food and fun for father's day in the west
/ Lauren ZammitWant to celebrate Father’s Day with some food or fun?
Here are some of our favourites!
Mamma says it’s time to spoil Dad this Father’s Day with fantastic food and fun. From hearty breakfasts and long lunches to epic activities and family adventures – here are just a few spots we think are perfect for celebrating Dad’s day in style!
Looking for somewhere to eat on Father’s Day?
Do you love fried chicken as much as Mamma and the fam?! Then you need to get down to Footscray’s Korean Fried Chicken hotspot – Joah Kitchen. Serving up crispy Korean Fried Chicken, Yangnyeom sauce, vegan Tteokbokki, mandu dumplings, and Soju, Joah Kitchen really is a must-visit K-food spot! Vegetarians, don’t worry – there are plenty of tasty options for you too.
It’s no secret that Mamma loves a good family lunch, but when it’s by the water it truly is extra special. Welcome to Kin in Caroline Springs - where your tribe can enjoy relaxed family dining with picturesque views! With an all-day menu, chilled vibes and kid friendly options, Kin has it covered. From their big breakfast, baked eggs and extensive kids menu, you'll sure have a great time at Kin!
The food is AMAZING, the coffee is like tasty velvet, and the Moroccan fit out is gorgeous. This Middle Eastern cafe is definitely one of Mamma's favourites. Sit inside, sit out front OR sit in the gorgeous courtyard WITH photo booth. Everything on the menu here is a winner - especially if it involves halloumi fries or meat and salad platters, and they cater for vegos and vegans too!
Mamma loves Armstrong Barbecue in Mount Duneed near Geelong - mouth watering meat, amazing vibes, and a huge outdoor area with grass, a sandpit and play boat for the kids - what more could you ask for! Your tastebuds will be seriously satisfied - with barbecue meat dishes like pulled pork, beef brisket, pork belly and sausage, you’ll be totally spoilt for choice. A perfect weekend adventure!
The wait is over folks - cheese lovers can now enjoy Splatters Cheese Train and Bar in West Melbourne. In case you don’t know Splatters is like a sushi train but with cheese. Not just any cheese either, this is carefully curated golden slabs of deliciousness paired carefully with house-made relishes, pickles, fudges and more! You can also order pizza, mac n cheese, fondue and so much more!
Grazeland is amazing and Mamma is loving it! People are heading to Spotswood in the Western suburbs from all over Melbourne to soak up the atmosphere here at Grazeland and of course enjoy some fantastic dining options, live music and views! Oh and the Jungle Hangout play area for kiddos! There is plenty of undercover outdoor seating too. Grazeland is fantastic - we love it!
Little Creatures Brewery in Geelong is a fantastic spot to take the family for some adventure and food! It is possibly the biggest and most colourful dining spot you will ever see. The food is scrumptious with lunch favourites and dinner deliciousness - PLUS they have an awesome kids play area for your little ones to explore while you sit and have your favourite brew in peace - PERFECT!
Ahoy chocolate lovers - chocolate heaven does exist, and it’s located right on our doorsteps! The Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery in Bellbrae is absolutely amazing. The place is filled to the brim with chocolate, ice cream, high tea, chocolate factory tours, a cafe, an outdoors area with a sandpit, grassed area and even guinea pigs to play with!
The Morning Star in Williamstown has long been a favourite pub in the West, and we won’t lie – Mamma couldn’t be happier to see it in the capable hands of Stephen, Matt, and Aaron. Naturally, we were front and centre when the doors reopened, and wow, the makeover is pretty special. The addition of a kids’ corner and cubby house makes it an even better option for families to enjoy.
Mamma has loved this The Vic Hotel in Footscray since its renovation a few years back. It’s a pub that still feels like a pub, an updated space that still feels original. The food is incredible from entree to dessert - the buffalo wings, the mussels, the burger and oh my word, the honeycomb parfait… oh, and the Sunday Roasts are amazing! This is one to keep coming back to.
If you live in Kingsville, then you’d already know about this place. Flocks of families and brew loving folks have already discovered the newest micro brewery in Melbourne’s West and as Mamma does, we stumbled upon Barbarian and its beacon of yellow and stayed for a few hours - they now have a full kitchen! With amazing meats, and even a Sunday Roast, you'll walk out full and content!
