Father’s Day gift ideas 2023: best last-minute presents to get Aussie dads this year

A variety of men's accessories laying neatly on a wooden table.
(Image credit: fstop123 / Getty Images)

Father’s Day is under a week away, falling on Sunday, September 3 this year in case you forgot. That means there’s not much time left to buy your dad or the father figure in your life a present, but don’t stress, we’ve got plenty of last-minute gift ideas that don’t even require a trip to the shops.

Our list of last-minute presents for dad includes streaming subscriptions and meal delivery kits, to ebook memberships and once-in-a-lifetime adventures – there’s something for dads of all kinds, and he won’t even suspect you left it until the last minute.

Father’s Day gift ideas: quick links

Here’s a quick look at which Australian retailers have curated products specifically for Father’s Day:

Last-minute gift ideas

Audible

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Smartphone using Audible

(Image credit: Amazon)

Audible offers more than 400,000 audiobooks, so whether dad loves true crime stories, autobiographies or getting lost in sci-fi fiction, there’s almost guaranteed to be something he’ll like listening to. Along with access to Audible’s extensive catalogue, subscribers get a credit each month to buy any title they like, and they can keep it even if they cancel their membership. Prices start at AU$16.45 a month, but a 30-day free trial is also available.

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HelloFresh

A couple unpacking a meal delivery kit into their fridge.

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Whether your dad’s in dire need of some inspiration in the kitchen or he’s looking for a way to eat healthier meals, HelloFresh can certainly help get him there. It can also be a genuine time-saver, as most of the ingredients he’ll need will be included with each delivery – he just needs to follow the recipe instructions.

HelloFresh’s subscription plans can cater to two, four or six people, and you’ll get between three to five recipes sent to you each week, depending on what you pick. If you use our code FUTURE, you’ll also save on your first order for dad.

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Amazon gift cards

Amazon cardboard boxes sitting on doorstep

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Some dads would just prefer to shop for themselves, and if that’s the case for your dad, an Amazon gift card is a good shout. This will give him an almost endless choice of items to choose from, so he’s bound to find something he likes, and isn’t that what really matters?

Amazon lets you purchase gift cards for other stores and services as well, so you can buy dad a voucher for retailers such as Barbeques Galore, Myer and The Iconic. If your dad travels a lot, Amazon’s got gift cards for Airbnb and Uber, too.

Buy a gift card from Amazon

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Kobo Plus

Browsing Kobo Plus on a Kobo Libra H2O

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Is your dad an avid reader? Kobo Plus is an ebook subscription service that will get him access to over 1.5 million titles from an ebook library that’s continuing to grow in Australia. What we like about Kobo is the ability to download as many of these ebooks as you want, so while you don’t quite ‘own’ them, they’re always available at your fingertips.

The subscription works for those that have a Kobo ereader, but it’s also easily accessible through desktop or via the app on a phone or tablet. If your dad likes audiobooks, Kobo can also get him access to over 150,000 audiobooks in its subscription choices. But what about if dad’s got a Kindle ereader? A Kindle Unlimited subscription will suit him better.

Read our full Kobo Plus review

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Kindle Unlimited

Kindle Unlimited on the Kindle app and a Kindle ereader

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Kindle Unlimited will be best if dad’s already got a Kindle ereader, though it’s also available to use on phones and tablets via the Kindle app, as well as desktop. Kindle Unlimited counts millions of titles in its ebook library, so it has more variety than Kobo Plus. However, Kindle Unlimited only allows you to borrow up to 10 books at a time, and you’ll need to return one before you can borrow another. If dad’s a power reader though, he might not be too fussed.  

Read our full Kindle Unlimited review

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Binge

Ellie and Joel look at someone off camera in The Last of Us episode 6

(Image credit: Liane Hentscher/HBO)

Binge is the home of HBO in Australia, so if you want to give your dad access to huge hits such as Succession, The Last of Us and The White Lotus, along with classics like The Sopranos, The Wire and Curb Your Enthusiasm, you can’t go wrong with a Binge streaming subscription. It has a good selection of movies, documentaries and kids content too, so it won’t just be dad who benefits.

