Downpour Delights: Best Rainy Day Activities in Melbourne

Melbourne might be famous for its “four seasons in one day,” but let’s be honest — rain is the unofficial fifth season. Around here, it’s less “if” and more “when,” which is why every true Melburnian knows to never leave home without a sturdy umbrella and a flexible plan.

But wet weather? That’s just an excuse to lean into the city’s cosiest, quirkiest, and most charming indoor delights. When the heavens open, so do the doors to moody wine bars, steamy spa sanctuaries, legendary galleries, and the kind of old-world tea rooms that practically beg for a storm outside.

So don your best drizzle-ready trench and scroll on for our ultimate guide to Melbourne’s most fabulous rainy day escapes — proof that a little rain never dampens this city’s shine.

Relax at Willows & Wine

In our opinion, Willows & Wine is the rainy day retreat. Think plush armchairs, a glass of velvety red, and the soft hush of rain against the windows. With a curated library celebrating diverse voices and a wine list to match, it’s like stepping into the cosiest corner of a boutique salon. Add in a decadent cheese board, a selection of board games, mulled wine come winter, and mood lighting to swoon for — and you’ve got Melbourne’s answer to literary luxury. Rainy days never looked so chic.

Sitchu Tip: They even host bookbinding workshops — because yes, it can get even cuter. Keep your eyes peeled for the next one here.

315 Victoria Street, West Melbourne

Spin Your Heart Out at Melbourne’s Coolest Record Stores

What better way to escape the drizzle than by diving headfirst into Melbourne’s soulful vinyl scene? Curl up under the glow of vintage lights at Greville Records, flick through jazz, funk and indie gems at Rocksteady, or chase rare grooves at Licorice Pie. It’s all slow living and sweet soundtracks — rain tapping outside, a fresh LP in hand, and your next favourite record waiting to be discovered. A dreamy, tactile rainy day ritual for music lovers with serious taste.

Duck Into Sticky Institute for a Rainy Day Creative Fix

When it’s grey outside, head somewhere bursting with colour and character — Sticky Institute is your inner-city hideaway. Found near Queen Vic Market, this indie zine haven is a love letter to Melbourne’s DIY publishing scene, home to thousands of handmade zines covering everything from poetry to punk politics.

Flip through the shelves, get inspired, and even create your own. With free access to typewriters and all the tools to make your mark, it’s a dreamy, low-key escape for the creatively curious.

510 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne

Cut, Paste, Sip, Repeat at That Paper Joint

When grey skies loom, duck into That Paper Joint in Brunswick for a soul-soothing splash of colour and creativity. Their cult-favourite Cut & Paste Workshops are the perfect way to get crafty — think glue-free collage, second-hand treasures, and charming guidance from Max and Zoe.

Friday nights? BYO drinks, complimentary cheeseboard. Daytimes? Tea, coffee, snacks. Rain? What rain? With over 800 glowing reviews, this is your rainy day in Melbourne glow-up.

544 Sydney Road, Brunswick

Spend the Day Gallery Hopping

Seek both shelter and inspiration at one of the many galleries located across art-obsessed Melbourne. Begin with the big guns at the National Gallery of Victoria, where blockbuster international exhibitions complement vast collections of Australian, European, and Asian art.

For thought-provoking contemporary works outside of NGV International, hop over to the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art in Southbank, to St Kilda’s Linden New Art, or take a drive to the picturesque Heide Museum of Modern Art for a delightful dose of inspiration in Bulleen.

Unwind at a Day Spa

While the rain refreshes the world outside, treat yourself to a little internal sunshine with a luxurious spa escape. Comma in Cremorne is a serene sanctuary, offering Japanese-inspired spa rituals in a tranquil bathhouse setting—think heavenly massages, rejuvenating body scrubs, soothing facials and steamy sauna sessions designed to melt away the day.

For more rainy day indulgence, Sense of Self (SOS) in Collingwood brings modern minimalism and warmth, while Alba Thermal Springs & Spa on the Mornington Peninsula delivers total immersion in wellness.

Get Cosy at the Pub

What better way to escape the cold than by digging into a hearty feed by the fire? When the mercury drops, our favourite cosy pubs dial up the heat with seasonal food and beverages that will warm you right down to your toes. You can sip hot mulled cider at Fitzroy’s Rochester Hotel in winter, settle in by one of the multiple roaring fireplaces at the Grace Darling in Collingwood, tuck into a cracking roast at the 150-year-old Marquis of Lorne, or cosy up with a glass of red by the fire at The Orrong Hotel.

