This day is celebrated across Australia as Father's Day. The tradition started in the USA in 1910 and was adopted in Australia in the late 1930s, although it has never been accorded the same significance as Mother's Day. Although most countries celebrate Father's Day in June, Australia does so in September. The reason is thought to be a commercial one. In Australia there are a number of public holidays through the middle months and September fits better into the retail calendar for a special 'push'. Also the start of spring coiincides well with gifts suitable for the outdoor activities often associated with fathers.

This day has been celebrated by many Australians for over a century as Wattle Day.