Binge offers a 14-day free trial, and you can get signed up for as little as AU$10 a month, though that’ll only let you stream on a single screen at a time with ads. If you’ve been thinking about signing up to Binge for yourself, then you could consider the standard plan, which costs AU$16 a month, and allows two simultaneous streams at once in HD.

Read our full Binge review

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Kayo Sport

Kayo Sports

(Image credit: Kayo Sports)

Got a sports-mad dad? A subscription to Kayo will be the gift that keeps on giving. Signing up to Kayo this Father’s Day will get your dad almost everything sports-related that’s available on Foxtel – there’s over 50 sports live and on demand, plus a bunch of excellent features not available on any other platform.

That includes SplitView, which allows you to watch multiple streams at once, and a No Spoilers mode on replays to ensure you don’t see the scores of the matches you’ve missed. Kayo offers a 14-day free trial and, after that, you can get a single stream for AU$25 a month, or two for AU$30 a month.

Read our full Kayo review

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Disney Plus

Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 3

(Image credit: Marvel)

We think Disney Plus is one of the best streaming services out there, and if your dad’s a fan of Star Wars or the Marvel Cinematic Universe, you’ll really get your money's worth. Along with content from Disney’s vault, Pixar films and National Geographic documentaries, there’s also excellent shows such as The Bear and Only Murders In The Building available to stream – that’s a win for you and for dad.

You can get a 14-day free trial of Disney Plus, and from there, prices start at AU$13.99 a month or AU$139.99 a year.  

Read our full Disney Plus review

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Red Balloon

A paraglider mid-air, flying over Stanwell Tops in Australia

(Image credit: Michal Bof / Getty Images)

If your dad isn’t one for material things, a little adventure is something special you can do together. Red Balloon is currently offering up to 15% off selected experiences, with everything from Ferrari hot laps to skydiving and jet boat riding available. If something more relaxed suits him better, there’s also whale watching expeditions, catamaran cruises and more to do with dad.

Buy a gift card from Red Balloon

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Magazine subscriptions

Eight magazines are laid out next to each other.

(Image credit: Future)

If your dad still loves to read something physical, consider signing him up for a magazine subscription as a last-minute gift idea. We’ve got to shout out a few of our expert colleagues at TechRadar, who also write for various tech, gaming, photography, AV and guitar magazines in Australia. To take a look at all the titles our colleagues are writing in, go and check them out at techmags.com.au, where you can also sign up for a gift subscription for dad.

Gifts under AU$100

Chromecast with Google TV

Chromecast with Google TV

(Image credit: Google)

Even if dad doesn’t have a smart TV, there’s an easy way for him to watch Netflix, Binge, Disney Plus and Amazon Prime on his current telly – and it doesn’t require spending hundreds of dollars, if not thousands, on a brand-new screen.

A Google Chromecast is a dongle that plugs into a TV’s HDMI port, and you just need to connect it to Wi-Fi to start streaming from your favourite apps. It comes with a dedicated remote so dad can easily find what he wants to watch, and two versions are available – one for HD streaming and another for 4K quality (dad will need a 4K TV for the latter).

The user interface is easy to wrap your head around, and it’ll likely take dad a matter of minutes to get used to streaming his favourite movies and TV shows.

Read our full Chromecast with Google TV review

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Tile Slim Bluetooth tracker

A Tile Slim poking out of a brown men's wallet.

(Image credit: Life360)

Your wallet and your passport are two valuable items you do not want to lose, so if your dad can be a bit forgetful at the best of times, a Bluetooth tracker such as the Tile Slim is worth every penny. The Tile Slim is shaped like a credit card so it can easily slide into wallets, luggage tags or passports. More importantly, it’s operating system-agnostic, meaning it can be paired with any Android or Apple iPhone to receive alerts.

If you want something smaller than the Tile Slim, there’s also the Tile Mate, which is designed to be hooked onto something like a key ring, while the Tile Sticker can be attached to all kinds of items including remotes, bicycles, skateboards, pet’s collars and more. Each of Tile’s trackers has a Bluetooth range up to 76 metres and a loud ring to help you find them when things go missing.

Read our full Tile Mate, Tile Slim, and Tile Sticker (2022) review

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Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 5K

A Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 5K propped up on a coffee table.

