Don’t know what to get dad this Father’s Day? “CityNews” has a handy guide to help find him something special.

Don’t know what to get dad this Father’s Day?

Don’t fret, because throughout Canberra there are plenty of businesses with items and experiences that’ll make for perfect gifts.

Whether dad wants some classic sweet treats, or to fly a jet simulator, “CityNews” has compiled a handy guide to help make him feel special this Father’s Day.

Crime through Australian history museum

OPENED in 2005, the Cooma Correctional Museum offers the history of Australia through correctional eyes, says statewide museum manager Andrew Weglarz.

“We show the history of correction in Australia starting from the First Fleet, up until today,” he says.

“People should come and visit us as a big-city museum in a rural setting, we’re only slightly off the main road.

“We have a working gallows, people can use a real trap-door, but we also have fire trucks and tractors from history.”

Andrew says they have serving minimum-security prisoners working as guides.

“We have done risk assessments with them, and they are coming to the end of serving their time,” he says.

“We also have a show of Aboriginal history.

“We’ve received a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor, and some absolutely fantastic reviews.”

Andrew says he has been doing this work for eight years, having previously worked as a senior prison officer in the UK and in Canberra.

“My passion is the privilege I have been given to tell Australia’s history,” he says.

“I also set up displays in the reception area of some other correctional facilities too.”

Cooma Correctional Museum, 1 Vagg Street, Cooma. Call 6452 5974, or visit correctiveservices.dcj.nsw.gov.au

Sky’s the limit for this ‘memorable gift’

JET Flight Simulator Canberra has a one-of-a-kind present for dads this Father’s Day, says owner Trevor Vickers, with three different ways to fly: a B737 jet, ICAROS active virtual reality, and a VR paraglider simulator.

“Visitors get to operate a full-size replica of a Boeing 737-800 cockpit and can choose from 24,000 airports around the world to fly into or out of,” he says, “providing the everyday person with the opportunity to pilot the world’s most popular commercial aircraft.”

“There’ll be an instructor who’s there to point out what all the buttons and levers do and when to use them, but it’ll be you that’s doing the flying.”

Trevor says sometimes people want to fly over where they’ve been on holiday, others want to do things like fly under the Sydney Harbour Bridge – and it’s all possible.

“Lots of dads have always wanted to fly a large plane. It’s a very memorable gift because it’s very unusual,” he says.

But that’s not the only experience they’re offering, says Trevor.

Visitors also have the opportunity for a more fast-paced, virtual reality experience called “ICAROS” which he describes as a “completely different way to fly”.

“The way it works is that you lie on a frame and just by shifting your body weight it steers you in the virtual world,” says Trevor.

“The sensation is more like flying with a wingsuit or like you’re Superman.”

“The third way to fly with us is with our new VR paraglider simulator,” Trevor says.

“Sitting in a standard paraglider harness, you soar over sand dunes, try catching thermals, or land as close as possible to the target.”

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

Home of classics and new favourites

THE big news at Lolly Swagman is Fantales are in stock, but they’re not sure how long for, says owner Ian Richardson.

“People are coming in and buying a 1kg bag, or just half a dozen, there’s no in between,” he says.

“It’s another example of big companies retreating, not investing in Australia, so we’re choosing to support locals wherever we can, giving opportunities to little businesses.

“We’re getting rocky road in from Just Sweets in Altona, working with Lagoon Lollies in Williamstown, and Blackebys Sweets in Adelaide.”

Ian says Lolly Swagman is home of the favourites you’ve always had, and the new ones you are yet to discover.

“Tastes evolve, your palate may change, so while it’s good to revisit your old favourites, it’s good to experience new flavours as well,” he says.

“We have also tried new chocolate and traditional lollies from Scandinavia. We tried a Kexchoklad wafer bar, it’s vegan and not overly strong or rich in chocolate, but I’m the only one who liked it.

“My lolly knowledge goes back to my grandparents. All our staff are filled with extensive knowledge too. We know a lot and we’ve been through the shortages and stories; we’re prepared to share that knowledge which gives us the advantage. It’s the story, the connection and the memories that make it more than just buying a lolly.”

Lolly Swagman, 11 Old Hume Highway, Berrima. Call 4877 1137, or visit lollyswagman.com.au

Getting close-up and personal with animals

MORE hands-on than any zoo or park, Taralga Wildlife Park offers close-up and personal animal experiences, making it the perfect outing for the whole family, says owner John Stafford.

“Meet all our regular visitors’ favourites like Wilma the wombat,” he says.

“You’ll find Wilma wandering the grounds just waiting for a pat and some attention. 

“Or get up-close with Rinnie, our super friendly dingo, or visit the friendship farm area that also features rabbits, guinea pigs and sheep.”

The park also has numerous species of kangaroos and wallabies, including two spectacular white kangaroos, more than 100 species of birds, including macaws, curlews, parrots, finches and endangered freckled ducks, as well as free-ranging peacocks.

With more than 50 exhibits featuring animals such as dingoes, deer, antelope, camels, llamas and alpacas, John says there are plenty of animals and birds to see and feed.

Visitors can make a day out of the park, too, finishing it off at its cafe, which John says serves great coffee and cake or light lunch options until 3pm.

He says there’s also a good range of cafes and hotels in the area to enjoy a variety of food.

Taralga Wildlife Park is open 10am to 4pm, Thursday to Monday, and is open every day during school holidays.

Taralga Wildlife Park, 257 Bannaby Road, Taralga. Call 0419 014540 or search Taralga Wildlife Park on Facebook.