Looking for things to do in Sydney in the rain to turn your frown upside down?
Listen, we all know Sydney really shines when the sun’s out! Beach days, harbour views, fun hikes, it’s what this city does best. But let’s be real, the weather here can be temperamental. One minute it’s all blue skies and the next you’re caught in a massive tropical downpour, worse than a British rainy day!
While we can’t make the sun shine, we can ensure the weather does not rain on your parade! Sydney’s got plenty of indoor fun to keep you entertained, rain or shine. We’re not just suggesting having dinner at a fancy fine dining restaurant in Sydney to avoid the rain; we’re here to introduce you to a range of distinctive indoor activities that will make your rainy day plans feel like top choices rather than fallback options.
Things To Do In Sydney In The Rain
1. Bring The Hunter Valley To Sydney
Sometimes when it’s non stop raining, the best thing to do is get sloshed! Fear not…you don’t need to travel to the Hunter Valley to enjoy a fun wine tasting in Sydney. Located near to Centennial Park, Urban Winery in Sydney hosts a popular wine tasting tour with a cheese platter.
2. Sit By The Fire At A Proper English Pub In Sydney
Make your way to one of the Best English Pubs In Sydney; The Duke Of Clarence in Sydney CBD and feel like you’re in England! This used to be a pub in England, and it was all shipped over to Sydney and rebuilt! Book the sofas by the fire if you’re looking for things to do in Sydney in Winter!
3.Explore Mitchell Road Antique Centre In Sydney
We’ve been to the best antique shops in Sydney and Mitchell Road Antique Centre comes up tops for us! Housed in a warehouse, you could easily spend the afternoon wondering around this awesome antiques centre in Sydney.
4. Check Out The Best Pottery Classes In Sydney
If you’ve ever wanted to own the most beautiful crockery in your home, take a popular pottery making class in Sydney! Learn from some of the best pottery makers in Sydney, as you’ll learn how to make your own mugs, bowls, vases, plates and so much more!
5. Discover the best coffee in Sydney
If you’re yet to find the best coffee in Sydney, look no further! We have explored high and low to share with you the absolutely best places in Sydney for coffee right here. Expect purple lattes, and the ultimate guide for Sydney coffee on the internet!
6. Have Fun At A Paint & Sip Class
Paint & Sip Classes in Sydney have become wildly popular in the last year or so. Not only is it a fun way to meet new people if you’re coming alone, it’s an opportunity to have fun with your friends painting the same picture whilst you’ve got a vino on the other hand.
7. Become Customer Of The Day At Redfern Convenience Store
When we were visiting Redfern recently on a research trip, we stumbled across Redfern Convenience Store which is also known at “The Great Convenience Store In The World!” The owner showed me around his unique shop which sells rare sweets and treats mainly from UK and America.
8. Explore Sydney Art Galleries
An obvious one, but I find that visiting Sydney’s galleries like the MCA, Art Gallery of NSW or the world’s largest Chinese art collection at White Rabbit perfect for a Sydney winter activity. Don’t forget Brett Whitely’s Studio in Surry Hills. Check out our ultimate guide for the Best Art Galleries In Sydney, there are plenty to choose from!
9. Learn How To Make Your Own Terrarium In Sydney
Take the opportunity to learn an amazing new skill when looking for things to do in Sydney when it’s raining! Terrarium workshops have become hugely popular as they are fantastic great indoors activities in Sydney. They are the easiest little jungles to look after and require watering like once a week.
10. Go round in circles at Sydney Tower Eye
In the heart of Sydney CBD, the Tower Eye rotating viewing platform offers a 360-degree panorama of Sydney’s breathtaking skyline. With a bar and buffet restaurant, the Sydney Tower Eye is an exhilarating way to soak in the city’s landmarks, from the Opera House to the Harbour Bridge. Book your tickets for the revolving restaurant before you go!
13. Discover The Best Places To Eat In Bondi
Discover some of the best hidden cafes in Sydney in Bondi! Sydney local, Elaine shares some of the best underrated places to eat in Bondi which you need to know about!
14. Relax In The Best Day Spas In Sydney
What a better way to take advantage of the rain in Sydney other than to head straight to the spa. The best day spa Sydney we found online are Bath Houses and Gillian Adams Spa. Relax into your rainy day in Sydney!
15. Make You Own Box Of Chocolates
Do you love chocolate as much as we do? Find things to do indoors in Sydney and learn how to make a beautiful box of truffles with Meltdown Artisan, based in Darlinghurst. You’ll learn how to make various truffles and take home the box of chocolates you make!
16. Spend the day in Sydney’s best bookshops
If you’re ever wondering what to do in Sydney in the rain, it doesn’t get much better than to curl up with a good book in some of Sydney’s best bookshops.
Check out the gorgeous Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore in Paddington which has three floors to choose from. You’ll feel right at home in no time – trust me!
15. Go indoor skydiving at iFly in Penrith
Another thrill seeking activity is indoor skydiving at iFly in Penrith. We had a brilliant time, even if we had to tag onto a 10 year olds party! It’s one of the best indoor activities in Sydney for kids and adults. It’s a great date idea in Sydney, or simply one of the best things to do with friends too.
