Father’s Day is on Sunday 6 September 2026, and it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate the special man or men in your life, whether that’s a father, grandfather, carer, or another significant male role model. The day doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated; it’s about making memories and showing appreciation.
From a relaxing day at the movies or an outdoor adventure to a delicious meal or quality family time, you can celebrate in a way that’s unique to your family. To help you get started, we’ve put together some ideas for making Father’s Day special as well as a list of local events happening this Father’s Day weekend.
Fun Activities To Do With Dad
Head out on a family bike ride. If the weather is favourable, enjoy the day by getting out of the house and going for a family bike ride. We’ve put together a collection of 15 kid-friendly cycle paths in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter. If Dad enjoys mountain biking, check out our list of best family-friendly mountain biking trails.
Play a round or two of disc (frisbee) golf. There are 4 disc golf courses in the region at East Maitland, Jesmond, Lambton and Rathmines. Pack a picnic lunch and a few frisbees and see who can finish the course in the least amount of throws. Read our article on where to play disc golf in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter.
Take him out for coffee. Choose from one of these local cafes with nearby playgrounds and, while Dad relaxes with a hot drink of his choice, the kids can have fun playing on the nearby playground equipment.
Enjoy a picnic lunch (or morning/afternoon tea). If the weather is good, pack a picnic lunch, a thermos and a picnic rug and take him to one of these best picnic spots in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter. If it happens to rain you can always throw out a picnic rug and enjoy a picnic on the lounge room floor at home.
Go to the movies. Catch the latest blockbuster on the big screen. Here are 10+ places to see a family movie.
Challenge him to a round or two of mini golf. Putt putt golf is the perfect family activity – super fun for all ages. There are plenty of places to play mini golf in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter region, including indoor and outdoor options.
Take him for lunch at a local pub or club. We’ve put together a list of playgrounds with nearby pubs and clubs. All these playgrounds are in walking distance of a pub or club so, after lunch, the kids can enjoy a play and a run around.
Shoot some hoops together. Challenge him to a basketball shootout. We’ve put together a list of playgrounds with basketball courts in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter. This is a good choice for families with lots of kids or kids of varying ages.
Go for a walk. There’s nothing quite like a good outdoor walk in winter time. We’re spoilt for choice in the Newcastle region. Be it a beach, harbour, lake or bush walk, get Dad outdoors and enjoy a family walk. Here are some of the best kid-friendly walks around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter. For bushwalks, here are our picks for the best Newcastle walks and bush trails.
Go fishing. Find a quiet spot to settle back and reel ’em in. Here’s our list of best family fishing spots in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter, including some of our best tips for throwing in a line.
Local Events Happening on Father’s Day Weekend
There are a few events happening in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & The Hunter this Father’s Day weekend.
Father’s Day Buffet Breakfast at Charlestown Golf Club
Treat Dad to a hearty buffet breakfast and a bucket of balls on the driving range this Father’s Day. It’s a relaxed morning out for the whole family, with kids under 12 at a discounted rate. Bookings are essential, so call ahead to lock in your table.
Date: Sunday 6 September 2026
Time: 9 – 11am
Location: Charlestown Golf Club & Driving Range, 1A Barker Ave, Hillsborough
Age Group: All ages (kids under 12 at reduced rate)
Cost: $45 per adult, $20 per child under 12
Website
Father’s Day at The Lucky Hotel
Take Dad out for the day with mini golf in the bar, cold beers and a menu the whole table will enjoy. Book ahead as tables fill fast. Dad will receive a free beer on arrival, plus go into the draw to win a Father’s Day hamper packed with great prizes.
Date: Sunday 6 September 2026
Location: The Lucky Hotel, Newcastle
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free entry, food and drinks at standard menu prices
Website
Father’s Day Lunch Cruise on Lake Macquarie
Set sail with Nova Cruises for a relaxed lunch on the water, with a free arrival drink for Dad and a buffet spread of prawns, roast chicken and salads. It’s a lovely one for families who want a change of scenery without the fuss of a restaurant booking.
Date: Sunday 6 September 2026
Time: 12 – 2.30pm
Location: Nova Cruises, First Street, Booragul
Age Group: Family friendly
Cost: Ticketed – check website for prices
Website
Lemon Jam – Father’s Day
Head down to the water for a free, family friendly afternoon of live music from local band Lenny & The Jets, plus muscle cars on show. Bring chairs and picnic gear and settle in for a relaxed one to mark Dad’s Day.
Date: Sunday 6 September 2026
Time: 12 – 4pm
Location: Henderson Park, Lemon Tree Passage
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free (sausage sizzle and raffle tickets available for purchase)
Website
Father’s Day Lunch Cruise
Give Dad a proper break this Father’s Day with a relaxed 2.5 hour cruise around Newcastle Harbour, complete with a buffet lunch and harbour views instead of a crowded restaurant table. Note that prams and wheelchairs can’t be accommodated on board, so it suits families with older kids best.
Date: Sunday 6 September 2026
Time: 12.30pm – 3pm (check in from 12pm)
Location: Queens Wharf Terminal, Newcastle
Age Group: Family friendly, children 2 to 12 (all under 18s must be supervised)
Cost: Ticketed – check website for prices
Website
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