Fun Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Sydney

Sydneysiders love to play in the outdoors, so rainy days don’t go down too well. To avoid boredom and escape the dreary weather, we've come up with the ultimate rain-proof guide to hanging out in Sydney. From arcade frivolities and gallery-hopping to indoor golf, these are our top things to do on a rainy day in the harbour city.

Hang at the Arcade

Likened to a sophisticated adult playground, step inside the treasure trove that is B. Lucky & Sons to hideaway from the cruel winter weather. Not your average bar, hidden behind a vintage pawnshop façade you'll find a luxurious bar and arcade. Work your way through the ‘East meets West’ menu whilst you play on retro arcade games. And to quench your thirst, the extravagant drinks menu features an array of creative concoctions.

207/122 Lang Road, Sydney

Micro Breweries

The Northern Beaches has tapped into the fine art of crafting beer, with two microbreweries making their mark on Sydney’s beer lovers. The best way to enjoy is to settle in for a while and soak up the ambience of the brewery. You can try their wares on a tasting paddle, drink a pint or grab some beers to go.

Manly-based 4 Pines Brewing Company creates distinct, handcrafted beers. See the brewers in action as you drink great beer, eat delicious food and listen to live music. Or head further north to Mona Vale where Modus Operandi Brewing Company have set up shop. Settle in for craft beer on tap, high-quality pub food and live music.

4 Pines Brewing Company, 29/43–45 East Esplanade, Manly

Modus Operandi Brewing Company, 14 Harkeith Street, Mona Vale 

Spend the Day Gallery Hopping

As the rain pours, head to a gallery to fill your soul with culture and art. The Art Gallery of NSW is more than just a beautiful building. Inside, you’ll find carefully curated collections of Australian, European and Asian art. Gallery-hop your way quayside to the MCA, which reps Aussie and international artists plus blockbuster exhibitions by the likes of Yoko Ono and Jeff Koons.

Art Gallery of NSW: Art Gallery Road, The Domain, Sydney

MCA: 40 George Street, The Rocks

Sip on Spirits

When the weather's cold, take a trip to the distillery door for a drink direct from the barrel. One of the first distilleries on the scene, Archie Rose Distilling Co is a Rosebery institution known for their limited release batches and distillery tours. Manly Spirits is an award-winning boutique distillery on the Northern Beaches where you can taste their gin, vodka and whisky that have been crafted using foraged coastal ingredients. 

Archie Rose Distilling Co: The Cannery, 85 Dunning Avenue, Rosebery

Manly Spirits: 4a/9-13 Winbourne Road, Brookvale

Indulge in High Tea

Paying homage to the city’s colonial history, Sydney has perfected the art of high tea. One of the best experiences can be had at Gunners Barracks in Mosman – bite-size sandwiches, cakes and pastries paired with tea and Champagne, all with views over Sydney Harbour. Alternatively, Alibi in Woolloomooloo dish up a plant-based high tea offering. You will get to indulge in the same mini-delectables but with a healthy twist.

Gunners Barracks, Suakin Drive, Georges Heights, Mosman 

Alibi, 6 Cowper Wharf Rd, Woolloomooloo

A Round of Mini Golf

Grab your clubs and make your way around everyone's favourite putt putt and games bar, Holey Moley. Practice your aim and putting technique as you make your way around the 18-hole, Happy Gilmore-approved mini-golf course. Keep hydrated with Holey Moley's array of colourful cocktails sis sure to bring out the big kid in you and your date. 

Holey Moley: 82-94 Darlinghurst Road, Potts Point and 87 King Street, Newtown 

Get Lost in an Escape Room

For an out-of-the-box rainy day activity, book an Escape room experience. The general idea is that you're locked in a room and fed clues so you can get out. Next Level Escape in CBD has two themes, The Artefact and Ex Libris is the perfect date for crime show lovers and puzzle solvers, while Newtown's The Cipher Room has different scenarios that require you to solve a mystery and is a great way to wade out the storm.

Next Level Escape: LG, 23 O'Connell Street, Sydney

The Cipher Room: 640 King Street, Newtown

Head to the Movies

Step back in time in the intimate setting of Cremorne's Hayden Orpheum cinema and watch a diverse film program which includes classics, cult hits and new releases. Head to their website and check the schedule for their latest movie series. We're big fans of their I Love Retro series, playing all our faves from Labyrinth to The Wizard of Oz.

Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace: 380 Military Road, Cremorne

Need some more fun things to do on a rainy day in Sydney? Be sure to check out our things to do at home guide and our Entertaining section for the best recipes to cook.