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When is Father’s Day in Australia 2023?

Father's Day is the first Sunday in September in Australia, but that's not the same everywhere else. Why is it different?

Australia is one of four countries where Father's Day is celebrated on the first Sunday in September (3 September in 2023). The others are New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.

The most common choice worldwide is the third Sunday in June, a tradition deriving from the US and now followed in more than 70 countries. So why do Pacific countries choose a different date?

The broad tradition appears to date back to the mid-1930s, as a newspaper report from Newcastle in 1936 treats it as an entirely new event:

A new day for the Calendar is 'Fathers' Day,' September 6. Mothers' Day has become very popular, and maybe 'Fathers' Day' will.

The likely explanation? Having encountered news reports about Father's Day from the US, Australians decided to adopt it. However, rather than waiting a year to celebrate, it was placed later in the calendar, and in a similar season.

shutterstock_629490185 - when is fathers day 738

Mother's Day has similar global variations, but Australia lines up with the majority of countries by celebrating it on the second Sunday in May. And that gives us one other potential reason for our different date down under: Mother's Day in May followed by Father's Day in June makes for an expensive couple of months. Being able to wait until September means you potentially have more funds to splurge on Dad.

With Father's Day just around the corner, make sure you're ready for Dad's big day.

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Top Father's Day gift ideas

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See the full list of handpicked gifts below.Edit top picks
$240

Allander Dress Shoes

  • EVA midsole provides lightweight shock absorption
  • Rubber outsole
  • Padded tongue and collar
  • Free shipping over $30
  • 60-day return policy
  • Offers Afterpay
  • Offers Zip Pay
  • Accepts PayPal
$234

Lancet Skinny Jeans

  • Mid waist jean
  • Tight from thigh to hem
  • Additional pocket to one of the back pockets
  • Free shipping over $75
  • 60-day return policy
  • Offers Afterpay
  • Accepts Apple Pay
  • Accepts PayPal
$125

Scotch on the Rocks

  • 700ml bottle Chivas Regal Premium Scotch Whiskey
  • 10 Lindt Balls and 10 Belgian Chocolate Stars
  • Comes with white wine bucket, gift wrap and card
  • Free shipping over $120
  • Offers Afterpay
  • Offers Zip Pay
  • Accepts PayPal
$99.99 $68.99

LifeLine Bike Tool Kit

  • 18-piece bike tool kit
  • High quality tools
  • Durable box with internal foam
  • Free shipping available
  • 365-day return policy
  • Offers Klarna
  • Accepts PayPal
$299.99

NASA Space Shuttle Discovery

  • Made with high-quality materials
  • 2,354 pieces with Hubble Space telescope
  • opening payload bay, retractable landing gear, opening cockpit and more
  • Free shipping over $149
  • Accepts Apple Pay
$89.95

Modern Club Shorts

  • Available in sizes 30 to 42
  • Comfortable cotton stretch fabric
  • Front and back pure cotton pockets
  • Free shipping over $100
  • Offers Afterpay
  • Accepts PayPal
$129 $94

Batman Oodie

  • Internal sherpa fleece
  • External ToastyTekâ„¢ flannel fleece
  • Fully machine washable
  • 30-day return policy
  • Offers Afterpay
  • Accepts PayPal
All prices are subject to change without prior notice.

Father's Day deals and coupons

Get up to 75% off your present with these Father's Day promo codes and deals. Buy him a beer or two with the cash you save.