(Image credit: Belkin)

A power bank might not sound like the most flashy gift, but this magnetic wireless option from Belkin is rather stylish. It’s been designed specifically for iPhones with MagSafe, so the iPhone 12 range and newer.

This portable charger will magnetically stick onto the rear of an iPhone and top the battery up wirelessly – not a single cable in sight. The power bank is also slim enough that you can even make phone calls while it’s attached. Its design includes a small kick stand on the back, which will prop the handset up on a table if dad would like to watch a video or two while his phone’s topping up.

Note that it delivers 7.5 watts of power, so it’s not as quick as plugging the iPhone into a power point via a Lightning Cable, but the upside is you’re not tethered to the wall. Belkin says it’s got enough juice for 19 hours of video playback, which could translate to around 20-22 hours in general usage if dad doesn’t stream videos all day. 

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Nanoleaf Essentials smart bulb

A Nanoleaf Essentials smart bulb emitting soft blue light.

(Image credit: Nanoleaf)

Nanoleaf makes stunning smart lights and panels that can attach to your walls and ceilings, but it’s also got the basics covered with its smart light bulbs. These bulbs can create almost any atmosphere you’re after with endless colour options – Nanoleaf says they can emit over 16 million colours and variations of cool and warm whites, to be exact.

The latest version of Nanoleaf’s Essentials smart bulbs are compatible with the Matter connectivity standard, which makes it easier for other Matter-enabled devices to connect with each other and you’ll just need a single Matter-enabled hub to control them all. If your dad is just getting started in the world of smart home tech, a Matter device is a great place to start, with a smart bulb often the easiest to set up.

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Gillette Labs Razor with Exfoliating Bar

A little girl and her father are playing around with shaving cream in a bathroom at home.

(Image credit: PeopleImages / Getty Images)

Some men would be happy looking like style icon David Beckham but, as we all know, Becks likes a three-day growth – and that’s so passé these days. If dad isn’t keeping up with the latest trends, show him how men in 2023 like to look by treating him to the World Cup-winning goal of shaving. 

The Gillette Labs Razor with Exfoliating Bar system has five of Gillette’s finest blades for the silky smooth skin your dad would love (dad’s partner wouldn’t complain either). And before the blades even start deforesting his face, the world’s first exfoliating bar clears the way ahead to get rid of any dirt and grime, so the finish is smooth and supple. Some of our colleagues used it this morning, and that’s why they look so great right now. Take note, Becks.

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Gifts under AU$300

Bosch UniversalAquatak 125

A man using a Bosch UniversalAquatak 125 pressure washer to clean the exterior of a house.

(Image credit: Bosch)

If dad could use a hand with tougher cleaning jobs, the Bosch UniversalAquatak 125 is a versatile and easily portable pressure washer. It boasts water pressure of 1,820 PSI, which means it’s more than powerful enough to blast away dirt and grime from balconies, decks, patios and driveways, as well as cars and bikes. It also comes with a 3-in-1 nozzle and a detergent nozzle, giving you the right gear for tackling different jobs.

While reviewing pressure washer’s hasn’t quite been on brand for TechRadar, this particular machine has got great user feedback on Amazon, with a 4.5 star rating out of almost 150 user reviews. Amazon’s also offering 20% off this pressure washer for Father’s Day, bringing the final price down to just AU$172. To get this deal, make sure to tick the box marked 'apply 20% coupon' before heading to checkout.

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Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2

The Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 mounted inside a windscreen

(Image credit: Future)

We rate the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 among one of the best dash cams you can buy. It has a compact design that all but disappears behind a rear view mirror, so it won’t block your view or distract you while you’re driving. It also shoots in high-quality 1080p with a 140º field of view, and while we’d like it to be a little wider, it’s good at this price.

We’re happy to report its video quality is sharp enough to show details such as registration plates day or night, no matter the weather conditions. It’ll automatically save footage when it detects a collision, but there’s also a button you can press if you want to start recording. We were surprised at just how well its voice control works too, so you can ask it to take photos while you’re driving, or turn the audio recording on and off. It really could be the best gift you get dad this year if he’s on the road a lot.

