PM takes time out for a cuppa with dad

He's just flown in from high-level talks in India and Malaysia and has what sound like the makings of a nasty cold, but skipping father's day was out of the question for Tony Abbott.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott with his father Richard 'Dick' Abbott leaving a Fathers Day reception at the Epping Club. (AAP)

The prime minister and his chuffed-looking dad, Richard 'Dick' Abbott, stopped by for bikkies and tea in the northern Sydney suburb of Epping on Sunday at an event hosted by local MP John Alexander.

Mr Alexander said his boss had barely stopped for a shave on the way in from the airport.

"By Wednesday in a parliamentary sitting week, people are getting tired," he said.

"But Wednesday afternoon, after another tough week, the prime minister got on a plane, went to India, went to Malaysia, got back at about 8.30 this morning, showered, changed and shaved, went out and picked up his dad and came here."

Mr Abbott said it was a day to give thanks.

"So much of what we are is a product of our parents; so much of what men are is a product of their fathers," Mr Abbott told the crowd.

"I want to say, Dad, thanks so much. I'm a person with strengths and weaknesses.

"The weaknesses are all mine, but the strengths are yours."