreading out and snoozing on the sand.
Both the Oaks Gold Coast Hotel and Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza Suites are located a moment’s walk from the beach, with on-site outdoor pools, roomy accommodation and balconies with views which are perfect for unwinding with Dad after a day out and about.
On the glittering Gold Coast, activities include surfing, guided jet-ski tours, theme parks and endless nightlife, while the Sunshine Coast will be a winner with Dads who are partial to beautiful uncrowded beaches, cool coastal towns – and easy access to golf courses galore.
Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort is as much a treat for the kids as it is for Dad – it’s been ranked among Australia’s Top 10 Family Resorts – with its on-site waterpark, pool, playground, mini-golf, and accommodation ranging from one-bedroom to three-bedroom family villas. A little further north at Alexandra Headland, Maroochydore, the Oaks Sunshine Coast Seaforth Resort is a prime base to explore the entire Sunshine Coast, from Caloundra up to Noosa – the ideal spot to take luxury loving Dads for lunch!
.jpg){kind=tracking}
