12 things to do in Sydney for Father’s Day 2025

Whether your dad is adventurous, laid-back or simply hard to buy for, here are 12 top things to do in Sydney for Fathers Day on Sunday, September 7.

Stuck for Father’s Day ideas? Say no more. Sydney is brimming with experiences to suit every kind of dad, whether he’s chasing adrenaline, craving some downtime, or deserves something truly unforgettable. From action-packed thrills on the harbour to laid-back afternoons in the Botanic Gardens, and even once-in-a-lifetime adventures like hot air ballooning or a scenic seaplane flight, there’s no shortage of ways to spoil the man of the moment this Father’s Day.

Here’s our guide to the best Father’s Day experiences in 2025.

READ MORE: These are our favourite Father’s Day menus in Sydney

For the adventurous dad

1. BridgeClimb Sydney

Give Dad the ultimate bragging rights with a climb up the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Choose from daytime, twilight, or night climbs for a different perspective on the city skyline. Along the way, expert guides share stories about Sydney’s history and the bridge itself. Whether he’s afraid of heights or not, reaching the summit is a once-in-a-lifetime achievement — and the view alone is worth it.

Price: From $326 per adult and $196 per child on Sunday, September 7.
Deals: Families of three or four can save more than $100 when booking Summit and Summit Insider Day Climbs.

bridgeclimb.com

2. Jet boat ride

If Dad’s the type who loves speed and a good laugh, treat him to a ride with Oz Jet Boating. Departing from Circular Quay, these bright red boats zip across Sydney Harbour at high speeds, mixing spins, slides and power stops with up-close views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Expect a healthy dose of spray (ponchos are provided!) and plenty of adrenaline. It’s sightseeing with a (not so) serious twist. Heart racing and hilarious; he’ll love it.

Price: From $93.85 per adult, $62.22 per child or $63.01 per person for families of four.
Deals: Save 20% on full price tickets by using the code SPININTOSPRING at checkout online.

ozjetboating.com.au

3. Indoor skydiving

At iFLY Down Under in Penrith, Dad can experience the rush of free-fall without leaping from a plane — it’s the perfect compromise! Inside a state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnel, he’ll float on air, learning the same techniques skydivers use in real life. It’s safe, family-friendly and can be hilarious watching people lose control of their limbs in the air tunnel (see what we mean, here).

Price From $119 per person for first timers, or from $84 per person for return fliers.
Deals: 15% off the iFLY Family and Friends flight, making it $76.50 per person (vouchers valid for one year).

ifly.com.au

4. Go karting

If Dad has a competitive streak, challenge him to a go-kart race at one of Sydney’s tracks. Venues like Luddenham Raceway or Fastlane Karting, both in Western Sydney, offer everything from family-friendly karts to high-speed machines for seasoned racers. Nearer the city, Hyper Karting at the Entertainment Quarter is home to Australia’s longest indoor electric go-kart track. With 410 metres of track snaking through the rooftop car park, it’s an eco-friendly, adrenaline-fuelled race experience right in the heart of the city. Line up on the grid, hear the engines whir, and see who crosses the finish line first—bragging rights included.

Luddenham Raceway: From $45 per person. luddenhamraceway.com
Fastlane Karting: From $37 per adult and $30 per child. fastlanekarting.com.au
Hyper Karting: from $19 per person. hyperkarting.com.au

5. Hiking

Sometimes the best gift is time spent together in nature. Sydney is surrounded by incredible hiking trails, from the rugged bush tracks in Ku-ring-gai Chase or the Blue Mountains, to harbourside routes including Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay Walk. Pack some snacks, lace up your walking shoes and enjoy fresh air, sweeping views and conversation without distractions.

Need some inspiration? Check out our guide to the six best scenic trails to explore.

For the dad who wants downtime

6. Royal Botanic Garden picnic

If Dad loves to slow down and enjoy the simple things, a picnic in the Royal Botanic Garden hits the mark. Spread a rug under the shade of a tree, unpack some of his favourite treats and let the harbour views do the rest. The garden is dotted with sculptures, lawns and meandering paths, so you can make a whole afternoon of it. You could even begin your day with a dip at Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, which just reopened nearby, before hunkering down for your picnic.

Opening times: Daily 7am–6pm throughout September.
Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool: open daily 6am–8pm. Adult $7.90, children $5.10, under-threes enter free. Families from $18.50.

7. Sydney Harbour Cruise

There are few better ways to celebrate Father’s Day than gliding across Sydney Harbour, and Captain Cook Cruises has options to suit every dad. Choose a quick sightseeing tour to tick off the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and waterfront suburbs, or make it extra special with a Father’s Day Harbour View Long Lunch cruise. With spacious decks, great food and unbeatable views, it’s a relaxed way to spoil Dad while soaking up one of the world’s most beautiful harbours.

Price: Varies depending on your cruise.
Deals: Father’s Day Harbour View Long Lunch cruises are currently on sale from $69 per person.

captaincook.com.au

8. Coastal walk and lunch

Sydney’s coastline is made for wandering. Take the whole family on a leisurely stroll along the Bondi to Coogee path, and reward yourselves with lunch and a bev at Coogee Pavilion. The Rose Bay to Camp Cove walk is particularly picturesque, and you can end with lunch at Doyle’s or Watsons Bay Hotel. Alternatively, stick to the Northern Beaches, starting at Spit Bridge and walking around to Manly, then reward him with lunch and an ice cold beer at Felons Seafood. It’s relaxed, scenic, and gives you plenty of time to catch up while soaking in ocean views.

READ MORE: Check out the new $9.5 million coastal walk that opened earlier this year

For an unforgettable gift

9. Scenic Seaplane flight and lunch

For something truly special, surprise Dad with a scenic seaplane flight from Rose Bay. Sydney Seaplanes offers short 15- or 30-minute flights over Sydney Harbour, as well as longer journeys up the coast or inland. The Sydney Highlights flight comes with jaw-dropping views of the harbour, Opera House, and northern beaches. For the full package, add a gourmet lunch at an exclusive restaurant or a picnic stop on Shark Island.

Price: Flight-only from $310 per person; brunch and fly $380 per person; fly and feast $530 per person; Sydney Highlights flight and Shark Island picnic $550 per person.

seaplanes.com.au

10. Hot air balloon ride

Take Dad soaring above the countryside with Balloon Aloft in Camden Valley. Just an hour from Sydney, the flights drift gently over farmland and rivers, and you can even see the Blue Mountains on the horizon. Flights are only available on weekdays, so make other plans for Father’s Day itself — but this gift will surely let you off the hook.

Price: $2200 per two people

balloonaloft.com

11. Taronga zoo and stay

Why not turn Father’s Day into an overnight adventure? Take the ferry over to Manly, and book a stay at Taronga’s Wildlife Retreat. You can either stay in the safari-style tents, or the zoo’s newest accommodation: the luxe eco-retreat which also includes two-day complimentary Taronga Zoo access. Enjoy a day exploring the zoo before retreating to your rooms, then the next morning, wake up to the sounds of wildlife and maybe even join a private animal encounter.

Price: From $562.

taronga.com.au/sydney-zoo

12. Whale watching

Haven’t made it out on to the water yet? Whale watching season runs from May to November, and September is a perfect time to spot humpbacks making their way back along the NSW coast south to Antarctica — this time with calfs in tow. A whale-watching cruise from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, or Manly gives Dad front-row seats to see these majestic creatures breach and tail-slap in the wild. It’s an awe-inspiring reminder of Sydney’s natural wonders. Check out our guide to the best whale watching cruises.