How to spend a rainy day in Sydney: 30+ fun ideas for locals or visitors

Don’t let a rainy day in Sydney ruin your fun. We have created a list of activities that will help you find worthy things to do when bad weather hits. While some are for those of you visiting on a holiday, there are plenty of options for locals too.

When thinking about things to do in Sydney, it’s easy to picture sunny harbour walks and beach days. But with over 130 rainy days each year, there’s actually a 1 in 3 chance you’ll catch some wet weather in our harbour city.

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Here’s the good news though – some of Sydney’s best experiences are even better when it rains. While tourists huddle under their umbrellas wondering what to do next, locals know this is when the city’s historic pubs feel most atmospheric, when the fish markets are less crowded, and when the Art Gallery of NSW’s harbor views turn dramatically moody.

Got kids? Check out this list of ways to entertain Sydney kids in the rain.

Cultural Experiences

Rainy days are perfect for uncovering the city’s stories. Whether you’re a history buff, art lover, or just curious about cultures, Sydney has indoor spots to keep you entertained and dry. You’ll find everything from historic homes that transport you back in time to contemporary galleries showcasing the latest work from Australia and beyond.

Take the audio tour at Hyde Park Barracks

As you wander through Hyde Park Barracks, built to house convicts in Sydney, you’ll discover immersive exhibits showing the city’s past and the lives of it’s earliest inhabitants.

Technology and original artworks combine to tell the story of colonial Sydney

Discover everyday objects found during the building’s restoration and hear real stories from letters and notes about the people who lived and worked here.

Thanks to the audio tour, you can explore the waves of people who called this place home and understand the significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site, all while staying dry.

Where: Hyde Park Barracks, Queen’s Square, Macquarie Street, Sydney
When: daily 10am-5pm (closed Christmas Day and Good Friday)
Nearest transport: Martin Place or St James Station are both a few minutes walk from the entrance.



Step back in time at Elizabeth Bay House

Take a look at a different side of life in Colonial Sydney when a rainy day meant needlework or endless games of patience for the residents of Elizabeth Bay House.

This mansion in Potts Point, was once home to Colonial Secretary Alexander Macleay and family. Inside this grand residence, you’ll be transported to the 1830s. Explore elegant nineteenth-century interiors in the drawing and dining rooms.

Elizabeth Bay House

Enjoy the refined architecture and stories of past inhabitants. This mansion is a Regency design masterpiece and a glimpse into Sydney’s colonial history.


Where: Elizabeth Bay House, 7 Onslow Avenue, Elizabeth Bay
When: Friday to Sunday, 10am-4pm (closed public holidays)
Nearest transport: the 311 bus will drop you 4 minutes walk away. From Kings Cross Station its about a 10 minute walk.

Learn about Sydney’s Jewish community at Sydney Jewish Museum

Sydney has over 20 museums, but this museum often goes unnoticed. Its four permanent exhibits offer a profound journey through Jewish history.

Witness Holocaust remnants, explore Judaism’s faith and traditions, and gain insight into Jewish culture in Australia.

Permanent exhitions include:

  • Culture and Continuity: Journey through Judaism
  • Serving Australia: The Jewish Involvement in Australian Military History
  • The Holocaust
  • The Holocaust and Human Rights

Where: 148 Darlinghurst Road, Darlinghurst
When: Sunday to Thursday, 10am-4pm (closed Jewish holidays)
Nearest public transport: 389 bus stops 2 minutes walk from the entry.


Discover the world of Contemporary Chinese Art

The White Rabbit Gallery, which exhibits what some say is the world’s top collection of Chinese contemporary art, opened in 2009. The collection, owned by philanthropist Judith Neilson, is focused on pieces created in the 21st century.

Due to space limitations, the Gallery presents two new exhibitions annually. This necessitates a complete rehang each time. Consequently, it closes for installations, typically in February and August.

The White Rabbit Gallery, a registered charitable institution, is entirely funded by Judith Neilson, and admission is free.

