25+ local Father’s Day gift ideas
Published on 15 August 2025
Let’s face it. Most dads don’t need - or want - another mug or multi-pack of socks for Father’s Day.
So if you’re ready to skip the clichés this year, the good news is that you don’t have to go far to find something a bit more memorable!
Whether your dad’s a fishing fanatic, foodie, gin lover, golfer or thrill seeker, there’s no shortage of Father’s Day gift ideas and experiences to explore right here in the City of Onkaparinga.
From eating and drinking to shopping and exploring, there’s something for every dad to enjoy, and to make his special day feel like it was made just for him.
And a bonus? You get to support a small local business while you’re at it!
So to help make your job just that bit easier, we’ve pulled together the ultimate Father’s Day Gift Guide that’s anything but ordinary – check it out!
The best Father’s Day gifts for fishing fanatics
For dads who live for rods, reels, bait and early morning boat launches off the beach, there’s no better place to start than your local tackle shop.
How’s Ya Tackle in Christies Beach and Mid Coast Fishing and Tackle in Lonsdale stock just about everything a fishing-mad father could want, and both are run by people who genuinely know their stuff.
And with local fishing stores down south feeling the pinch from recent algal blooms affecting fishing conditions, your support means more than ever.
Where to take Dad for a relaxed Father’s Day outdoors
If your dad’s more into bushwalks and BBQs than a bottomless brunch indoors, why not plan a picnic instead.
Pack the esky, stop by Seaford Gourmet Meats for something delicious to throw on the BBQ, and head to Onkaparinga River National Park to enjoy some quality time against a stunning natural backdrop.
Pick up a bottle (or two!) of wine from Hastwell & Lightfoot in McLaren Vale on the way, and you’ve got the makings of a simple - and memorable - Father’s Day.
Father’s Day experiences for dads who love adventure
For the dads who reckon “relaxing” is actually code for “boring,” it’s time to up the ante a bit.
Fuel Dad’s inner action hero with an indoor shooting session at The Gunnery in Christies Beach, or book in for an adrenaline-fueled axe throwing session at Lumberjaxe in Lonsdale.
Want to take the stakes even higher - literally? Adelaide Biplanes in Aldinga run flight experiences along the coast that pretty much guarantee you’ll stay his favourite child for at least a month.
Best food, drinks and live music ideas for Father’s Day
Some dads just want good food, a decent drink and zero dishes to wash at the end of the day - and luckily, there’s plenty of that around!
Shout Dad lunch at Red Poles, Merrill’s Wine Room or Paxton Wines - all relaxed spots with delicious menus and live music on the weekend.
Or for a more low-key affair, grab a table at Drifters Pizza & Beer Bar in Port Noarlunga.
Local beers, woodfired pizza and a seriously cruisy vibe, it’s everything a Sunday arvo – and indeed Father’s Day - should be. What more could he want?
Father’s Day gifts for the sweet tooth dads
If your dad’s got a secret stash of chocolate that everyone pretends not to know about, lean into it.
Swing by Fruchocs in McLaren Vale to pick up a few of his South Aussie made favourites, or go deluxe with a handcrafted box of chocolates from Bracegirdles. They’ve even got a curated Father’s Day range this year!
What’s a good gift for a dad who loves tools?
Some dads collect power tools like other people collect stamps - and honestly, fair enough!
So if you’ve got a dad who’d rather be in the shed than on the couch, a voucher from Total Tools in Seaford is always a safe bet.
He gets to choose something useful. You get to avoid buying the wrong drill bit. And it’ll give him the perfect excuse to upgrade his equipment – and maybe even finish that half-done project!
Everyone wins.
Gift ideas for car-obsessed dads this Father’s Day
If your dad’s the type to wash the car even when it’s raining, this one’s for him.
South Coast Window Tinting in Lonsdale offers professional tinting services, so why not treat him to a quality upgrade he probably wouldn’t buy for himself, but will definitely appreciate.
The best gin and craft beer to give dad on Father’s Day
Not all craft beer – or gin for that matter - gin is created equal. And Ill-Intentions Fermentery & Distillery in Cherry Gardens is proof.
This small-batch, locally made gin ticks all the boxes for dads who appreciate a good pour with a bit of personality, and their craft beers are just as impressive.
Whether he’s a tonic loyalist, a neat-over-ice guy or prefers a cold pint in hand, shop here and you’re sorted.
It’s a great way to support a brewer–distiller down south and raise a toast to your dad at the same time (assuming he shares!)
Surprise your golf-mad dad on Father’s Day
For dads that love hitting the fairway, we’ve got a few ideas.
You could gift him a golf membership at Willunga, Thaxted Park, Flagstaff Hill or The Vines - but if you really want to level up, book him in for a session or three at the Noarlunga Golf Hub.
As South Australia’s premier indoor practice facility and golf shop, it’s the only spot south of Adelaide with 24/7 access to industry-leading TrackMan simulators, so rain, wind or wintery weather won’t get in the way of perfecting his swing.
What’s a thoughtful Father’s Day gift for sentimental dads?
The best gifts don’t always come in the biggest packages.
If your dad’s a more sentimental type, it’s worth a visit to Roberts Jewellers in Reynella.
This family-owned jeweller has been helping locals celebrate special moments for generations, and you’re sure to find a timeless piece he’ll cherish for years to come.
And engraving? They offer that too.
What to buy for the dad who has everything
Still stuck because dad won’t drop hints? You can’t go wrong with a curated gift hamper.
Port Willunga Fine Foods, Little Harvest Box and Unveiling SA all do beautiful packaged hampers packed to the brim with everything from gourmet snacks and wine to locally handmade goods and deluxe self-care.
They’re thoughtful gifts without the usual boring fare - and easy to order, too.
And the best bit? There’s a gift hamper to suit every kind of dad!
This Father’s Day, support local in the City of Onkaparinga
Whether it’s a round of golf, a bottle of gin, a chilled-out Sunday lunch or a brand new hammer drill, there are so many ways to spoil Dad on Father’s Day without having to leave the south.
And there’s truly no better way to say “Thanks, Dad” than by supporting a local business too.
So skip the big city chain stores, shop local and make this Father’s Day one to remember!
Go South Go Local.
Short on time? Here’s your Father’s Day gift idea cheat sheet: