Love Local List: Unique gift ideas for Dads for Father's Day

Celebrate the ones we call Dad with some love, special gifts and fun times on the Central Coast. There are many unique and talented makers and creators that call the Coast home and they have a range of gifts and products made specially with Dad in mind.

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so why not fill his belly with the gift of deliciousness, and wine and dine him on the fine food. For those that enjoy some pampering, spoil him with handmade skincare goodness. Get into the Father’s Day spirit with your cocktail kings and craft beer enthusiasts, we think they’ll enjoy opening a hamper of carefully curated tipples and ales.

Whatever the father figure in your life loves, we’re sure that this gift guide will help you make Father’s Day extra special this year.

Distill your own Gin

This Father's Day treat dad to the adventure of distilling his own gin at Distillery Botanica! Learn the art of making gin using herbs and botanicals from the gin garden. Better yet, for $99, book Dad in for an oyster shucking and tasting and martini making workshop happening on Father’s Day from 1:30-3pm. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a welcome G&T made with Moore’s Pearl Crush Gin, crafted with crushed Akoya pearls from Broken Bay Pearl Farm.

Shuck away your worries

Take Dad out onto the water this Father’s Day. Cruise along the Hawkesbury River with Broken Bay Pearl Farm for 20% off their Farm to Plate Experience. During this experience, you’ll be taken on a boat cruise through the Hawkesbury River to the salty paddocks that grows the Akoya pearl. Here, you’ll learn how to shuck an oyster and taste the Akoya pearl oyster.

Stargaze in the valley

Gift Dad the ultimate present just before Father’s Day on Friday 5 September. Blue Mountains Stargazing and Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures have come together to host a night of stargazing, along with a delicious BBQ dinner and cosy fire pit to gather around. Bring the whole family and enjoy a night under the stars. Bookings are essential. Head to the Blue Mountains Stargazing website to book.

Tap in to some local brews 

For Dads who love to relax with a locally crafted beer, we have the perfect gift idea. Treat Dad to some of the coast's own beers brewed by small batch brewery Block 'n Tackle. Head online or into the brewery at Kincumber and build your own case of lager, IPA and pale ales. The pack allows you to choose 4 x 4 packs of your choice.  

Sip in style

Gift Dad with a slick keepsake from Clinq, a local Central Coast artisan glass ware designer. Choose from a stunning selection of gifts like the ultra sleek brass and black whiskey glasses, a must have for any whiskey lover and those who have a home bar or a classy brass and leather hip flask perfect for sneaky swig when travelling. 

Craft hamper, beer style

This Central Coast hamper company knows how to create hampers to put a smile on Dad’s face. For the Dad’s who love craft beer, the Cheers Sweetie Craft Beer hamper will delight him every way. With 4 of Six String Brewing’s very own locally made beer, beer glass and snacks, the hampers offer everything Dad needs to enjoy a drink with family and friends. 

Roll up those sleeves

Head over to the 'Maker Shed' at Artisan Estate in Somersby and experience the old word techniques of blacksmithing. They are holding a special Father's Day bushcraft knife workshop on Sunday 7 September where Dad will learn the essential of blacksmithing and forge with fire, then bring home his own masterpiece! The classes are suitable for kids 12 and older so they can join in the fun with dad too!

Delicious Delights

Because Dad deserves nothing less than delicious delight treat him to a box of freshly baked cakes and cookie grazing box that whisper sweet nothings. His favourites are ready to be collected from Adri's Gingerbread!

Personalised pressies

Chain Valley Gifts have a great selection of unique personalised gifts for Dads and Poppys. These thoughtful gifts will be treasured and admired for years to come. From personalised bottle opener coasters to engraved hammers and hand print plaques, there is a treasure trover of items to select from.

Chocolate for your champion

Celebrate Father’s Day with handmade chocolate gifts from local chocolatiers Luka’s Chocolates. Choose from individual chocolates or one of the gift hampers. They have thought of everything including chocolates golf balls for those golf loving fathers and a 5-piece chocolate toolkit with a cute wooden tool box for all those Tradie dads!

Captain Dad

Let have some fun this Father's Day, 7 September. Drifters Wharf in Gosford are inviting you to join them for lunch or dinner, with complimentary beer for Dad! Play some mini golf and also win a beer for a hole in one!  Bookings highly recommended for this waterfront venue.

Seafood and waterfront dining

Enjoy a waterside lunch or dinner at Kefi in Koolewong. Treat Dad to their $95 set menu, filled with Mediterranean favourites. If you’re wanting to level up Dad’s day, add on a $5 schooner on arrival, or lock in a 4 pack of The Grifter Brewing Co beer for $25 for a special treat when he gets home.