Where: White Rabbit Gallery, 30 Balfour Street, Chippendale
When: Thursday to Sunday, 10am-5pm (closed public holidays)
Nearest transport: Central Station – take the Devonshire Street Tunnel

The Art Gallery of NSW houses a large collection of Australian, Indigenous, and European works. You can take a free guided tour or visit on Wednesday nights for free performances.

Regenerator by Wona Bae & Charlie Lawler

There are two restaurants and a cafe, so if you combine a leisurely lunch with your visit, you could spend half a day here. See if you can find the Spirit House in the North Wing.

Where: Art Gallery Road, The Domain, Sydney
When: Daily 10am-5pm, 10pm Wednesdays (closed Christmas Day)
Nearest transport: St James or Martin Place Station or the 441 Bus stops right outside


Check out the artworks along the Sydney Metro

Sydney’s new transport route from Crows Nest to Sydenham has opened up previously hard-to-reach parts of the city. The stations feature impressive artworks worth seeing, along with making it quicker and easier to move around.

Gadigal Metro Station Artwork Sydney
Each metro station features large scale artworks

Read our coverage and pick a couple of stops to explore.

Where: Crows Nest to Waterloo. Highlights are Barangaroo, Gadigal, and Waterloo Stations.
When: 5am to Midnight

Explore a submarine and a tall ship

The Australian Maritime Museum showcases Australia’s naval history through family-friendly exhibits and interactive displays.

The museum has galleries on indigenous and colonial history, and a collection of vessels visitors can board and explore.

Aboriginal bark canoe

Veteran volunteers who have worked on the vessels are ready to answer questions and highlight the ships, including a submarine and a replica of an early fleet ship.

The museum has temporary exhibits that change periodically. Currently, you can dive into filmmaker James Cameron’s extraordinary deep-sea world through this immersive exhibition showcasing his record-breaking ocean exploration, featuring the revolutionary Deepsea Challenger submersible he co-designed for his historic journey to the planet’s deepest point.

Where: 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour
When: Daily 10am-4pm (closed Christmas Day)
Nearest transport: Pyrmont Bay Wharf or Convention Centre



Check out the Australian Museum

The Australian Museum is the best place in Sydney to learn about Australia’s First Peoples.

The First Australians exhibition explores the rich cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It highlights personal stories about the impact of colonisation and the resilience of these communities using multimedia and interactive displays.

One of the First Nation’s galleries

The exhibition features over 20,000 objects, from ancient tools to contemporary artworks, highlighting Earth’s longest continuous cultures. One striking feature is the variety of stunning pieces by Indigenous artists, reflecting their profound connection to land, sea, and sky.

Where: Australian Museum, 1 William Street, Sydney
When: Daily 10am-5pm (closed Christmas Day and Good Friday)
Nearest public transport: Museum Station

Want more? Check out this list of the 20 best museums and galleries in Sydney for inspiration.

Maritime and Animal Adventures

Rain doesn’t mean you can’t get up close with Australia’s wildlife. These indoor attractions bring the wonders of land and sea to you, no umbrella (or wetsuit) required. From cuddly koalas to scary sharks, you’ll find all sorts of creatures to observe while staying dry.

Meet Australia’s marine life at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium.

Visit the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium for a day of aquatic discoveries. Glide beneath sharks, waddle with penguins, and float alongside rare dugongs as you explore Sea Life Sydney Aquarium’s underwater wonderland.

Just one of the beautiful creatures at SeaLife Sydney

Over 700 fascinating marine creatures bring Australia’s rich ocean life right to your fingertips – all while staying perfectly dry in the heart of Darling Harbour.

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, a shark dive might be perfect.

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Where: 1-5 Wheat Road, Darling Harbour, Sydney
When: Daily 10am-5pm (closed Christmas Day)
Nearest public transport: Town Hall Train Station or Pyrmont Bay Light Rail

Listen to a keeper talk at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

While Wildlife Zoo is small and many prefer a larger zoo, it has a lot to offer. It’s an excellent option in bad weather.

