Fathers Day and the first day of Spring converge this year on Sunday 1 September, which is just over a week away! Dads, cool parents, the original bad joke machines, they’re our heroes, adventurers and storytellers. Whatever your dad’s style and personality, we have some great ideas for you. Scroll down for some dining suggestions to book now for the whole family.
Lift Dad’s Spirits
The multi-talented distillers in our region include two husband/wife teams who create some of the best gin you will taste.
At Old Salt Distillery in South Nowra, the extraordinary chefs-turned-distillers Michelle and Terry have a wonderful selection of gins, liqueurs and even their own house-made tonic (you will never buy the supermarket-variety tonic again once you taste this) as well as some refreshing concoctions in cans, such as the mandarin and yuzu seltzer. Michelle says, “We create our range of seltzers using fruits that are in season. We have bought some beautiful mandarins this year, processed them all by hand and blended them with yuzu (an aromatic citrus from Japan). The result: delicate mandarin notes with punchy yuzu finish, subtle sweetness and as always refreshing.”
At Tara Distillery in Nowra Hill, Alarna and Ben infuse their Irish heritage into their gins and liqueurs. In perfect time for Spring, a new batch of Blooming Gin has been bottled, but be quick because this rhubarb and blackberry gin has a big fan club who have all been waiting for this drop to drop.
For dads who love an espresso martini, the Tara Stern Pony is a sublime coffee liqueur, the result of exhaustive coffee tastings.
Sock-it to Him
If you belong to the “give him socks” school of gifting for dad, elevate your grades this year while updating dad’s look with crew socks – those are calf-length socks, for those of us still clinging to the previous generation’s secret-sock preference. The crews look smashing with a nice pair of shorts, and we’ve even seen some sporting versions paired with a croc. Yikes.
Jay on the Bay, Owen Street Huskisson, has a new drop of RM Williams merino-blend sock packs plus the new RM Williams Kingston range of bamboo shirts and five new polo designs, along with leather keyrings and belts. You can’t go wrong!
Five O Surf Co at the HomeCo mall is another great option for updating dad’s look, with one of the best menswear ranges in the local area. You will find surf brands such as Hurley, Rusty, The Mad Hueys, Afends, Rhythm, Rip Curl and Foam.
Well-groomed Dads
White Earth on Owen Street has curated a selection of Australian-made men’s body and grooming products that will buff dad till he shines. Brands such as Valor from Queensland which makes ethical products, a Dopp travel kit, or shave gels and beard oil by Dindi Naturals from Victoria. There’s also Australian bush remedies from Rohr Remedy and Saarde of Sydney gender-neutral skin care products with sandalwood essense.
Stylish Dads
Slow Tempo stocks a range of well-made menswear and gifts, perfect for dad. Take a look at their in-store display on Owen Street for some inspiration, including dad-inscribed products from Country Road and stylish hats from Will & Bear, who give 40% of profits towards tree planting.
Few & Far in the Huskisson industrial zone is an Aladdin’s cave of gifts for dad. Check their gift guide, including some very stylish bar accessories for the mixologist dad, and some “Gentlemen’s Hardware” for the green-thumb dad.
Quirky Dads
At Babylon Boutique on Owen Street Huskisson, you will find a great range of quirky gifts that might make dad’s day, like a multi tool, a nifty bottle openers or a jigsaw puzzle to keep dad on his toes. Babylon also stocks NZ-designed, super cool Husky beer coolers and wine tumblers.
Across the road from Babylon is the Husky Emporium (between the CommBank and Harley’s café), which has curated a quirky range of gift ideas in their central display, including woolly hats, wallets, sun caps, or novelty gifts. They also offer crystal singing bowls for some sound healing, and a wide range of coastal-themed homewares and gifts.
There’s an artisans markets this Sunday 25 August brought to you by Arts Muster, with over 20 stalls of handmade arts and crafts, including wall art. You are sure to find a piece of art that suits your dad, from acrylic and watercolour paintings, abstract collage and mixed media, drawings and more. Pop into the Huskisson Community Centre from 10-3pm.
Still Thirsty for Ideas?
Jervis Bay Brewing Co has packaged up a Fathers Day Box of beer. For $60, dad will love a selection of eight cans and some packaged snacks to boot. Stop in to the Husky industrial zone to pick up a box (or check out what’s included on their website).
While you’re there, why not sample the latest special release, Orion’s Belt IPA. Inspired by Jervis Bay’s Orion’s Beach, known for its phosphorescence and nude night swims, this West Coast IPA is bold, dry, and unapologetically bitter.
Dining 4 Dad
The Italian restaurants in Jervis Bay are always a great choice for the whole family, starting with a sumptuous spread from chef Dean at La Vespa in Vincentia shopping village (BYO). Book your table for lunch (12-4pm) or dinner (5-9pm) and enjoy Italian hospitality for $50 pp including antipasti, a choice of four pastas, a main course and traditional dessert options. Bring the kids (under 16) for only $30 each.
The Butter Factory Restaurant in Pyree has a special 3-course menu for dad at $65 pp (kinds under 12 $19), including delicious vegetarian and gf options. This fully-licensed restaurant located in a peaceful rural setting was the Shoalhaven’s first butter factory, established in 1889.
Float Dad’s boat at Pasta Buoy with $3 beers all day on Fathers Day, plus a free beer holder with every bowl of house-made pasta. Take a picnic rug in case there are no tables in the courtyard, then take a short stroll across the street to Voyager Memorial Park and enjoy the fantastic views over Jervis Bay, or a bit further down the street to White Sands Park (there are some picnic tables there).
While we are mentioning Pasta Buoy, did you know they have a range of merch that make perfect gifts for dad? Whether he’s a foodie (check out their kitchen tools and cook books) or a stylish beach guy (bucket hats, T-shirts, budgie smugglers and beach towels).
If a picnic is your preference – or grazing at home – then treat dad to one of Harley’s legendary hampers. Now that they are settled into their new “home” on Owen Street, these marvellous hampers are back! Choose from small, medium or large with a delicious selection of add-ons such as gourmet cheeses and local wines. Place an order online, and check the local delivery locations and times (some slots are available for Fathers Day), or drop in to the café to collect your goodies. Online orders between 26 August and 2 September go in the draw for a $50 voucher by adding the code HARLEYS2024 in the comments.
Try a new Brazilian BBQ at The Growers By Ponte, now open at the Worrigee Sports Club and offering all-you-can eat for lunch on 1 September, $68/$28. A variety of marinated meats will be cooked slowly over charcoal flames. Brazilian-born chef Thiago will be on the BBQ all day, while the delicious food will be continuously served to your table till you are content. Sigh.
Cupitt’s Estate in Ulladulla is dialling up the day for dad, with live music on the lawn from Soul Tonic (featuring Cupitt’s-own Tom Cupitt), a steak dinner (or lunch) that dreams are made of – paired with a glass of Dusty Dog shiraz – and an award-winning wine pack that makes the perfect gift. Or choose their lager beer pack if that’s more dad’s taste. More info and bookings online.
