Things to Do on Father's Day on the Gold Coast: A Full Day at Capri on Via Roma

Father’s Day is just around the corner. If you’re looking for things to do on Father’s Day on the Gold Coast, here’s one easy way to spend the day: start with coffee, settle in for lunch by the water, take Dad out on a GoBoat and finish with a little shopping or downtime at Capri on Via Roma.

Located on the Isle of Capri, just minutes from Surfers Paradise, Capri on Via Roma brings together waterfront dining, cafés, grocery, boutique retail and experiences in one relaxed Gold Coast precinct.

No last-minute scramble. No gift Dad will quietly put in a drawer. Just a genuinely good day together, from the first coffee to the last bite.

Start Father’s Day With Coffee and Breakfast

Every good day starts somewhere. At Capri, it starts with coffee.

Urban Fix Espresso and South Coast Coffee Co are both part of the precinct, making them easy places to start the morning before the rest of the day gets going. Capri’s current retailer directory lists both cafés alongside its other dining and lifestyle tenants.

For something freshly baked, Bisou Bakery is another morning option, while Avocado Queen offers cold-pressed juices, smoothies, açai soft serve, salads, sandwiches and French-style baguettes.

Grab a coffee, find a spot by the water and take your time. It’s Father’s Day. There’s no need to rush.

Best Restaurants for Father’s Day Lunch on the Gold Coast

This is the part of the day worth planning around.

Whether Dad is into modern Australian dining, Thai flavours, seafood or Mediterranean comfort food, Capri on Via Roma has several restaurants to choose from.

For a Long Lunch by the Water

Edgewater Dining & Lounge is the waterfront table built for a long, unhurried afternoon. Blending modern Australian dining with a relaxed, social approach, the menu is crafted to be shared and enjoyed, with a focus on fresh, seasonal flavours.

Start with the zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta and mushroom, or the Mooloolaba grilled prawns with XO butter — then work your way through to the wet squid ink fettuccine with Alaskan crab, or the slow-cooked braised lamb shoulder for the table.

The floor-to-ceiling canal views and curated cocktail list make it easy to let the afternoon stretch well past lunch. Book ahead, this one fills up fast on Father’s Day.

For Bold Thai Flavours

Valyn Thai Restaurant and Bar is the pick. Expect signatures such as Miang Kham betel-leaf wraps, fresh oysters with housemade dressing, Asian-style kingfish ceviche alongside beloved classics like Tom Yum soup and slow-cooked beef cheek massaman curry.

The cocktails are equally worth ordering, bubble-topped martinis and fairy-floss adorned sips that arrive with a little drama. Voted best Thai restaurant on the Gold Coast, and deservedly so.

For a Seafood-Loving Dad

Johnny Omeros on Capri is the newest addition to the waterfront and already turning heads. Whether you are chasing a family feast, sunset cocktails with the crew or simply craving a little Mediterranean escape, Johnny Omeros is serving Euro summer vibes all winter long.

Head Chef Sejun Kim leads a menu inspired by Mediterranean and Greek flavours, with indoor and outdoor seating for up to 140 guests. Open Monday through Saturday from 12:30pm until late.

For Mediterranean Comfort Food

Manolas Deli Bar Bistro is exactly the right call. The Manolas family have been sharing their love of food and passion for connecting people for more than 20 years on the Gold Coast, inspired by their Greek heritage and memories of long tables of mezze plates at Mediterranean-style Sunday lunches.

Mum Angela and Dad Jack are still in the kitchen most days, a fitting detail for Father’s Day, if ever there was one. The crab lasagne, stuffed zucchini flowers and king prawns on macadamia sauce are the standout dishes right now, alongside the woodfire pizza that has kept locals coming back for years.

Get Out on the Water with GoBoat Gold Coast

After lunch, swap the restaurant table for a picnic boat.

GoBoat Gold Coast operates directly from Capri on Via Roma, giving you the chance to take a self-drive electric picnic boat out along the Nerang River. No boat licence or previous boating experience is required, and each boat can accommodate up to eight people.

The boats are designed around a central picnic table, so you can bring food and drinks on board and turn the cruise into part of your Father’s Day experience.

And yes, Dad can bring the dog too, pets are welcome and don’t count towards the eight-person capacity. For something extra special, pick up a few things from Harris Farm Markets before you head out.

Just remember that the nominated skipper must remain sober for the duration of the booking.

The Father’s Day Gift That Goes Home with Him

Not every Father’s Day gift needs to be wrapped.

If Dad loves to cook, make the trip to Harris Farm Markets part of the day. Pick up fresh produce, deli favourites and ingredients for dinner, then make one more stop at Capri Wine & Beer for something to enjoy at home.

Capri Wine & Beer offers a selection of Australian and international wine, craft beer and boutique spirits, making it an easy place to find something a little more interesting than the usual six-pack.

It’s a simple combination, but a good one: something fresh for the kitchen, something nice for the table and an excuse for Dad to take over the barbecue.

For the Dad Who Deserves to Slow Down

Not every dad wants a packed itinerary.

If Dad would rather spend the afternoon slowing down, Pure Peace Massage offers another way to make the day about him. For dads who are more focused on health and wellbeing, Functional Health is also part of the current Capri precinct.

Or skip the appointments altogether. Grab another coffee. Browse the shops. Sit by the water. Sometimes that’s enough.