Wildlife Zoo offers indoor and outdoor zones perfect for escaping the weather

There are 10 zones featuring Australian animals. You can see well-known favourites like kangaroos and koalas and lesser-known ones like Tasmanian devils, bilbies, and sugar gliders.

Every 30 minutes between 11am and 3pm, informative keeper talks are offered, providing a more intimate experience than at Taronga Zoo. You can also book breakfast with the koalas.

You can buy a combined entry ticket for Sealife Sydney and Wildlife Zoo.

Where: 1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney
When: Daily 10am-4pm
Cost: $40 adults, $65 combo with Sealife Sydney

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Food and drink experiences

There’s something about rain that makes food taste better. Perhaps it’s knowing you’ve found the perfect excuse to spend a few hours at a table, or maybe it’s just that everything feels more cozy when you’re warm inside and the weather’s wild outside.

Whatever it is, Sydney’s food scene truly comes alive on wet days. From steaming bowls of dumplings in Haymarket to craft beer flights in cozy Marrickville breweries, these are the spots locals go to when the clouds roll in.

Settle in for an afternoon at a local brewery.

Many breweries near Sydenham train station and bus stops are in Sydney’s Inner West, so you won’t get too wet if you leave the car at home.

Learn everything you have ever wanted to know about beer

We have a self-guided brewery tour in Marrickville that lets you visit a whole bunch of spots without getting too wet!

Where: Various Marrickville breweries (near Sydenham Station)
When: Check brewery websites for hours
Nearest transport: Sydenham Station



Learn about Australian Wine

Handpicked Wines in Chippendale is a few minutes’ walk from White Rabbit Gallery. If you don’t have time for a Hunter Valley day trip but want to taste a range of Australian wines, it’s a great spot to visit.

You can choose from 50 wines from vineyards in the Barossa Valley, Tamar Valley (Tasmania), Yarra Valley, and Mornington Peninsula (Victoria).

Order a flight and matching cheese platter or book a guided tasting.

Where: 50 Kensington Street, Chippendale
When: Daily 11am-9pm
Nearest transport: Central Station

Head to the pub for a proper roast dinner

A pub roast dinner is a great way to chase away the rainy day blues. While Sydney has many pubs with great meals, a couple stand out for their outstanding roasts.

Indulge in a traditional British Sunday roast at The Duke of Clarence, with a choice of premium meats including British-bred beef sirloin, succulent porchetta, and tender lamb, all priced at $34, or opt for a vegetarian roasted pumpkin with wild rice at $28.

Where: The Duke of Clarence, Laneway, 152/156 Clarence Street, Sydney
When: 11am-10pm
Nearest public transport: Circular Quay Station or bus walk from Barangaroo Metro


Take a cooking class

Have you always wanted to make perfect pasta or master the art of dumpling making? Class Bento offers hundreds of cooking classes in Sydney covering almost every cuisine you can think of.

You too can learn to make the perfect dumpling!

Learn to prepare Japanese street food, make cheese, or develop your knife skills to slice and dice like a MasterChef. Classes are in the city and suburbs, making it easy to find something nearby.

Enjoy High Tea at the QVB

If you prefer to reminisce about the good old days over tea and pretty pastries, Sydney offers delicious high tea options from a bushland and harbourside setting at Gunners Barracks, best saved for a sunny day.

Afternoon Tea QVB tearoom
Afternoon Tea QVB tearoom

In wet weather, we love the offerings in the historic Queen Victoria Building.

Add themed options at different times of year in Sydney’s five-star hotels, and you’ll have plenty to choose from.

Where: Level 3, North End, Queen Victoria Building, Sydney
When: Open daily, 10am-4pm (reservations recommended)
Nearest public transport: Town Hall Station


Discover your favourite small bar

Many of Sydney’s best small bars are between Town Hall and Wynyard station. This makes it easy to pull together a self-guided tour and stay relatively dry.

