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If you went big this year for Mother’s Day, and want to give dad the same star treatment, we’ve got you.
Father’s Day is, of course, a difficult day for a lot of people, but whether or not your dad is in your life right now, Father’s Day is the perfect excuse to put in a little extra effort and show your uncle, stepdad, grandpa or any special father figure just how much you appreciate them.
If you're wondering when Father's Day falls in Australia 2026, mark your calendar for Sunday, September 6. Here's everything you need to know about the big day, including gift ideas and how to celebrate here in Sydney.
When is Father’s Day in Australia 2026?
Father's Day in Australia is always celebrated on the first Sunday in September. In 2026, this falls on September 6. Don’t get confused with the other countries’ dates, as the United States and the United Kingdom both mark the occasion in June.
Why is Father’s Day different in Australia?
There’s no official reason why Australia celebrates Father’s Day three months after the US and UK, but a popular theory is that it helps space things out from Mother’s Day in May. Plus, this gives Aussie businesses another chance to promote gifts and throw some epic sales. Strange logic, maybe, but we’re not arguing.
Is Father’s Day a public holiday in NSW?
As much as dad might wish otherwise, Father’s Day isn’t a public holiday in NSW – so most shops, cafés and businesses will be open as usual.
What is the history of Father’s Day?
Father’s Day originated in the United States, thanks to Civil War veteran and single mum, Sonora Smart Dodd. Inspired by the growing popularity of Mother’s Day, she pushed for a special day to honour the hard work of dads around the world. The day was first celebrated in 1910, it became an official US national holiday in 1972, and it was adopted by Australians in the 1930s.
Sydney Father’s Day gift ideas
Whether it’s a handwritten note, breakfast in bed or just a heartfelt phone call, there are plenty of simple ways to say thank you to the most important man in your life.
If you want to make him feel like a king, treat him to a long pub lunch (maybe in a beer garden, if the sun is shining), gift him a voucher to one of Sydney’s best restaurants, secure tickets to a fab new theatre production, or surprise him with a gorgeous bouquet – because boys need flowers too.
What to do on Father’s Day in Sydney?
Forget the silly socks or the six-pack of beers, and opt for some good ol’ quality time with the man instead. We’re fans of going for a laid-back brunch at a first-rate Sydney café, or heading outdoors on a big coastal walk. You could also spend some special time together exploring one of these stunning national parks near the city, or stomp it out on one of these epic day hikes within striking distance of Sydney. If he’s a golf man but you’re not quite ready to commit to a day on the green, beeline for Chatswood – where you’ll find Australia’s first 12-hole golf course (meaning you can score points without having to spend five hours hitting little white balls into the sky).
Otherwise, keep things simple with a wine-fuelled lunch by the water – September sunshine seems to make Sydney particularly sparkly.
When is Father’s Day in Australia in 2027?
Next year, Father’s Day falls on Sunday, September 5.