Sydney Father's Day Experiences

Sydney has plenty of Father's Day experiences for a dad who'd rather do something than unwrap something. Think a glass walk 268 metres above the city, a sunrise balloon flight, a private golf lesson by the ocean or a tour through the SCG. Here's how they compare, so you can match one to your dad. For ideas beyond Sydney, the Father's Day experiences across Australia are worth a look too.

Father's Day experiences for dads who like a view

The Sydney Tower SKYWALK is an open-air glass walkway around the top of Sydney Tower Eye, 268 metres up. Guides talk you through the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and Bondi Beach as you go, and the harness and protective gear are supplied. The visit takes about 90 minutes, with departures through the afternoon from Westfield Sydney, so Dad can sleep in first.

For something quieter, the Sunrise Sydney Hot Air Balloon Flight from Camden drifts for 60 minutes over the Camden Valley, with the Nepean River below and the Blue Mountains in the distance. A celebration breakfast at The Camden Valley Inn follows, and the whole morning runs about three hours.

A stunt plane flight for the dad who wants adrenaline

The Sydney Extreme Aerobatic Experience straps you into an Extra NG stunt plane at Bankstown Airport for 30 minutes of loops, rolls and tailslides. It reaches speeds of up to 400 kph and G forces of up to +/- 8 G, over Sydney's western suburbs and out toward the Blue Mountains. A 15-minute safety briefing comes first, and a headset lets you talk to the pilot.

Golf lessons and indoor golf for the golf-mad dad

The Private Seaside Golf Lesson with PGA Professional gives Dad an hour one-on-one on the Little Bay coastline. The lesson covers swing technique, the short game and handicap improvement, and club hire is included for anyone without their own set. The page mentions whales sometimes show up offshore, so keep an eye on the water between shots.

If the forecast looks grim, the indoor golf simulator at X Golf Shire in Caringbah keeps it all under cover. Up to four players get 90 minutes on the simulator, with real courses, driving ranges and mini golf games to pick from, plus pizza and a drink on arrival.

A tour of the SCG or a day in the treetops

The Sydney Cricket Ground Guided Walking Tour lasts 90 minutes and takes sport-loving dads into places the public rarely sees, including the playing field, the commentary box and the players' dressing rooms. Entry to the SCG Museum is part of the deal.

TreeTop Adventure Park Sydney in the Western Sydney Parklands suits a Dad who wants the kids along. It has over 100 individual challenges, flying foxes and zip lines, with courses split by ability so everyone can pick their own level.

Where each Sydney Father's Day experience starts

Meeting points are spread right across Sydney, so it helps to know where each one starts.

• Sydney Tower SKYWALK: Westfield Sydney, Market Street, in the CBD.
• Sydney Cricket Ground tour: Gate A, Driver Avenue, Moore Park.
• Extreme aerobatic flight: Bankstown Airport, Western Sydney.
• Private seaside golf lesson: Little Bay, in Sydney's east.
• Sunrise balloon flight: Cawdor, about 50 minutes from the CBD.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Sydney Tower SKYWALK take?

The Sydney Tower SKYWALK takes about 90 minutes in total, including a one-hour guided walk on the outside of the tower.

Is the Sydney sunrise hot air balloon flight a very early start?

Yes. The Sunrise Sydney Hot Air Balloon Flight from Camden departs between 3:30am and 6am from Cawdor, about 50 minutes from the CBD, and breakfast is included.

Does Dad need golf experience for the private seaside golf lesson?

No. The Private Seaside Golf Lesson with PGA Professional at Little Bay suits novices and experienced golfers, and club hire is included for anyone without their own.

What is a good indoor Father's Day activity in Sydney?

The indoor golf simulator at X Golf Shire in Caringbah is an indoor option for up to four players. It runs for 90 minutes and includes pizza and a drink on arrival.

Can I book the SCG tour for Father's Day itself?

No. The Sydney Cricket Ground Guided Walking Tour runs Monday to Saturday, and Father's Day falls on a Sunday, so book it for another day.

Local tip: Father's Day is always a Sunday, so check which days each experience runs before you book. The SCG tour runs Monday to Saturday, so it suits a gift voucher or a different day better than the day itself.

Pick the one that sounds most like your dad, then browse more ideas in Sydney activities if he's hard to buy for. Sunrise over the Camden Valley or a first lesson by the sea, either way, all good days are waiting.