Discover Sydney’s small bars and make new friends on a bar tour

Our crawl starts at Papa Gede’s on Kent Street, moves on to Since I Left You for a huge Fintan Magee mural, then to Old Mate’s Place and finishes at Jolene’s just around the corner on York Street.

If you want someone to show you around book a Local Sauce bar tour.

Where: Small bars between Town Hall and Wynyard Station
When: Generally from 4pm, check individual bar websites for hours
Nearest transport: Town Hall or Wynyard Station


Eat your body weight in dumplings

Do you have a favourite dumpling place in Sydney? I’m partial to Lilong at Darling Square. The dumplings are great, the dining area is beautiful, and the staff are friendly.

Lilong before lunch service
Lilong is a few minutes from Haymarket lightrail stop

Another favourite, Nanjing Dumpling, is a few minutes’ walk away. It is the perfect spot to grab takeaway dumplings to eat in Tumbalong Park.

Where: Lilong Darling Square or Nanjing Dumpling, 8 Quay St, Haymarket
When: Open daily, 11am-9pm
Nearest public transport: Haymarket light rail stop

Create your own Gin

At Archie Rose Distilling Company’s Blend Your Own Gin class, you’ll become a gin distiller for two hours. Working with pure botanical distillates, you’ll craft your own unique recipe, guided by expert distillers who’ll share their knowledge of gin-making and the stories behind different botanicals.

I thoroughly enjoyed the guided tasting at Archie Rose

You’ll learn about the art of balancing flavours while experimenting with native Australian ingredients like lemon myrtle and Dorrigo pepperleaf, alongside traditional botanicals such as juniper and coriander seed. Best of all, you’ll take home two bottles of your personal gin creation.

The experience includes a G&T on arrival and guided tastings throughout. Book ahead as these sessions are popular, especially on weekends.

Where: Archie Rose Distilling Co., 85 Dunning Avenue, Rosebery
When: Sessions Wednesday-Sunday (check website for times)
Nearest public transport: Green Square Station (15-min walk) or 301/343 bus
Cost: From $165 per person (includes 2 bottles of your custom gin)

Active Indoor Adventures

Feeling stir-crazy? These indoor activities will get your heart racing and adrenaline pumping. From rock climbing to axe throwing, there’s plenty to keep you active, even when the weather’s rubbish.

Get an adrenaline rush at iFly in Penrith

When you leap into the vertical wind tunnel, you’ll feel like you’ve jumped from a plane – without the aircraft and altitude! It’s an exciting yet safe experience. Highly trained instructors stay with you, providing instructions and ensuring your safety.

Enjoying iFLY Downunder, Penrith Credit: Destination NSW

The immense wind speed gives you the sensation of free-falling without leaving the ground. You can perform twists, turns, and flips under their guidance. Fun for all ages, it’s the ideal activity for a rainy day in Sydney.

Where: iFly Downunder, 123 Mulgoa Road, Penrith
When: Open daily, check iFly website for session times
Nearest transport: Penrith Station


Chuck an axe at Maniax

You might be surprised to know that axe-throwing can be a fun indoor activity. It’s not just for lumberjacks or Vikings, but for anyone wanting a unique way to unwind.

Challenge yourself to aim accurately under Maniax’s expert guidance, perfect for a rainy day in Sydney. After, explore a brewery in Marrickville.

Don’t reverse the order – be sober to throw axes.

Where: Maniax Axe Throwing, 75 Mary Street, St Peters
When: Open daily, check the website for session times
Nearest transport: St Peters Station

Embrace the cold and go ice skating

While Sydney lacks snowfalls, you can indulge in winter fun with ice skating. Beginners can get friendly instruction, while experienced skaters can enjoy the vast, well-maintained rink.

Located within Macquarie Shopping Centre and easily accessible by metro, this Olympic-sized rink offers the perfect wet-weather escape for all ages and skill levels.