Read our full Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 review

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Sonos Roam

Sonos Roam

(Image credit: Truls Steinung)

The Sonos Roam has got the #1 spot in our best Bluetooth speakers guide. Despite its deceptively small size, the Sonos Roam can pump out powerful sound. In fact, it even leans a little bass-heavy, perhaps a little too much at times. That sound profile – and its portable design – lends itself very well to outdoor use though.

And the aptly named Roam has definitely been designed for the outdoors. It has both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, and its rugged build is waterproof up to the IP67 standard. When dad’s partying away from a power outlet, the Sonos Roam can last up to 10 hours of use, so it’s a great one for taking when you’re out and about (camping trip, anyone?)

For indoor use, there’s a neat Auto TruePlay feature that allows the Roam to automatically adjust its soundstage to suit the environment it’s in. The rhythmic accuracy isn’t perfect though, so if your dad considers himself an audiophile, you might have to look elsewhere.

Read our full Sonos Roam review

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Coravin Pivot

Coravin Pivot wine preservation system fitted to a bottle

(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / Future)

Lots of people love a glass of wine with dinner, but if you find that dad’s tipping too much of the bottle down the sink a few days after it’s been opened, the Coravin Pivot could be exactly what he needs. It’s a fancy bottle topper that’ll keep vino tasting fresh for a few weeks after opening.

While Coravin does say it’ll keep your wine tasting just as good up to four weeks after opening, TechRadar’s Australian Managing Editor said it’s good for up to three weeks when she tried it for her coverage over at T3. Even that is pretty impressive when you consider wine can start getting oxidised and the taste changing pretty much immediately after opening. Two days later, it’s nigh on undrinkable sometimes.

If dad can’t even decide between white or red, or which vintage or vineyard he prefers, he can happily open multiple bottles at the same time. Coravin has a Timeless Six+ set that promises to keep up to six open vino bottles fresh for months, not just weeks! And just in time for Father’s Day, there’s a 25% discount on the Timeless Six+ on the Coravin website, which is good news as it’s an expensive kit.

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Nespresso Vertuo Next

The Nespresso Vertuo Next on a countertop, with a coffee and coffee pod capsules beside it.

(Image credit: Nespresso)

Coffee machines can be a pricey investment, and with many of the best models sitting well above the AU$500 mark, they’re quite an expensive gift – even for the best dads out there. Pods machines are generally more affordable options, and we’ve got this as the #1 Nespresso in our guide to the best coffee machines.

It’s a great machine for anyone who prefers a long-black style coffee, so consider an alternative if your dad prefers cappuccinos or flat whites. If you want a milk-friendly machine, consider the Breville the Bambino which is currently retailing for AU$398 at Catch and AU$449 at The Good Guys. If you really would like to indulge him, the Morning Machine at AU$599 is also a great option.

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Leatherman Wingman multi-tool

A close-up shot of a man's hands using the Leatherman Wingman multi-tool.

(Image credit: Leatherman)

Here’s a gift that could really blow his socks off. The Leatherman Wingman takes a pair of pliers and adds a knife, scissors, can opener, bottle opener, screwdriver, a Phillips head… and a bunch more handy tools. There’s 14 tools in total, giving your dad a pocket-sized tool kit for niggling jobs around the house and everything in between, even opening your Father’s Day gift. Plus, it just looks cool, doesn’t it?

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Gifts under AU$500

Weber Baby Q

A Weber Baby Q barbecue is placed on the beach among a picnic.

(Image credit: Weber)

Weber makes some of the best barbecues in Australia, and the Weber Baby Q is a great choice if dad wants a gas BBQ he can use in the backyard at home, but also take on the road. The Baby Q is compact and portable, and can easily be taken out when caravanning or camping, but it’s perfectly capable of cooking for a small family at home, too.

Note that inside there are two removable cooking grills but no hotplate, so you’ll need to buy this separately if dad wants one.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab A8

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8

(Image credit: Future)

If dad wants a tablet he can stream movies on, play games and just browse the web, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is our recommendation. It’s one of the best tablets you can buy, with a gorgeous 10.5-inch display offering vibrant colours. The built-in speakers offer one option for easy listening, but there’s also a 3.5mm audio jack and Bluetooth connectivity if dad wants to wear headphones while streaming from the tablet.

