Father's Day Australia 2023
Father's Day is a holiday that honours Fathers, Father figures, and fatherhood. It's a good opportunity to reflect on the importance of paternal bonds and the influence of fatherhood on society, as well as celebrate your own Dad.
In Australia, Father's Day falls on the first Sunday of September. This means that it will be held on Sunday, the 3rd of September, 2023. Typically, Australian families gather on Father's Day, and children share handmade crafts and gifts that they made for their Fathers at school. A family meal is also customary.
If you're looking for Father's Day gifts, we offer a range of hampers Dad is sure to love. Our hampers span the following categories:
Or, if you're looking to learn more about Father's Day, read on.
FAQs about Father's Day
What day is Father's Day in Australia?
Australians celebrate Father's Day on the first Sunday of September every year. So, Father's Day will fall on the 3rd of September in 2023.
This day is also the first Sunday of spring.
When is Father's Day in 2023?
This year in Australia, Father's Day will be celebrated on the 3rd of September. Here is a table that shows the date Father's Day was celebrated on in previous years:
| Year | Date |
| 2022 | September 4th |
| 2021 | September 5th |
| 2020 | September 6th |
| 2019 | September 1st |
| 2018 | September 2nd |
| 2017 | September 3rd |
| 2016 | September 4th |
| 2015 | September 6th |
| 2014 | September 7th |
Is Father's Day held on the same day every year in Australia?
Yes, Father's Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of September every year in Australia. That means the day can fall on any date from the 1st to the 7th.
Is Father's Day a public holiday in Australia?
Unfortunately, Father's Day (like Mother's Day) isn't a public holiday in Australia. It's a national holiday in the sense that it's celebrated across the majority of workplaces, schools, and institutions.
Is Father's Day celebrated internationally?
Father's Day, internationally, is celebrated on different days. In some European Catholic countries, it's celebrated as Saint Joseph's Day on the 19th of March – a tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages. In some countries, it's celebrated on the third Sunday of June. Some countries don't observe Father's Day as we know it and celebrate Fathers in other ways.
Fathers are also celebrated on International Men's Day on November 19th and the Feast Day of Saint Joseph on March 19th.
Why is Father's Day a different date in Australia?
Australia celebrates Father's Day on a different date than much of the world for a few reasons. Firstly, if we celebrated Father's Day on the same day as countries in the northern hemisphere, it would be held during winter (which isn't very festive). Celebrating Father's Day in spring allows families to enjoy our beautiful bush without a raincoat and a beanie.
Secondly, our holiday calendar is full for the first half of the year, so Fathers wouldn't get a very big celebration.
Finally, the Commonwealth marked the first Sunday of September as the official day for Father's Day in 1964, and Australia is a Commonwealth country.
What is the history behind Father's Day?
Father's Day in the USA was established by Sonora Smart Dodd in 1910. The first Father's Day was held that year on June 19th. Smart Dodd got the idea for Father's Day from Anna Jarvis (the founder of Mother's Day).
A bill to recognise Father's Day was introduced into the USA's Congress in 1913. Over time, three efforts to recognise Father's Day were shot down by Congress over fears the day would become commercialised. Two different US presidents also tried to recognise the day, but both failed. Meanwhile, Mother's Day had already been made into a national holiday in many countries, including Australia.
Roughly 40 years later, efforts to recognise Father's Day in the USA started to gain steam again, and President Lyndon B. Johnson issued a presidential proclamation recognising Father's Day. President Richard Nixon made Father's Day permanent in 1972.
Australia had already recognised Father's Day by that point, as it was made into a national holiday in 1958. Father's Day celebrations as we know them today really began in the 1960s and 1970s after they gained recognition from governments around the world.
What is the purpose of Father's Day?
The purpose of Father's Day is to celebrate fatherhood and Fathers. Fathers are key contributors to their households. They're often busy working, caring for children, driving kids to and fro, taking care of pets, keeping the house clean, and managing the garden. Being a Father requires a man to wear a lot of hats, and Father's Day is an opportunity to show your Dad how much you appreciate him and everything he does for you.
How is Father's Day typically celebrated?
Aussies celebrate Father's Day by spending quality time with their Dads. That could mean going for a walk, sharing a meal, going on a trip, making a toast, or doing a fun activity together.
Father's Day presents are also a very important part of the day. They spoil Dad and make him feel special and loved.
Is there a song for Father's Day?
No, there isn't a single song that says "happy Father's Day". However, there are many songs that capture the essence of Father's Day and what it means to different people.
What are some good Father's Day ideas?
Celebrating Father's Day with your Dad and family doesn't have to look like going for a picnic and throwing a footy around. Here are some activities you could do on Father's Day with Dad:
- Go to an indoor playground
- Make a fondue
- Host an at-home wine tasting
- Go on a bike ride
- Have a backyard BBQ
- Have a movie night
- Have a spa day
- Make ice cream
- Play video games
- Stargaze
- Make your own beer
Are there any Father's Day traditions?
The biggest Father's Day tradition is the tradition of school-aged children making their Fathers homemade cards and gifts at school. Often, these gifts include family photos or poems about Dad.
Another popular tradition is cooking breakfast in bed for Dad and delivering it to him with a coffee. Many families also celebrate Father's Day with a picnic in the park and a game of footy.
How should you celebrate your first Father's Day?
You should celebrate your first Father's Day however you want to celebrate it! Some Dads choose to celebrate with their Dad and Father-in-law, some Dads like to celebrate with just their spouse and kid(s), and some Dads choose to be left alone so they can catch up on sleep and play some games.
Can you celebrate Father figures on Father's Day?
Yes, Father's Day is for every Dad and Dad-figure, including Fathers in law, uncles, grandfathers, close family friends, brothers, and other family members who took on a paternal role throughout your childhood.