Macquarie Ice Rink

Whether you’re a first-time skater or seasoned pro, you can glide across the impressive 60m x 30m ice surface, with skate hire available on-site. Join a casual public session, try a lesson, or simply watch the action from the 2,000-seat viewing area. It’s an ideal way to turn a gloomy day into an exciting indoor experience.

Where: Macquarie Ice Rink, Macquarie Shopping Centre, North Ryde
Nearest public transport: Macquarie University Station
Cost: from $20

Bowl a perfect round at Mascot

Step back in time at Manhattan Superbowl, Sydney’s only retro-themed tenpin bowling alley, where vintage meets modern entertainment. Originally a 1960s bowling alley, this Gardeners Road gem has preserved its classic charm while offering 24 lanes of bowling action, complete with a Pontiac Bar and sun-drenched Beer Garden.

Man's hand holding a red bowling ball ready to throw it
Bowls, beers and burgers make for a perfect indoor day

Beyond bowling, the Future Zone Arcade features over 30 games including Mario Kart P, basketball, and air hockey.

Connected to the Newmarket Hotel, it’s Sydney’s unique “Pub n Bowl” venue, perfect for rainy day fun, parties, or corporate events.

Where: Manhattan Superbowl, 549 Gardeners Road, Mascot
When: Open daily, check the website for session times
Nearest public transport: Mascot Station

Burn off some energy at an indoor trampoline park.

Looking for an exhilarating way to spend a rainy day? Sydney’s indoor trampolining parks are perfect for all ages. They offer a chance to defy gravity and a fantastic workout.

Venues like Flip Out with more than a dozen locations in NSW including Caringbah and Penrith have wall-to-wall trampolines, dodgeball courts, and foam pits.

It’s a thrilling way to bounce away rainy day gloom, and it’s not just for kids! Whether you want to practice aerial tricks or just jump for joy, indoor trampolining parks are a fun and energetic option for everyone.

Where: Flip Out across NSW
When: Open daily, check the website for session times
Cost: $28 for a 2 hour session

Climb the walls – literally at an Indoor Rock Climbing

Do you think you’re a bit of a Spider-Man? If so, put on your climbing shoes and head to one of Sydney’s top indoor climbing gyms. You have a couple of options.

In North Sydney, there’s the 9 Degrees bouldering gym. It’s a massive space with walls of all angles and difficulties. No ropes here, just crash mats and your own strength to stay off the ground. Perfect for beginners and seasoned climbers alike.

indoor rock climbing
Climb the walls literally

If you’re near the Inner West, check out Sydney Indoor Climbing Gym in St Peters. This place has both bouldering and top-rope climbing, with auto-belay systems for solo climbers.

Both spots offer classes for beginners, and they’re always changing the routes to keep things interesting. It’s a great way to get the blood pumping and challenge yourself while staying dry.

Where: 9 Degrees North Sydney, 1/15 Atchison St, St Leonards OR Sydney Indoor Climbing Gym, 4C/1-7 Unwins Bridge Rd, St Peters
Cost: Around $22-25 for a casual climb

Entertainment and nightlife

Looking for something different? These quirky attractions offer experiences not found in a tourist guide. Perfect for spicing things up on a wet day.

Belt out a ballad in a private karaoke room

Do you love singing in the shower? If so, invite your inner diva out to play in public and book yourself an hour or two in one of Sydney’s karaoke rooms. With an extensive song list and a bar menu to lubricate your vocal cords, this is a fun way to spend a few hours. There’s no rule that karaoke can only be at the end of a big night!

Karaoke is a great way to hide from the rain

The city has many karaoke bars, like ‘Karaoke World’ on Elizabeth Street. They offer private rooms for shy singers and larger spaces for those who want to torture their friends!

Where: Karaoke World, 185 Elizabeth Street, Sydney
When: Open Thursday to Saturday 5pm to 4am
Nearest transport: Museum Station

Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq

Do you love Sideshow Alley at the Easter Show or a country fair? Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq is an indoor circus-themed arcade bar filled with fun attractions like dodgem cars, a bowling alley, and virtual reality games.

