I often think dads get the sharp end of the stick.
On Mother's Day, it's all about flowers, chocolates and massages to thank the traditional primary carer for her hard work during the year.
Increasingly, however, men are doing a greater share of the parenting.
But what do they get on Father's Day? Still, socks, jocks and – ahem – power tools.
"Hey, Dad, how about you celebrate by repairing everything that's broken in the house? Happy Father's Day!"
It's never talked about in terms of relaxation. Why not take dad away for some quality family time?
In honour of modern parenting, here are some suggestions, and deals just for Dad, from our friends at www.Hotels.com:
THE NATURE LOVER
Escape the city for a family trip down the glorious Great Ocean Road. Road trips are a wonderful way for the family to bond, as long as you keep the kids entertained. Do a spot of whale watching from the balcony of Seafarers Getaway, moments from Apollo Bay, before cooking up a storm in front of the fire. Rooms start at $180 a night. See www.booking.com/seafarersgetaway.
THE TOURIST
The Opera House, Circular Quay and Harbour Bridge are all within walking distance of the family-friendly Novotel Sydney Central. Catch a film at IMAX Darling Harbour before taking a dip in the hotel's heated, rooftop, outdoor pool. The breakfast buffet here is outstanding – and it's free for two children under 16, sharing a room with their parents. Rooms start at $189 a night. See www.novotel.com; www.imax.com.au
THE ADVENTURER
Explore one of this country's iconic sites: the 20,000-square-kilometre Kakadu National Park. (OK, you might not have time to explore all of it but, hey, even a bit is good) You can do a day trip, including the Yellow Water Cruise and the World Heritage Area of Ubirr, climbing through Aboriginal rock art galleries, on a day trip from Darwin. Relax at the end of the day in one of the two tropical pools at the Travelodge Mirambeena Resort. Rooms start at $129 a night. See www.travelnt.com
THE INQUIRER
If Dad loves museums, art galleries and history, head to our nation's capital this Father's Day. The science museum, Questacon (www.questacon.edu.au), is our favourite, with plenty of hands-on activities which are fun and educational for children and adults. That night, have dinner at Booked, at the Diplomat Hotel Canberra (see www.roundhousehotels.com.au), where the kids can browse, borrow or swap at the book depository, while you enjoy your meal. Now that's worth writing home about. Rooms start at $168 a night.
THE PADDOCK-TO-PLATER
Dad might want to do his bit for the environment. The Father's Day Paddock to Plate Long Lunch at Centennial Parklands Dining in Sydney features ingredients sourced from NSW farms under threat from coal mining. Apparently, The Conscious Farmer will give a talk (better than the unconscious farmer, I figure). Tickets are $85 for adults and $35 for children. See www.theconsciousfarmer.com.au
Check out www.hotels.com/hotel-deals/fathersday-au for all the deals on this special day.
Trust me – it's a much better option than socks and jocks.
