There are some suggestions that the idea of Father's Day may originate in pagan sun worship. Some branches of paganism see the Sun as the father of the universe. Father’s Day in Australia occurs on the first Sunday of September. Father’s Day in some countries is on the third Sunday of June, which is close to the June solstice.

The idea of a special day to honor fathers and celebrate fatherhood was introduced from the United States. A woman called Sonora Smart Dodd was inspired by the American Mother's Day celebrations and planned a day to honor fathers early in the 20th century. The first Father's Day was celebrated in Spokane, Washington on June 19, 1910. Father’s Day has become increasingly popular throughout the world and is  celebrated  in Australia on an annual basis.

Many Australians celebrate Father’s Day by showing their appreciation for their fathers or father figures. Acts of appreciation are done in different ways and may include (but are not limited to):

• A day out in the park, at the movies, at a zoo, or another place of interest.
• Handmade or purchased cards.
• Presents such as food baskets, chocolates, clothing, equipment for hobbies, or gift vouchers.
• Breakfasts, brunches, lunches, or dinners either at home, at a restaurant, or at a café.
• Father’s Day charity activities, such as fun runs or purchasing special gifts, to raise money for causes such as services for the visually impaired  or research on prostate cancer.
• Some families may prefer to visit places of worship together, like churches, synagogues or mosques.

Some fathers and father figures receive adventures or experiences as Father’s Day gifts. They may include a quad bike adventure, swimming with whale sharks, or abseiling. Some magazines and newspapers choose this time of the year to publish positive Father’s Day stories that focus on the challenges that some men faced and achievements that they made to provide the best for children in Australia.