The Twenty Best Places To Go in Sydney on a Rainy Day

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Posted 2013-04-18 by Linda Moon ⇒ follow

Assuming a ticket to Tahiti isn't on the cards, this list of things to do and places to go will give you some genuine, delightful options when the weather takes a foul turn.

Bypassing the Opera House and the usual suggestions aimed at tourists, the emphasis is on things for locals to do and chockers with fresh ideas you may not have considered. Don't forget to bookmark it for those future soggy days.

(1) Norita Café and Board Games
Good old-fashioned fun in the guise of board-games and sweets can be had at this low-key homey Korean cafe. Sip a beverage or nibble a sweet treat while you study your opponent. Check out the Norita facebook page , for all relevant particulars.

(2) Govinda's
Govinda's combo of Indian style vegetarian buffet and intimate movie room with seating on cushions remains a wet weather winner. Book first. This Hara Chrisna run establishment in Darlinghurst is popular. The Govinda's website contains all you need to know.

(3) Madame Fling Flong, Newtown
Comfy chairs, excellent tapas and inventive cocktails make this small cocktail, lounge bar worth a visit. Chill, chat or play board-games amidst the crimson walls and well-worn nostalgic furnishings.

Level 1, 169 King Street, Newtown
(02) 9565 2471
Open Mon to Thu 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm; Fri 4:00 pm - 12:00 am; Sat 3:00 pm - 12:00 am

(4) Day spas
For those new to the day spa scene, these are places where you can take a spa, enjoy a massage, facial or other body treatment. Expect to pay a stack for the privilege - anything from $70 to $170 or more for an hour of massage, depending on the establishment. Day Spas can be found in hotels and as independent establishments.

Some spas to get you started include: Panpuri , Nature's Energy and the day spa at the Langham Hotel, Sydney .

(5) Blue Mountains Sparadise, Japanese Bath House
Although, at 2 hours drive from Sydney in Bowenfels (near Lithgow) it's a bit of a hike, this is so good it deserves a mention.

See all about Sparadise by clicking on the link to my article on it. Or go direct to their website here.

(6) Indoor public spas, steam rooms and heated pools
Nice way to get warm, exercise and out of the house & beats sitting on your bum eating and drinking all day.

In Sydney, try out the pools, steamers and spas at the Aquatic Centre at Sydney Olympic Park or Cook and Philip Park Aquatic and Fitness Centre . Or for something more luxurious, see what's on offer from your local hotels. Where I live, the Fairmont Hotel, Leura charges $15 to use their pools, spas, gym and squash facilities.

(7) Yum Cha
As social as it is culinary, this elaborate morning or afternoon tea ritual is the Chinese alternative to the pub scene. Invite some family or friends you've been meaning to catch up with to share the dim sims with you.

If you want to know great Yum Cha it's best to ask someone who is Chinese. Or just head to Chinatown and look for somewhere with a long queue of Chinese. Otherwise, here are some venues to get you started.

The Marigold Restaurant in George Street, East Ocean in Sussex street, or Zilver in Pitt Street. Awesome vegetarian Yum Cha is available at Bodhi in College Street and Green Gourmet in Newtown.

(8) Ice-Skating
Here's two Sydney venues for Ice Skating. For further information including prices, click on the respective links.

Macquarie Ice Rink, North Ryde
Phone: (02) 9888 1100

Penrith Ice Palace, Jamisontown
Phone: (02) 4733-2611

(9) Indoor roller-skating

Penrith Skatel
Caters to both roller and blade skates.
120 Russell St, Emu Plains, NSW, 2750
(02) 47356699

Oz Skate Centres
32 Peachtree Rd, Penrith, NSW, 2750
(02) 47321088

(10) Ten Pin Bowling at AMF Bowling
AMF have 43 centres across Australia with entertainment ranging from bowling to arcade games and M9 Laser Skirmish. Click on this link to AMF Bowling for more info.

(11) Laser Skirmish and Other Play Zones
For those new to laser skirmish (also known as laser tag) it's like a live computer battle game where people run around shooting each other with infra-red guns. Popular with teenage boys, it's also fun for groups of adults and as it does involve exercise, arguably good for you. Many play zones offer packages that may include unlimited hours and food.

You can find laser skirmish at AMF Bowling , Laserzone and other Play Zones. Here's a few more to give you a taste. Click on the links for more info or call them up.

Strike at Chatswood also has 4 hi-tech bowling lanes, 3 private karaoke rooms, a cocktail bar and an outdoor terrace.

Xtreme Playzone, at Asquith has cosmic glow in the dark golf and bumper cars in addition to laser tag.

11. Indoor rock-climbing The Edge Rockclimbing Centre is the tallest indoor rock climbing and abseiling centre in Australia with over 120 climbs or try out.

Climbfit at St Leonards is one of Sydney's largest indoor climbing centres with over 200 set routes, and caters to all levels of experience and expertise.

(12) Mini-Golf
For some indoor putt putt try out Unreal Mini-Golf at Penrith, Mini Golf King at Blacktown, Mega Mini Golf at Campbelltown, Putt Planet at Miranda or play cosmic golf at Xtreme Playzone .

(13) Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
If looking at wax look-a-likes of movie stars, historical figures, pop stars and so on, tickles your fancy, this is for you.

King Street Wharf, Darling Harbour
Open 9am – 8pm
Cost: Adult $38 Child $22. Cheaper tickets and specials can be purchased online. See more info at the Madame Tussauds website.

(14) Karaoke Bus
For large groups looking for something different, hire the Karaoke Bus for $65 a person. Unfortunately, you need a minimum number of friends to charter this party on a bus, so this needs to be well planned in advance. Check out the details on the Karaoke Bus website.

(15) Shopping at QVB or the Local Mall
For the practical minded or time-pressed, rainy days provide a great excuse to shop. The Queen Victoria Building provides loads of undercover shopping including access to additional shopping in Centrepoint Tower and Pitt street mall. Alternatively, hit one of the big shopping Malls in your local area.

(16) Comedy Store - Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park
Performances here are generally scheduled in the evening. To see what's currently on, check out the website here.

(17) Imax Cinema
You'll find IMAX cinemas at the Entertainment Quarter at Moore Park and at Darling Harbour .

(18) The Library
Libraries offer the chance to peruse books for free. Try your local library or the State Library in Sydney. It specialises in preserving Australian history and also has an onsite cafe, free wifi and computer access.

(19) Bookstores with Cafes
For those of a literary bent, there are a few things better than a book and a cuppa. Fortunately, there are plenty of options including Ampersand Cafe Bookstor at Paddington, Sapphos Books, Cafe & Wine Bar at Glebe, Gertrude and Alice Bookstore Cafe at Bondi and the Berkelouw's bookshops in Paddington and Leichhardt.

(20) Museums.
Trudging around indoors looking at both old and new-spangled relics, can be strangely fascinating. Try the Powerhouse Museum at Pyrmont, or the Australian National Maritime Museum and Australian Museum in Sydney. For an example of how convicts lived, see the Hyde Park Barracks Museum . Click on the links to check out all you need to know including what's currently on display. For more museums, including Rouse Hill House and Farm, click on this link to the Sydney Living Museums website .