The little pub on the corner in Seddon has reopened, and what a neighbourhood treasure it is! It first opened in 1874 so it’s great to see it still standing and looking spectacular. Have a meal with friends in the courtyard; watch some sport and grab a cheeky wine in the bar; enjoy a sit down meal in the dining room. Enjoy pub classics like bangers and mash, chicken parmas and a Sunday Roast!
Housed in a rustic old farm shed and nestled under the grand old trees is The Whiskery. It is basically a cellar door - but it’s not basic - you can grab a table and spend some time here at this lovely spot taste testing the amazing gins they make here, plus they have started their own whiskey range of course! There are other whiskies to sip on plus gin based cocktails and also beer and wine.
Looking for some fun for Father’s Day?
AFL Max has officially opened its doors at Melbourne Airport, in time for the school holidays!
The brand-new venue brings a new way for families, schools and fans to party, play and learn.
Calling all digger enthusiasts! This one’s for YOU. Little Builders at District Docklands is an immersive play experience, with different zones offering wonderful opportunities for little ones to dig, build and explore - it will seriously blow their little minds! Its main attraction is its expansive indoor sandpit which is approximately 50 square metres in size containing clean, safe sand and an amazing array of digger toys. Book your tickets and make your digger-lovers dreams come true!
Sports Point in Altona North has FIVE dedicated indoor pickleball courts, the only ones in the west! So you can come here weekday evenings and all day over the weekend. Everyone is welcome too, and all skill levels - bring your own team or join the social sessions. There is also heaps of badminton courts here AND ping pong and pool tables - just try them ALL!
Charge your engines - Keilor Remote Control Track is the only remote control track in the west! This is a remote control car (or electric off road car) track, where you can come to build your skills, or race. The track has winds and bends and jumps, and can take you anywhere from a few minutes to under 30 seconds to finish. There is a high platform to view the course as you go around the track.
For outdoor adventure lovers, the You Yangs Regional Park in Little River has it all. The beauty of this area is stunning, with those huge rocks, breathtaking views and lovely bushland. There are a few trails and tracks to discover for the wanderers - usually around 1.5 km circuits, but you can choose your own distance (and incline!). Flinders Peak Walk was our favourite by far.
VR Theme Park in Caroline Springs is not JUST VR, it’s got arcade games, video games like Jurassic Park and Cruisin’ Blast, party rooms and AR sports! VR Theme Park is a great option for a few minutes or a few hours of super fun, in a space that isn’t TOO overwhelming like some of the bigger games centres. No need to book just rock up and purchase your game card and play at your own pace!
Get battle ready at BattleKart! BattleKart has burst onto the scene in West Footscray for some go kart gaming FUN! Think Mario Kart in real life. It’s a blend of augmented reality and go karting so the track and games are projected on to the floor - as are the oil patches or glue - don’t get stuck! There are also bonuses to collect and flames to shoot, video games, and a free photo booth!
We LOVE Holey Moley in Point Cook - with its putting puns and themed mini golf - 18 themed holes inspired by pop-culture and beloved childhood favourites. From 742 Evergreen Terrace, Bedrock n Roll, Do Not Pass Go, Ferris Wheelers Day Off, TEE-TRIS, and The 9 Iron Throne. Head upstairs and you will see the great Caddyshack Bar with plenty of colour and great decor - grab a table or nab a booth!
Mamma loves Tuki Trout Farm in Smeaton - this is truly a Pond to Plate Experience! Mamma says: it's not just a great outing; it's an incredibly memorable journey for you and the kids. What’s on the menu? Well, your CATCH! Yes, they can prepare you with a delicious meal of the fish you JUST caught. Or simply choose from some other great dishes made from local produce. Fantastic!
The Range @ Curlewis is a family friendly fun way to enjoy golf without actually playing proper golf! The Range is next to the famous Curlewis Golf Club and has mini golf, a driving range, golf simulators and a fantastic french bistro, so the perfect way to introduce the kiddos - and adults - to golf. The mini golf has the standard 18 holes, with twists and turns, easy holes and hard ones too!

Hardimans Hotel in Kensington is a gorgeous pub, inside and out. Mamma LOVES the stunning art deco building - it almost make you feel like you’re looking at the Flat Iron Building in New York while you’re standing on a bustling corner in the inner west! The food is amazing with necessary staples of parma and burgers, but with fantastic options like the bouilibaise and papaya squid salad.