Fun Things to Do on A Rainy Day in Canberra

Canberra might not be the rainiest city in Australia, but that’s not to say the capital doesn’t get its fair share of wet weather days. Fortunately, Canberra is high on fun things to do that don’t require you to venture outdoors.

From exploring the city’s arts and culture scene to indulging in a bit of retail therapy, here are the best rainy-day activities in Canberra.

Give Bouldering a Go 

If staying indoors is a struggle for you, consider heading to an indoor climbing gym for a bouldering sesh. Beginners are always welcome (we find rock climbing gyms to be some of the friendliest out there!) and it's a great way to exercise both your body and mind. BlocHaus is a fab option in Canberra with their very aesthetically pleasing walls. 

Fyshwick & Mitchell

Head to a Brewery

Canberra has an excellent beer scene, with several breweries dotted across the city. BentSpoke in Braddon does delicious food on top of its famed beer selection, Zierholz Premium Brewery is the place to go if you want awesome German beers and meals, and Capital Brewing not only has a sizeable indoor drinking and dining space, but a Brodburger outlet too.

If pubs are more your thing, one with a cosy fireplace is the perfect antidote to a rainy day. Here are some of our favourite pubs with fireplaces in Canberra.

Sip on High Tea

If hot tea paired with miniature sandwiches and bite-sized sweet treats is your idea of a good time on a rainy day, you’ll be glad to know there are lots of great high tea spots in Canberra.

Try the Alice in Wonderland-themed high tea at White Rabbit, the high-tea-with-a-view at The Marion (which overlooks Lake Burley Griffin), the classic high tea at Hyatt Canberra, or the tea-infused food menu at Adore Tea. Or, if you’re already touring Parliament House, stop by the Queen’s Terrace Cafe for a weekend high tea.

Indulge in Some Retail Therapy

Whether you’re after clothing, accessories, homewares, skincare or something else entirely, there are lots of great places to shop around Canberra that are completely undercover.

The Canberra Centre is the city centre’s main shopping hub, housing major department stores and retail chains. You can also venture to the two Westfield shopping centres in Belconnen and Woden. All three have cinemas, too, if you want to catch a rainy-day flick.

If it’s a Sunday and you’re after something more boutique, head to the Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston. They’re totally indoors and also have several food vendors selling hot drinks, snacks and meals – perfect when the weather’s a little bleak.

Head to Kingpin Canberra for a Swathe of Activities 

A rainy day is the perfect excuse to gather your pals and hit up Kingpin for some organised fun. They have a whole heap of activities on offer from ten-pin bowling to escape rooms, karaoke, laser tag and arcade games. They've also got an on-site kitchen serving up everything from hotdogs and fries (a ten-pin staple) to halloumi tacos, milkshakes and cocktails. You could easily while the day away here and not be bothered a drop by the rain. 

Canberra Centre, Bunda Street 

Check Out Our National Institutions

There may be no better indoor activity than exploring the many galleries, museums and national institutions around Canberra.

Hop between the National Gallery of Australia, the National Portrait Gallery, Questacon (which is good fun for adults, too), the National Library of Australia, Old Parliament House (also home to the Museum of Australian Democracy) and Parliament House, all of which are on Canberra’s southside and within a short walk or drive of each other. (just make sure to pack a brolly if you plan to go on foot).

Alternatively, head northside and check out the National Museum of Australia or the Australian War Memorial.

Enjoy an Indoor Picnic

Sometimes, staying at home is the best way to spend a rainy day. If you’re keen on an indoor picnic, head to one of the awesome food stores and gourmet supermarkets around Canberra to stock up on supplies.

Ainslie IGA is a local favourite, with lots of locally produced foods, ready meals and deli items to choose from. Supabarn Kingston is another great spot to get pre-prepared meals and gourmet foods. There’s also an Essential Ingredient outlet a few doors down.

The Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets is also completely indoors, too, so you can shop for some of the best local produce and other food items away from the rainy weather.

Canberra Glassworks

We’re honestly so mesmerised by glass blowing - and so is everyone else if the popularity of Netflix's Blown Away is anything to go by. Luckily, Canberra boasts its very own Glassworks!

Check out their exhibitions, watch their artists in residence create incredible hand-blown glass pieces and then head to the shop to pick up a stunning statement piece for your home.

Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston

Treat Yourself to a Pampering Session

In the mood to unwind? Head to one of the many glorious day spas, facial specialists or massage spots around Canberra for a bit of you time. Hale Spa, Mudd The Spa, Jindii EcoSpa and Canberra Day Spa are a few of our favourite Canberra day spas.

Meanwhile, Thai Bliss Therapeutic Massage, Myogen and Canberra Healing Massage do some of the best massages in Canberra. If you’re after a relaxing facial in Canberra, try The Lab, The Skyn Lounge or The Beautique.

Do Something Different

If you’re up for something different, there are lots of fun indoor activities that are a little more adventurous. Breakr is Canberra’s very own break room, where you’re placed in a room with a bunch of breakable items (plates, glasses and so on) and a few tools (a baseball bat, hammer, crowbar and the like) and given permission to wreak total havoc. In the same venue you’ll find Axxe, Canberra’s only axe-throwing joint.

Eating and drinking to your heart’s (and stomach’s) content are equally great ways to spend a rainy day. Luckily, we’ve got guides to the best cafes in Canberra, the best restaurants in Canberra and the best bars in Canberra.