Fit for a King

Enjoy a family friendly long lunch at The Wild Flower Bar and Dining at Bells at Killcare this Father's Day, 7 September. From noon, indulge in their three course feast, featuring entrees such as grilled Southern calamari, large share plates including lamb cutlets and grilled suckling pig and finishing off with something sweet such as their chocolate brulee tart. Bookings are highly recommended.

Smokin' Sunday

Enjoy the BBQ smoker smells as you kick back with a schooner or two listening to sounds on the Lakeside lawn at Pullman Magenta Shores. Think all America BBQ feast, lawn games, a complimentary beer or wine, live music and beers from local brewery, Six String Brewery.  A fun afternoon for all the family to celebrate the Dad’s in your life. Book your tickets for September 7, 12-3pm.

Banking for a good time

Inspired by a 1930's lobby, the old bank is now home to Motel Mezza in Wyong and they have a treat for your Dad. Enjoy a Middle Eastern themed menu lunch with a tasty range of their mouth-watering food from $75pp. Enter Dad’s best Dad joke into their competition, and go in the draw to win a $50 Bunning’s voucher too!

Lunch at The Springs

Spend quality time with your dad and father figure in the hinterland at the beautiful venue, The Springs. Relax and dine on a 3 course lunch of seared scallops with confit chicken wings, Beef short Rib and spiced rum and raisin ice cream! Don’t forget to plan a round of golf afterwards.

Slow cooked meat and beers

Treat dad to a Spit Roast Feast at Karinya Restaurant, bar and terrace at Mercure Koonindah Waters. Feast on a smorgesboard of slow cooked meats, including a whole suckling pig, lamb shoulder and pork belly, fresh salads and sides, and a bar filled with all of his favourite beers and spirits. Happening from 12pm – 3pm on Father’s Day. Bookings are essential.

Father's Day by the beach

Let’s agree, what dad doesn’t love a great meal surrounded with family and awesome ocean views of Avoca Beach? Dine on a 3 course meal featuring seasonal favourites such as Sydney rock oysters, Surf & Turf, fig and date pudding and more. The choice of food will have Dad spoilt for choice! Bookings available 11:30am-3:15pm for lunch, and 5pm onwards for dinner on Father’s Day. Bookings essential.

Lunch in the Hinterland

Treat Dad to an unforgettable lunch at Angel Sussurri, a Hinterland gem that is beautiful this time of year. Indulge in good food and create cherished memories that will last a life time. Enjoy a specially crafted menu filled with delights, and Dad can also enjoy a complimentary beer or wine upon arrival.

Taste of Italy

Bring Dad into the feels of Italy without leaving the Coast! Book lunch or dinner at the Italian trattoria Lago Cucina and let Dad enjoy a contemporary Italian menu featuring woodfire pizzas and a favourite for Dad's, slow cooked wagyu beef cheek! Bring the whole family and make Dad feel extra special. 

Lunch by the golf course

Book a round of golf with Dad at Toukley Golf club and after your game, head inside to the Aviary to enjoy a Father's Day share menu family lunch. Dads receive a free beer and an automatic entry into the raffle to win a Father's Day hamper.

Let Dad have a banger of a day

If your Dad loves a classic hot dog, he’ll love the gourmet ones from The Banger Rebellion even more. Head to Ettalong Beach and visit the Rebellion’s new space to indulge in a variety of gourmet sausages such as beef and pork longonisa, Irish pork sausage and Bratwurst, adorned with a variety of toppings, sitting on a golden Brioche bun. He’ll love their selection of gourmet rolls!

Breakfast by the beach

Treat Dad to a long brekkie by the beach at The Box On the Water at Ettalong Beach this Father’s Day. For $50 per adult, start with a sweet bread basket, tea or coffee and then choose a delightful meal from the Chef Brekkie Menu – think big brekkie vibes. If Dad prefers a sleep in, book the Long Lunch from 11:45am to 3pm and he can lock in a 3-course set menu or even preorder their Seafood Platter with dessert. This will truly make Dad’s day.

Good times in Gosford

Dad’s love nothing more than a good, juicy steak to dig their teeth into. On Father’s Day, head to Hotel Gosford and book either a lunch or dinner sitting. Lunch bookings start from 11:30am and finish at 2pm, and dinner bookings start at 5:30pm – 8pm. Whichever sitting you pick, Dad will have a great time with quality pub classics, a few chef specials to pick from, and a multitude of refreshing beers to sip away to.