Dads of every stereotype will be celebrated across Victoria on Sunday 2 September. From 'Active Dads' looking to keep fit to 'Stressed Dads' who need to unwind, there are options aplenty for dads to find their happy space this Father's Day.

Active Dad:

With a thriving bike culture and dizzying mix of bike friendly terrain, Victoria is best seen on two wheels.

The Great Ocean Road offers stunning scenery from Torquay and beyond on a road bike, the Great Victorian Rail Trail is Australia's longest rail trail as it weaves its way through Tallarook, Yea, Cathkin, Bonnie Doon and Mansfield, and the San Remo to Cowes  route provides an easy and flat option connecting the mainland to Phillip Island via bridge.

For the more extreme sports dads, there's the Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail that runs from Bairnsdale to Lakes Entrance or the Goldfields Track that runs 210km from Mt Buninyong to Bendigo.

Creative Dad:

Speaking of Bendigo, how about a trip with dad to White Night Bendigo?

The second regional centre to transform after-dark for an all-night creative celebration, White Night Bendigo is expected to attract 50,000 people to the Goldfields hub, transforming the impossible into the possible via installation, projection, exhibition, performance, film, music and dance.

Inspired by the international Nuit Blanche movement that began in Paris in 2002 and came to Australia as White Night Melbourne in 2013, White Night Bendigo is a free, cultural event that draws upon a basic inspiration in 2018 - 'What if?'

White Night descends on Bendigo on Saturday 1 September, running 7:00pm - 2:00am. Visit the website today to 'Plan Your Night' including accommodation options, park and ride information and public transport schedules.

Stressed Dad:

Has dad been a little grumpy of late? Does he need a break from it all to unwind from the stresses of the daily grind?

Perhaps dad needs to experience the healing power of Victoria's first geothermal mineral spring and day spa at the Peninsula Hot Springs.

Located just ninety minutes from Melbourne, the Springs offers more than 20 globally-inspired experiences set in a beautiful, natural environment that ensures a relaxing experience for everyone.

The Bath House is a social bathing area perfect for the whole family that features a cave pool, reflexology walk, Turkish Hamam and hilltop pool with 360-degree views of the region, while the Spa Dreaming Centre will allow Dad the chance to unwind in a tranquil space that offers a range of treatments. Father's Day gift certificates are also available. 

Hungry Dad:

Dad should never go hungry on Father's Day. Foodie dads can satisfy cravings via a range of experiences on the Mornington Peninsula.

The Dromana Estate is bringing back its Beer and Burgers Festival, with live music and entertainment plus buns filled with locally sourced produce from 11:00am. There is also a southern BBQ special at Red Hill Brewery and a dad's brekkie at Enchanted Adventure Garden.

Families can also take to the high seas as they make their way to Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula from Sorrento, with a Blokes High Tea set to feature on the Searoad Ferry.

Sail with an ale, meats and sweets this Father's Day as the vessel delivers a specially curated menu of dishes with dad in mind - think sliders and pies with a paddle of beer from local breweries.

Mt Duneed Estate in Geelong is also celebrating dad with a three-course lunch for the whole family. Sourced locally, the menu features the very best seasonal produce and fathers will feel the love with a free beer and wine on arrival.

Thirsty Dad:

The Seriously Shiraz Festival returns this weekend and what better way to celebrate dad than with delicious wine in the picturesque surrounds of the Grampians.

Spanning two days, the festival culminates on Father's Day as visitors get out of the city to celebrate the stunning offerings of local producers including a range of local wineries - Best's Great Western, Grampians Estate, Mount Langi Ghiran, Seppelt Great Western, Fallen Giantsl, Mountainside Wines Norton Estate, Steel Cutters Cottage, Clarnette and Ludvigsen.

Grape escapes are a great way to toast dad this year, with the diversity of Victoria's micro-climate wine regions offering wine lovers a tipple (or two) from the southern coast right up to the Murray River.

Adrenalin Dad:

It's dad versus the kids at the famed Phillip Island circuit as preparations continue for the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix next month.

Dad can don the leathers as he duels with the whole family go-kart races across the weekend, with the best performances set to win a hot-lap of the circuit.

The Phillip Island circuit is also set to welcome a private collection of 24 grand prix winning motorcycles from the famous Italian marquees, Aprilia and Gagiva, with the two-wheel treasures installed as the star exhibit in the History of Motorsport Display at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Visitor Centre. 

Melbourne Dad:

There's plenty to entertain dad in Melbourne too.

The Melbourne Esports Open descends on Melbourne Park, bringing Australia's biggest celebration of gaming to the home of the Australian Open. This two-day festival will be the first of its kind in Australia and will host some of the biggest games, including Fortnight, Overwatch and League of Legends.

Or at Melbourne Museum, football loving dads can enjoy free entry and immerse themselves in the Real Madrid World of Football Experience.

The Real Madrid World of Football Experience is a new, state-of-the-art, digital and physical interactive football experience for all ages. 

Through spectacular audio-visual displays, physical interactive football experiences, playable gaming technologies, combined with historical club memorabilia and stunning trophy displays, visitors can go behind the scenes to discover the culture, passion, players and epic victories that make Real Madrid C.F. the football club of the century.

Media Contact:

Cody Lynch
Media & Communications Manager - Major Events

Visit Victoria
Collins Square, Tower Two
Level 28, 727 Collins Street
Melbourne Vic 3008
T: +61 3 9002 2386 | M: +61 411 104 567 | corporate.visitvictoria.com.au
cody.lynch@visitvictoria.com.au