Visit Melbourne Museum

Escape Melbourne’s rain by diving into the city’s captivating history at the Melbourne Museum. Your ticket grants entry to both the museum and the Aboriginal Cultural Centre, where you can explore the immersive Forest Gallery, the awe-inspiring Dinosaur Walk, the lush Gondwana Garden, and interactive learning labs.

For architecture aficionados, the nearby Royal Exhibition Building awaits — a stunning heritage landmark with an opulent interior and grand dome roof, offering an elegant and enriching rainy day escape steeped in culture and sophistication.

Roam Around the Markets

While nothing beats a sunny stroll in the fresh air, exploring Melbourne’s ample markets is a close second. Queen Victoria Market’s deli hall is a treasure trove of cheeses, charcuterie, and speciality smallgoods from Polish to African and Greek delights. Down south, South Melbourne Market tempts with fresh seafood bars and grills, while the famous Agathé Patisserie’s croissants always draw a crowd.

Sitchu Tip: Don’t miss the recently opened UGO Burrata Bar for a creamy indulgence.

Sip, Savour, and Shelter at Melbourne’s Cosiest Wine Bars

Nothing soothes a rainy day like a glass of velvety red in an intimate wine bar. Whether you crave natural gems at the retro-chic Old Palm Liquor, classic European pours at iconic Gerald’s Bar, or adventurous sips from Bar Liberty and Embla, Melbourne’s wine scene has you covered. Settle in, escape the downpour, and delight in exquisite wines paired with equally tempting bites — a perfect rainy day indulgence.

Go Under the Sea at Melbourne Aquarium

When Melbourne’s skies open up, escape the rain with a splash at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. Perfect for families, wander through shimmering tanks, marvel at graceful sea turtles, and walk beneath the Reef’s glistening sharks—the ocean’s ultimate thrill.

Discover magical bioluminescence at Night on the Reef, go behind the scenes in the jellyfish lab, or step inside the chilly Penguin Passport for an unforgettable 45 minutes with charming Gentoo and King penguins. An underwater world awaits!

Escape into Literature at the State Library of Victoria

Melbourne’s iconic buildings shape our cityscape, but when did you last truly explore them? Free guided tours of Parliament House, Melbourne Town Hall, and the State Library reveal stunning details — from 22-carat gold leaf ceilings to the breathtaking Dome Reading Room, a favourite Instagram backdrop.

Wander the grand aisles, find a cosy nook, and lose yourself in a book while the rain softly taps on the windows. A rainy day delight for curious minds and culture lovers alike.

Sip on Spirits in Cosy Distilleries

Rainy days call for something a little stronger — and Melbourne’s boutique distilleries have just the tonic. Patient Wolf in Southbank is a stunner: all red brick charm, copper stills, and small-batch gin magic. Sip your way through thyme-infused or barrel-aged creations while the weather does its thing outside. Or cosy up at Little Lon Distilling Co, a pint-sized CBD cottage serving up history-laced gin masterclasses and cocktails with serious character.

Cheers to staying dry in style.

Indulge in a High Tea experience

When the rain pours, swap your usual cuppa for a decadent high tea that’s pure sophistication. At the Hotel Windsor, crisp white linens and classical melodies set the scene as you savour delicate ribbon sandwiches and exquisite French patisserie. Or lose yourself in the 130-year-old Hopetoun Tea Rooms, where fine bone china and live piano whisk you back to Victorian splendour — like sharing secrets with Lady Whistledown herself. Perfectly posh and utterly cosy.

Play a Round of Mini Golf

Forget the weather — Holey Moley’s vibrant indoor mini-golf and bar scene is pure sunshine. Tackle 18 quirky holes packed with pop culture nods while sipping on inventive cocktails and sharing stone-baked pizzas with your crew. Ready to turn up the volume? Slide into a private karaoke room and sing your heart out like no one’s watching. Rain or shine, this lively playground guarantees a day full of laughter and good vibes.

590 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne

Head to the Movies

When Melbourne’s skies open up, there’s nothing quite like sinking into a plush cinema seat with popcorn in hand. Historic gems like the Astor Theatre dazzle with chandeliers and gold curtains, while Palace Westgarth charms with sleek Art Deco style. The Sun Theatre’s lovingly restored facade sets the perfect mood for a cosy film fix. For a mix of blockbusters and indie delights, Carlton’s Cinema Nova is a treasure trove for cinephiles craving a rainy day retreat.

Loved our edit of the best rainy day activities in Melbourne? If the forecast is still looking gloomy, bunker down in one of these cool Richmond bars or book a table and cuddle up at a romantic restaurant.