16. Discover Sydney’s hidden antique shops
If you love antique shops as much as we do, make sure you check out Design Ark in Randwick. We couldn’t believe how cool this vintage shop in Sydney really is. Expect vintage homewares and mid-century pieces. We wanted to buy almost everything in this super cool homewares shop in Sydney! If you’re really into vintage and antique shops, check out our 10 Best Antique Shops in Sydney guide!
17. Go to an immersive cinema experience
One of the best cinemas in Sydney is hands down The Hayden Orpheum in Cremorne, an amazing Art Deco cinema. The beautifully designed cinema is a sight to be seen. Head over on a Friday date night for a popular cult classic – The Room.
19. Get a massage in Chatswood
OK, I’m calling it… the best massage in Sydney is Magic Massage, in Chatswood Westfield. I know those massage parlours in a shopping centre always look a bit on the dodge side but Magic Massage is incredible. I’ve been there four times, and every time it has been amazing!!
20. Discover the best vegan restaurants in Sydney
Just because it’s raining in Sydney, doesn’t mean you should reach for the junk food (I know I do!). Instead, explore some of the best vegan restaurants in Sydney instead.
21. Spend a fun afternoon or evening at Holey Moley
If you’re looking for indoors activities for friends, we definitely recommend spending the afternoon or evening at Holey Moley! This is a fun putt putt bar located in Darlinghurst and Newtown
23. Go on a Newtown pub crawl in the rain
Spend the day in the rain on a Newtown pub crawl to some of the best small bars in Sydney, by checking out our guide for the Best Things To Do In Newtown. Simply walk down Enmore Road, which is just a few minutes from Newtown Train Station, and you’ll find loads of awesome small bars to check out!
24. Be entertained in Moore Park‘s Entertainment Quarter
Rainy days can be exciting, we promise! Head to the Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park where you’ll find so many fun things to fill your day with the whole family. From arcades with air hockey, NBA hoops and Mario Kart racing to laser tag or go karting! Finish the day with a movie or comedy show if you don’t have kids with you.
25. Sip on tea at a stunning a Chinese Teahouse in Waterloo
A proper little gem in Sydney is Zensation Tea House, an incredible tea house in Waterloo. We spent a good few hours there just trying loads of different green teas which is something different to do in the rain in Sydney.
26. Discover The Beautiful Water Tiger Antique Shop
If you love antique Chinese & Indian furniture like we do, then you absolutely must go and check out Water Tiger in St Peter. This is a gorgeous homewares shop in Sydney and is very Instagramable.
27. Spend The Day Axe Throwing At Maniax
Located next door to Water Tiger antique shop is Maniax which is a fun axe throwing and brewery in St Peters. Perfect for those looking for things to do in Sydney in the rain, it’s actually a great way to destress!
28. There’s nothing cosier than finding the best Sunday lunch in Sydney
When it’s wet and cold, there’s nothing better than going out for a British Sunday roast in Sydney. I even found one that’s on par with an English roast at The Lord Dudley Hotel in Woollahra! Complete with carpets, pints and of course being able to stand outside the pub on the street.
29. Indulge In The Best High Tea In Sydney and don’t regret it!
I found the most amazing tea rooms in Sydney, called The Tea Cosy. Personally I found it’s on par with a good English team rooms like back home!
30. Stay dry at this fun Escape Rooms In Sydney
This is a super easy way to break the ice if you’re in a new relationship or if you’re looking to do something other than go to the pub on a rainy day in Sydney!
Bring friends a long as teams up to five people have to work together, solving clues to escape the room before the time runs out. Find out more about the Live Escape Room in Sydney here.
31. Have Fun At Sydney Trapeze School
Have you ever fancied trying a go at trapeze? Well, maybe the Sydney rain will just push you to be brave. Sydney Trapeze School is perfect for families, friends and single people looking for things to do when it’s raining in Sydney.
32. Go Rock Climbing In Sydney
Find more adventurous things to do in Sydney in the rain by checking out Sydney’s largest climbing centre in St Leonards called Climb Fit. I’ve been here and for someone scared of heights, I absolutely loved it.
33. Cocktail Making & All You Can Eat Pizza Class
If you’re looking for fun things to do indoors in Sydney, look no further, because Salts Meat Cheese offer up a really popular cocktail making class with all you can eat pizza. Sounds like a fab afternoon right?
34. Find The Best Indoor Pools In Sydney
Just because it’s raining in Sydney, it doesn’t mean your exercise routine needs to be off the agenda. Find healthy things to do in Sydney in the rain and go for a dip in one of best Sydney indoor swimming pools like Cook & Philip and the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre.
35. Stock up on Portugeuse Wine when it’s raining
We randomly stumbled across Luso Liquors in Marrickville one afternoon and it’s fantastic. A Portuguese couple import wines from Portugal and know so much about them, it’s amazing just chatting to them about it all.
36. Take A Swing Or Rock N Roll Dance Class
If you’ve ever wanted to learn to dance, take the opportunity to learn either balboa, rock n roll dance or swing classes in Sydney with Swingtime Dance School in Marrickville!
37. Things To Do in Sydney In The Rain With Kids
If you’re looking for things to do in Sydney in the rain with kids, there are loads of things you can do to keep you busy! Check out the Ice Zoo in Alexandria, which is an indoor ice rink. Wear warm clothing regardless of visiting in Summer or Winter as it’s cold inside. It’s a good place to visit when it’s too hot in Sydney, when you’re looking for things to do indoors in Sydney.
37 Things To Do In Sydney In The Rain
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