Why wait till the Easter Show for arcade games and dodgems

HiJinks Hotel, an escape room venue, lets you work with your partner or team to “escape” from as many rooms as possible in a set time.

Where: 75 O’Riordan Street, Alexandria
When: Open daily, check Archie Brothers website for times
Nearest transport: Green Square Station

Book a matinee performance at the theatre.

To save money on your theatre experience, book an afternoon performance. These are usually on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 1 or 2pm in Sydney.

Annie will play in Sydney in 2025 Credit: Jeff Busby

You will usually need to book these in advance, but you might get lucky.

Check the monthly what’s on listings for ideas.

Treat yourself to Gold Class at Palace Platinum

For a boutique cinema experience, Palace Platinum is the way to go. This premium offering, located at Palace Cinemas in Central Park and Norton Street, features luxurious recliners, an exclusive lounge, and a sophisticated menu with fine wines, craft beers, and gourmet food. With its focus on comfort and style, it transforms movie-going into an indulgence.

Where:

  • Palace Central, Level 3, Central Park Mall, 28 Broadway, Chippendale
  • Palace Norton Street, 99 Norton Street, Leichhardt When: Check Palace Cinemas website for session times Where: Palace Norton Street, 99 Norton Street, Leichhardt Nearest public transport: Central Station (for Central Park) or Light Rail (for Norton Street)

Just for Fun

Looking for something different? These quirky attractions offer unique experiences not found in tourist guides. Perfect for adding variety on a rainy day.

Have selfie fun at Madame Tussauds Sydney

Entering Madame Tussauds Sydney on a rainy day, you’re met with glitz and glamour. Stroll down the red carpet, snap a selfie with lifelike wax figures of film star Chris Hemsworth and legendary singer Kylie Minogue.

Are you a superhero?

This place is home to sporting legends and political greats. You’ll be mesmerised by cricketing icons Sachin Tendulkar, Shane Warne, or Donald Bradman and feel the power beside Barack Obamaor Gandhi.

Where: Madame Tussauds Sydney, 1-5 Wheat Road, Darling Harbour
When: Open daily 10am-5pm (extended hours during school holidays)
Nearest public transport: Town Hall Station or Pyrmont Bay Wharf

Escape the room

Escape rooms in Sydney offer a thrilling and intellectually stimulating way to spend a rainy day. These indoor adventures challenge you to solve puzzles and riddles within a thematic setting that immerses you in different worlds—from historical mysteries to futuristic scenarios.

Escape Hunt and The Cipher Room offer various storylines for all interests and skill levels. Whether it’s your first time or you’re an escape room aficionado, there are plenty of options to ignite excitement.

Gather friends or family, as these experiences are best enjoyed in teams. Communication and cooperation are key, making it a perfect bonding activity. Many escape rooms cater to groups of up to five, ensuring a shared experience.

Where: Escape Hunt, 4/393 George St, Sydney
When: Open daily, check Escape Hunt website for session times
Nearest public transport: Town Hall Station

Relaxation and Wellness

A rainy day calls for pampering or burning off some energy. These spots are perfect for when you want to relax and unwind while the rain continues outside.

Take an indoor dip at the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre

Escape the downpour and dive into the warmth at the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre. This modern urban facility, named after Australia’s swimming legend, boasts three heated indoor pools.

You can enjoy a relaxing swim, join fitness classes, or enjoy the spa facilities.

Cook and Phillip Park, right near St. Mary’s Cathedral, is a little more central.

Where: Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre, 458 Harris Street, Ultimo
When: Daily, check Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre website for session times
Nearest public transport: Central Station

Book a massage and some pampering at a day spa

For the ultimate luxury spa experience, head to The Day Spa by Chuan at The Langham, Sydney.

Day Spa by Chuan at The Langham, Sydney.

