For the Dad who’s all about memory-making, there’s nothing he would love more than an experience gift. By that, we mean something he can share with his nearest and dearest and look back on fondly.
What are some experience gifts for Father’s Day?
Depending on the individual, there are gift experiences for every type of Dad. There is skydiving for the thrill seeker, massages for the one who deserves a pamper, a comedy show for the one who loves a laugh, a multi-course meal for the foodie, and so on.
No matter what fills Dad’s cup, rest assured you will find an experience he will remember for years to come.
To help make the search easier, we’ve rounded up some of the best experience gift ideas for Father’s Day below. From heart-pounding adrenaline adventures to serene Sydney cruises and captivating Melbourne shows, this guide unveils the finest experience gifts that promise to leave a lasting impact.
The best experience gifts in Australia 2024
01
Stand-up comedy at The Comics Lounge Melbourne
from $20, Experience Oz
Everyone loves to laugh (especially Dad). Immerse him in two and a half hours of live stand-up comedy as he enjoys a night filled with humour and entertainment. Located just a short distance from Melbourne’s CBD, this iconic comedy club has hosted renowned comedians like Dave Hughes, Carl Barron and Kitty Flanagan.
“Great night out,” one five-star reviewer wrote. “Awesome stand up with variety of different comedians using different forms of comedy with a lot of good jokes. Great atmosphere. Definitely would recommend it! Food was fantastic too. Well organised from seat allocation to getting the audience involved.”
Duration: 2.5 hours
Location: 26 Errol St, Melbourne, VIC 3051
Key features:
- Australia’s longest-running comedy club
- Option to include a post-show two-course dinner
- Famous comedians from Australia and overseas
- A great night out for anyone over 18 with a sense of humour
02
Wollongong deep sea reef fishing charter
$180, Red Balloon
Embark on a six-hour fishing expedition amidst the outer reefs of Wollongong for a fisherman’s dream adventure. Armed with top-notch fishing gear, bait and guided by experienced experts, this journey promises unparalleled fishing in the waters stretching from the beautiful Stanwell Park to Shellharbour.
“Just returned from a glorious days fishing with this charter company,” one five-star reviewer said. “I can not fault the experience one bit. The old school attitude was what sold me. We were treated like mates, not paying customers from the start to finish. Great boat and captain put us instantly on fish and we were all having a laugh and good times like it was a mates day out. I have been on many charters in the Sydney /Illawarra and this rates as the best bang for buck day out fishing to date. I will definitely be back and highly recommend this company.”
Duration: Six hours
Location: Wollongong, NSW
Key features:
- Experienced and friendly skipper
- Individual fishing rods, bait, tackle and sinkers
- No fishing license is required
- Catches of the day gutted and cleaned (filleting is not provided)
- Complimentary bottled water
- BYO food and drinks
- Available midweek only
- Minimum age is eight years old
03
Six-course tasting menu for two
$249, RedBalloon
Let Dad indulge in a delightful shared menu at the highly acclaimed restaurant 6HEAD, known for spotlighting the finest steak and seafood from respected local purveyors. The restaurant has two locations — one nestled right in the historic Rocks precinct of Sydney Harbour and the other situated in Perth’s iconic Elizabeth Quay.
Kick off your meal with artisan bread and smoked wagyu butter, then dive into a six-course tasting menu featuring dishes like wagyu bresaola, calamari with yuzu lime aioli and a perfectly grilled eye of rump. End on a sweet note with the indulgent wagyu fat chocolate cube.
All this comes with a glass of selected house wine, while you enjoy stunning views of your surroundings.
Duration: Allow a minimum of two hours for this experience
Location: Available at 6HEAD in Sydney and Perth
Key features:
- Six-course tasting menu featuring premium cuts of beef and seafood
- Includes a glass of selected house wine each
- Option to enjoy dishes individually or grouped into courses
- Heritage-inspired interior with both indoor and terrace seating
- Available Monday to Sunday, with varied booking times
04
V8 drive & passenger lap combo
$557 (usually $640), Adrenaline
If Dad’s a bit of an adrenaline junkie (or just love cars), treat him to the ultimate V8 performance racing experience. Let him unleash his inner speed demon by driving six exhilarating laps around the iconic Eastern Creek Raceway circuit. With the added thrill of two heart-pounding passenger laps alongside a pro driver, he’ll quickly grasp the high-speed potential of these race cars.
“WOW,” one five-star reviewer exclaimed. “This was one of the best experiences of my life. I highly recommend having a go.”
A second person wrote: “The whole day was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. I’m already planning a trip back there. Loved it!”
Duration: Allow up to three hours
Location: Sydney Motorsport Park, Eastern Creek NSW
Key features:
- Experience the most powerful race cars available to drive in Australia
- Drive six thrilling laps around the circuit
- Ride shotgun for two extreme passenger laps with a professional driver
- All safety gear and safety personnel included
- Multiple camera video footage of your experience is available to purchase on the day
- Racing attire supplied
05
Sydney whale watching adventure cruise
from $75, Experience Oz
Experience the awe-inspiring Humpback migration with a three-hour Sydney whale-watching cruise departing from Circular Quay. Sail past Sydney’s iconic landmarks, guided by an experienced marine naturalist who will unravel the significance of the whales’ migration.
Dad will encounter sightings of Humpback whales and may even be lucky to spot Southern Rights, Minkes, Byrde’s, Blue and Orcas, as well as dolphins and seals splashing around.
Duration: Three hours
Location: King Street Wharf, Darling Harbour NSW
Key features:
- Live and interesting whale commentary
- Pick-up and drop-off
- The boat is a fast, modern and comfortable vessel fitted with outdoor viewing areas, a large indoor cabin and toilets
- Whale sightings guaranteed or book a free return cruise
- Tea and coffee served
06
Spa gift voucher
from $150, endota
Treat Dad to the perfect endota spa experience that suits his needs, whether it’s a rejuvenating facial, a relaxing massage or a revitalising spa package. With a three-year expiry date, he’ll have the freedom to choose when and what brings him the most joy and relaxation.
Location: Spas located across Australia (find your nearest endota spa here)
Key features:
- Recipient’s choice to redeem on any facial, massage body or beauty treatment
- Voucher can also be used to purchase endota skin care and wellness products
- Redeemable online and in space at one of endota’s many locations across Australia
- Three-year expiry date
- Choose between a physical gift card and a digital gift card
- Option to include a personal message
How do you present experience gifts?
Sure, you could just print out your experience voucher and gift it to your recipient in an envelope or card. But why not take it to the next level to make the gift even more special? For example, you could pop it in an extravagantly large gift box, present it in a photo frame (which can be used again later so they can print out their favourite photo from the day and display it somewhere in their home or office), hide it in a specially made cake or send them on a scavenger hunt along with clues that allude to the location of the final gift.
Is an experience a good gift?
Experience gifts go beyond the average tangible gift because they provide the opportunity to give loved ones unforgettable memories. Whether your recipient is a movie buff, an adrenaline junkie, a sports fan, a coffee lover, an art enthusiast or a travel-seeker, it’s important you choose an experience that aligns with who they are and their passions.
Looking to save money on more experience gifts? Check out our coupon codes for Adrenaline, RedBalloon and more.
