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Father's Day Festivities

If there’s someone in your life you call Papa Bear, Old Man or just Dad, then you might be freaking out trying to find the best way to show them you love ‘em this Father’s Day.

Here at Off The Leash we’ve got some pretty rad dads and reckon they deserve a treat.

“He’s adorable, my dad,” says OTL editor Tierney White.

“When he smiles he gets these little crows feet at the corners of his eyes, and he’s always up for a laugh and a good time. And he’s full of dad jokes, which I love. Something about apples and trees?”

Journo Tamara Howie says her old man is probably the reason she’s writing this.

“My brother and I would go to his place on a Sunday and he’d sit me down with all his old records and do a little ‘School of Rock’ and teach me about the history of music,” she says.

“He also studied art when I was a little tacker – I loved days off school and going to his uni studio with him. He gave me a strong love for the arts. And punk music.”

We’ve searched high and low for some fun and interesting activities to show the father figure in your life that you love them. And the best thing is, you can do them almost any day of the year. 

Streeter Pearl Lugger Sunset Cruise

What better way to take some weight off Dad’s legs than to give him sea legs? Grab the fam for a sunset cruise through the picturesque Darwin Harbour on this historic 65ft former pearl lugger. 

It’s BYO, so grab some beers and nibbles, and enjoy the cloud-streaked sunset. Got a big family? There’s room for up to 38 if you want to charter the vessel for the special occasion. Talk about spoilt!

DAILY | 5PM FOR 5.20-7.30PM | DEPART STOKES HILL WHARF | $45-$65 | $1600 2-HOUR PRIVATE CHARTER | streetercruisers.com.au | 0448 675 824

Father’s Day at Cox Country Club

Jump on the ferry and head over to Wagait Beach for some chilled tunes and a BBQ. The day kicks off with a car boot sale (last minute gifts, anyone?) followed by a BBQ lunch and some fine tunes at a moderate volume from David Garnham & the Reasons to Live, Leash & the Dusty Boots and James Damien. All done and dusted in time for an early kip.

SAT 1 SEP | 11.30AM, MUSIC FROM 2-6PM | COX COUNTRY CLUB,  WAGAIT BEACH | DONATION | MEMBERS FREE | coxcountryclub.com.au

A Night at the Deckie

Head down to the Deckchair Cinema to see Academy Award-winning flick, Green Book. The film shares the tale of a working-class Italian-American bouncer who becomes the driver of an African-American classical pianist on a tour of venues through the 1960s American South. Plus, it’s all for a good cause, with ticket sales going to the Cancer Council of the NT. 

SUN 1 SEP | 7.30PM | $8-$35 | deckchaircinema.com.au

Sky Diving

Is the Old Man an adrenaline junkie? Why not throw him out of a plane? With someone attached, of course. 

Top End Tandems | $380-$450 | topendtandems.com.au

FISHING CHARTER

If your dad is the kind of bloke that doesn’t want to be on a boat with out a line in the water, how about a fishing charter? There are plenty of charter companies who can help you catch that 'metery' barra, but here’s some we’ve tried and tested (and one we really want to do...).

Arafura Blue

Head for a half-day, full-day or multi-day fishing trip with these locals who specialise in bluewater reef and game fishing charters. 

arafurablue.com.au

Offshore Boats

Don’t take our word for it – trust almost 150 people who have pushed this charter to the top of TripAdvisor. 

offshoreboats.com.au

Heli Fish

Fishing out of a helicopter – does it get any better than that? 

helifish.com.au

WATERPARKS 

Leave Dad at home for some peace and quiet, and go have a fab day at one of the Top End’s great water parks. Or take him along and race down the water slides!
 
Leanyer Recreation Park EVERY DAY | 9AM-8PM | facebook.com/leanyer.recreation.park

Palmerston Water Park EVERY DAY | 9AM-6PM INFO  facebook.com/palmerstonwaterpark

Darwin Waterfront Wave Pool EVERY DAY | waterfront.nt.gov.au

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