This high-end spa boasts a serene atmosphere with lavish treatments designed to rejuvenate both body and mind. Enjoy a relaxing massage, a revitalizing facial, or a full-body treatment in one of their private rooms.

The Langham’s signature treatments incorporate traditional Chinese medicine principles, ensuring a unique and holistic experience. Don’t forget to take advantage of their indoor heated pool and serene relaxation area to complete your day of indulgence.

Where: The Langham, 89-113 Kent Street, Millers Point
When: Open daily, check The Langham website for availability
Nearest public transport: Wynyard Station


Enjoy a Japanese Onsen Experience at Ryokan Gojyuan

Visit Ryokan Gojyuan for a unique escape. This hidden gem offers a traditional Japanese onsen experience right in the heart of Sydney.

The guest house features hot spring baths that are perfect for soaking away stress. You can also enjoy massages and other wellness treatments here. Book a 2 hour bathhouse visit or splurge on an overnight stay.

Where: 208 Darling St, Balmain
Nearest public transport: Ferry from Circular Quay to Balmain East Wharf

Shopping and Bargain Hunting

If retail therapy is your thing, you’re in luck. Sydney’s got plenty of places to flex your credit card while staying dry, from massive shopping centres to quirky op shops.

Shop for a lavish meal at Carriageworks Saturday Market

This is one Farmer’s Market where a horrible wet morning does not interfere with finding a bargain. The market is located in the old railway sheds a short walk from Redfern Station.

carriageworks market sydney
Buy Australia bush spices and jams at Carriageworks

Pick up a week’s fruit and veg, local cheeses, fresh flowers and lots more.

You will find plenty of opportunities to taste local produce as suppliers happily share their goods. If you want more to eat, there are some stalls selling breakfast and lunch.

Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh
When: Every Saturday, 8am-1pm
Nearest public transport: Redfern Station

Visit one of Sydney’s mega shopping centres

While we may not have any malls that rival the size of those in Bangkok, Sydney has a few that stand out.

Westfield Bondi Junction and Parramatta feature 500 stores each. The Macquarie Centre has fewer shops, but it has a great mix of dining and entertainment.

Westfield Parramatta has over 500 stores to explore

Westfield Bondi Junction is known for its high-end fashion retailers and stylish vibe, while Parramatta has a good mix of local and international brand names.

These centres are ideal for a bit of retail therapy, no matter what the weather’s like outside.

Where: Find the closes one to you on here. All three centres can be reached easily by public transport.


Hunt down bargains on an op shopping day

There are a few op shopping, or thrifting hotspots in Sydney. Newtown, just a short bus or train ride from the city, is home to a great collection of eclectic vintage and op shops.

Everything from retro fashion and old-school vinyl to unique homewares and rare collectibles is on offer. Whether you’re after a one-of-a-kind outfit or just browsing for fun, Newtown’s op shops promise plenty of treasure to uncover.

There are several antique and thrift stores along King Street in Newtown

While you are in Newtown check out the street art that adorns the local walls.

Where: King Street Newtown
When: Daily from 10am (closed public holidays)
Nearest transport: St Peters or Newtown stations

Where will you go?

Rain might not be in your plans, but Sydney has heaps of indoor activities to keep you entertained, regardless of the weather. From exploring cool museums and galleries to indulging in delicious food and trying out some thrilling adventures, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.

These rainy day activities will keep the boredom at bay, whether you’re a visitor or a local. So next time it starts pouring, don’t just stay cooped up inside. Get out there and explore a different side of Sydney that’s just as exciting and fun.

Have questions about things to see and do in Sydney?
Head over and join our Facebook Group and we will be happy to help.

Have questions about things to see and do in Sydney?
Head over and join our Facebook Group and we will be happy to help.

Paula Morgan

Paula Morgan, a born-and-bred Sydney resident, has been sharing this city and its secret spots for over 15 years. She's not just about the iconic landmarks; she's loves the hidden alleys adorned with street art, and the joy of discovering a new café or a fabulous restaurant.

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