FATHER’S Day on Sunday, September 1, is a celebration honouring fathers and celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds and the influence of fathers in society. 

In Catholic Europe, the celebration of fatherhood is known to date back to the Middle Ages. 

It was brought by the Spanish and Portuguese to Latin America where the date, March 19, also known as St Joseph’s Day, is often still used for Father’s Day celebrations through many countries in Europe. 

Father’s Day is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, most commonly in the months of March or May. 

In Australia, Father’s Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of September.

This week in “CityNews” we feature an inspiring range of experiences and gift ideas for Father’s Day. 

Discounted vouchers get dads flying

TO celebrate Father’s Day, Jet Flight Simulator Canberra is offering “CityNews” readers a discount on any gift vouchers or experiences bought before September 1. 

Jet Flight Simulator Canberra is a one-of-a-kind present for dads this Father’s Day, says owner Trevor Vickers. 

He says it provides the everyday person with the opportunity to sit in the most used plane in the world and experience what it’s like to captain the 737 using the replica 737 flight simulator.

Run by professional pilots, the Jet Flight Simulator is based on the Boeing 737-800NG, which Trevor says gives a sense of what it’s like to fly the world’s most popular commercial jet and become familiar with the primary aircraft controls such as engine throttles, flaps, elevator, ailerons and rudder.

“Lots of dads have always wanted to fly a large commercial plane,” Trevor says.

“It’s a very memorable gift because it’s very unusual.”

Jet Flight Simulator Canberra, 4 Montford Crescent, Lyneham. Call 0438 834026 or visit jetflightsimulatorcanberra.com.au 

Racing tracks take dad back in time 

IF dad grew up with a Scalextric set (a slot car racing set), then Way2Fast in Mitchell has Father’s Day sorted for a fun, family trip down memory lane, says owner Stephen Bywater.

On a much larger scale than the Scalextric set, Way2Fast has four different tracks available for hire, which range from four to eight lanes, making it the perfect place to take any dad that still loves racing cars.

“We have 1:32 scale electric motor driven car tracks, which are driven by a hand controller,” says Stephen who’s had a passion for slot cars since he was a child. 

“I got my first set as a kid and really enjoyed it until I was a teenager,” he says.

“It wasn’t until my kids were old enough to enjoy slot cars that I rediscovered my passion for them and fell in love with it again.”

This passion drove him to take over Way2Fast more than seven years ago but the life of the store has been around longer and will be celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

“Kids will love bringing their dads here, we are happy for kids from five and up to have a go and it’s good fun for everyone,” Stephen says. 

He says Way2Fast is also Canberra’s largest retailer for slot cars and spare parts, offering more than 20 manufacturers such as Scalextric, SCX, Ninco, Revell, Slot it, Pioneer, NSR, Carrera, Parma and MJK. 

Way2Fast, Unit 2/20 Essington Street, Mitchell. Visit way2fast.com.au or call 0424 453544. 

Peter’s got wine for any occasion 

THERE’s not much Peter Dietsch doesn’t know about wine, which is why he opened up his own independent, boutique liquor shop in Downer so he could share his knowledge with the Canberra region. 

Now, at Peter’s Wine Shop, Peter’s excited to help customers find a bottle to suit any occasion, including Father’s Day.

After working in the liquor retail industry for most of his career, which has seen him judging, teaching and writing about wine, Peter says he loves chatting to customers and helping them find the perfect wine for them. 

“Over the years I have built positive relationships with local wineries and we have a significant selection of Canberra wines,” he says. 

“Being independent, I choose the product range and sell wines that you wouldn’t find at a larger, commercial liquor store. It allows me to offer something different.” 

Another special offering is Peter’s selection of privately cellared wines. This includes iconic, award-winning bottles of wines that are “one-offs”. 

Peter says that each of these wines tell a story and would make a unique Father’s Day gift. 

Any beer lovers can be assured Peter also stocks a great range of craft beer. 

If readers would like to discover Peter’s Wine Shop, Peter says he’d love to meet “CityNews” readers and would be able to offer them a special price. 

Peter’s Wine Shop, 2/2 Frencham Place, Downer shops. Call  6174 1912 or visit Peter’s Wine Shop on Facebook. 

Aviary offers free entry for dads

THIS Father’s Day all dads can enjoy a free interactive experience at the Canberra Walk-in Aviary, says owner and manager Mick Logan. 

The aviary is a 1000sqm planted walk-in enclosure that has about 550 birds from about 60 different species.

“The aviary is great fun for all ages. You have the chance to get up close and personal with a range of birds,” says Mick.

“While not all birds will interact with you, you get the chance to observe, up close, species of birds that otherwise would be hard to see in the wild.

“We give you a small plate of food and a tub of mealworms and you can wander around and feed the birds.

“And there’s no time limit, so you can really stretch your dollar.”

Mick says that people are welcome to take photos of the birds.

“Providing the weather is fine you can have a great time feeding the birds or just observing our feathered friends,” Mick says.

On Father’s Day, dads can enjoy a free entry pass, when accompanied by a full-paying customer. 

Canberra Walk-in Aviary, 16 O’Hanlon Place, Nicholls, call 6230 2044 or visit canberrawalkinaviary.com.au

Float deal offers more zen

PURE Zen Flotation is offering more relaxation by offering two special deals.  

“Customers can buy two floats and receive a third float for free, as well as a special deal on our float packages where a free float is included in any package that is bought,” says manager, Karen Bennett.

Karen says the dedicated float tank facility can help people with pain relief, stress, meditation, anxiety and depression.

Relaxation is a big focus when customers are in the store, according to Karen, who says customers can continue to unwind in their dedicated relaxation rooms after each session. 

“Our chillout lounge has leather recliners, candles, teas and salt lamps,” she says.

Karen says customers can experience Pure Zen Flotation’s “Dream Pod”, a cocoon-like pod, which is larger than other pods and is filled with 600 litres of water and 500kg of epsom salts, creating a mixture so buoyant it’s impossible to sink.

Each pod is in a separate sound-proofed room with its own shower and complimentary towels and toiletries.

Pure Zen Flotation offers memberships with weekly, fortnightly and monthly repayments. 

Pure Zen Flotation, Unit 2, 10–12 Dundas Court, Phillip. Call 6281 0259, email contact@purezen.com.au or visit purezen.com.au