Top choices for dad’s day

Plenty of options for some family time

FATHER’S Day is all about spending the day with family, nothing more, says Gareth Hunt.

He’s a fitter and turner at Cascade Brewery and will be spending the day with his three daughters — including five-year-old Zoe.

“You don’t spend enough time with your family these days with work commitments,” Mr Hunt said.

And if the day has snuck up on you and you’re feeling unsure of where to take dad tomorrow, well never fear, we’ve got ideas galore.

The Cascade Brewery is offering free tours for dads living in Tasmania throughout the day, whether a dad, stepdad, expecting dad or possible dad.

The vintage sandstone building built in 1824 offers tours all year round, which include four 7oz tastings, a knowledgeable guide, pouring your own beer behind the unique copper tap bar and a 10 per cent discount voucher for the merchandise shop. Mr Hunt said it’s a great way to spend the day.

“There’s lots to see, and it’s not something you do very often either,” he said.

There are plenty of other options for where to eat and what to do, with a number of restaurants in the city offering special Father’s Day deals. Mr Good Guy below the Ibis Hotel is having a Father’s Day lunch special, with yum cha plates from $7.80 between 11.30am and 3.30pm. Not to mention $6.50 schooners and $10 glasses of 42 Degrees South Sparkling. Bookings are essential.

Bar Wa Izakaya is holding a Sunday session from noon to 6pm, with ramen, $15 jugs of beer, $7 whisky highballs and chicken karaage bites for $3 between 3pm and 5pm.

And if dad loves oysters he’s in luck, as they’re half price between 4-6pm.

If he’s in the mood for a relaxed atmosphere and some live music, perhaps head to La Panizza on Augusta Rd, where it’ll be wine, beer and pizza galore with music from 12.30pm. Instead of buying the block of chocolate like last year, why not treat him to some tastings at Federation Artisan Chocolate, which for Father’s Day between 10.30am and 12pm will be offering tours and tastings of its product. Adults $22.50 and children $15.50, with limited spaces available.

If you’re sick of the traditional lunch or dinner outing, why not go for a family bike ride.

Hobart Mountain Bike Tours take you down Mt Wellington with ease, regular jokes and facts about history.

Or take the family along the Clarence foreshore trail or the South Arm Peninsula trail.

If you’ve got littlies and you’re stuck for ideas, why not get lost and found in Tasmazia, one of the world’s largest maze complexes.