With Father’s Day fast approaching, many of us might be struggling with what to get Dad – why not go for something a little more unique than a pint and go for an experience?
There’s something on our list for Dad’s of every interest, whether it be hands-on, thrill-seeking, or crafty in the kitchen – plus, there’s a couple options with pints involved anyway for the classic Dads.
Rally Cars/V8 Experiences
This one’s for all the motorsport fans – fulfill Dad’s childhood dream and give the gift of race car driving this Father’s Day.
With Rally School, you’ll head out to the scenic Perth Hills to drive a real turbo rally car (which you’ll get to pick from their exclusive range of high-quality cars), as well as experience the ultimate thrill during a pro hot lap, where your instructor takes the keys for a professional-speed lap.
At Wanneroo Raceway, V8 Drive Day hosts rear and front seat passenger, ride & drive and driving experiences once a month – you’ll have to get in quickly for these ones. Professional drivers pass on their knowledge to each visitor, whether driving or spectating, bringing years of national and international competition experience. Dad can pick the V8 he’s itching to test out, or sit front seat on hot laps and see the best the cars can perform.
Cooking Classes and Workshops
If you’ve got a Dad looking to level-up his cooking skills, you should look no further – or even if he’s just a big foodie, a cooking class will see him come away not just with a full belly, but new techniques to bring home.
Browse the classes available from The Cooking Professor or Salt & Co Cooking School and pick something Dad enjoys, or grab a generic voucher and leave the planning up to him – there are a variety of different cuisines to explore, from Vietnamese to Sri Lankan, or more simplistic workshops like sausage-making or New York-style cookies for sweet tooth’s.
Perth BBQ School was practically invented for Dads – they cover grilling, smoking, reverse searing, brining and more, and the group is provided with complimentary beers and an onslaught of meat, burgers and wings.
Axe Throwing
Gift Dad with some stress-relieving fun for Father’s Day with an axe throwing session – these have become popular around Perth for good reason, and if you’ve never tried it out, Dad’s day is the perfect time.
MANIAX Axe Throwing has locations in Northbridge and Freo, with Dads throwing free on Father’s Day weekend, while Lumber Punks is found in East Perth nestled between Whipper Snapper Distillery and Bright Tank Brewing Co., making an axe throwing session followed by dinner and drinks the practical choice – there’s even deals on offer between the venues.
If you’re up for making an even bigger day of it in the Swan Valley, Maxed Out Axe Throwing in Herne Hill is a great option. Once you’re finished up there, nearby venues include Swan Settler’s Market, Jarrah Ridge Wines and The House of Honey.
Spirit Masterclasses
For the Dad that can’t go past a stiff drink, look no further than some of the spirit and cocktail masterclasses around Perth.
Whipper Snapper Distillery hosts a variety of masterclasses, tastings, cocktail series and more, all for the Dad who loves a stiff drink. On Father’s Day, they’re running an Old Fashioned Masterclass – with a mini cocktail on arrival, he’ll learn the stories and histories behind three distillery spirits, then pick his favourite to make an personally-tailored Old Fashioned, plus tour the distillery.
Republic of Fremantle hosts two hour gin classes, where you’ll leave with a custom 500ml bottle of gin. Subiaco’s Little Things Gin puts together a similar program with their Gin Tasting Masterclass and Cocktail Masterclass, where you’ll taste gins and cocktails and learn about the distilling process. Head out to the Swan Valley for masterclasses at Old Young’s if you’re looking to make a day of it.
Self-Guided Craft Beer Trail
Fremantle boasts the title as the home of Australia’s modern craft beer revolution, from the opening of the pioneering Matilda Bay Brewing Company at the Sail & Anchor in 1984 to the bustling scene it is today. If Dad still insists all he wants is a frosty pint, why not take him through some of the best of what Western Australia’s craft brewing culture has to offer?
Start in South Freo at Running with Thieves (and perhaps carb-load for the day ahead at nearby Staples Bagels beforehand) with a behind-the-scenes brewery and distillery tour, taking visitors through the production spaces, from the copper stills to the brewhouse. Science, chemistry and beer-tasting combine for an awesome day, with the ‘Big Papa Hamper,’ available at the merch shop if you’re up for adding to the festivities.
Head into Freo proper for stints at Little Creatures Brewery and Gage Roads Brewing Co., both hosting brewery tours – at Little Creatures, Dad will take home a free t-shirt on Father’s Day, and at Gage Roads, the team have put together a day of family-friendly activities, including a brewery barber offering complimentary haircuts and beard trims. Both locations win out with the unbeatable harbour views, perfect for a memorable day out.