We’ve found the Tab A8 handles multitasking well, so it could be a good choice if dad wants a tablet for work where he can search the internet and take notes at the same time. Storage starts at 64GB, but there’s a microSD card slot for expandable storage up to 1TB. While it’s not the most powerful Android tablet, for its price, it does a lot and does it well.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 review

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GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini

Go Pro Hero 11 Black Mini

(Image credit: GoPro)

GoPro makes some of the best action cameras in the business, and the GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini is a smaller and simpler option than the brand’s flagship cameras. It’s made to be mounted and works best at capturing point-of-view footage like cycling, surfing, skiing, snowboarding or dirt bike riding. But dad doesn’t have to be an adrenaline seeker to use this action cam, it’s also good for someone who simply wants a smaller GoPro.

This model is quite similar to the GoPro Hero 11 Black, except it doesn’t have displays on the front and back and it lacks a dedicated photo mode. While it misses out on some of those features, it still can shoot 5.3K video up to 60fps and 4K video up to 120fps.

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Theragun Mini

Man using Therabody Theragun Mini

(Image credit: Therabody)

You don’t have to be an avid gym-goer to suffer from aches and pains – just sitting at a desk for long periods of time can get our muscles tightening up. Age can also be a factor. The Theragun Mini is an easy way to provide some relief wherever you are, with its small and light design making it ideal for a backpack or a gym bag. It offers three speeds and three attachments, plus the companion app will give you tips on exactly how to use it. Let dad relax with a massage gun this Father’s Day.

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Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT turntable

Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT turntable on table with plant and bluetooth speaker

(Image credit: Future)

We think the Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT makes for a fantastic first turntable for any fledgling vinyl enthusiast – in fact, you’ll find it in our guide to the best turntables out there. It’s relatively affordable as far as good record players go, and we found it easy to set up, so hopefully dad will, too.

It comes with Bluetooth connectivity for wireless playback, and the sound quality includes that all-important vinyl warmth. If your dad considers himself an audiophile, though, we think you might be better off considering an alternate turntable such as the Pro-Ject Carbon Debut Evo. But if he’s just starting out with his record collection, this Audio-Technica turntables makes for an excellent Father’s Day gift.

Read our full Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT review

Also consider...

If you’d really like to indulge dad this Father’s Day, and your budget allows for it, consider the below options as well and trust us when we say he’ll be one happy man.

Ooni Karu 12

Ooni Karu 12 making pizza

(Image credit: Future - Joel Burgess)

Dad wanting to try pizza-making at home? The Ooni Karu 12 is one of the few portable pizza ovens we’ve tested for ourselves, and it cooks perfect pizza in minutes. This unit makes medium-sized 12-inch pizzas, which makes it ideal for cooking for a family or a small gathering of mates – if your dad likes to entertain large groups, he might need a larger option (which also comes with a bigger price tag).

This Ooni pizza oven is made for outdoor-only use, and it can take gas or wood as fuel – a kit is available to convert this for gas cooking, which might be ideal if dad’s never tried his hand at pizza-making before. It only weighs 12kg and has foldable legs and a detachable chimney, so it’s also a great portable option if you want to take it camping.

Read our full Ooni Karu 12 review

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Samsung The Freestyle projector

Samsung The Freestyle Projector

(Image credit: Samsung)

Samsung’s The Freestyle projector will let you have a movie night from almost anywhere, whether that’s on the bedroom ceiling, out in the backyard, or anywhere else you can set up a projector screen (or a white sheet). It offers surprisingly good picture quality, though it is limited to 1080p resolution. We were impressed by its brightness and level of contrast, and you can even use it to do some casual gaming like Mario Kart.

Read our full Samsung The Freestyle projector (2022) review

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Jasmine Gearie
Ecommerce Editor

Jasmine Gearie is an Ecommerce Editor at TechRadar Australia, with a primary focus on helping readers cut through the jargon to find the best mobile and internet plans for their needs. She crunches the numbers to maintain dedicated guides to the latest phones, NBN and broadband plans of all types, and covers the important telco industry news. She also hunts down tech deals on laptops, phones, gaming consoles and more, so readers know where to buy the products they want for the cheapest prices.