Raining in Sydney? Don’t let it get you down! Step away from the (almost always) postcard-perfect beaches, and you might be surprised to discover there are so many fun things to do undercover and indoors in Sydney.
1. Get Creative With A Wine & Painting Class
Whether you consider yourself the next Van Gogh, or your art style is more abstract than Picasso’s, you’re destined for a super fun time at one of Sydney’s wine and painting classes! Throughout the night, the staff will provide you with all the tools and guidance, while you’re able to BYO wine (and nibbles!) to drink and let your artistic prowess run free. You’ll walk away with your own hand-made souvenir to take home as well as a tonne of laughs.
You’ll find the best paint and sip studios in Sydney at Cork and Canvas and Cork and Chroma.
2. Take A Day Trip To The Hunter Valley
Australia is known for its world-class wines, which means you can head out for a day of drinking and call it a ‘cultural experience’. Winning!
What’s more, most wineries and cellar doors have cozy interiors with great views of the vineyards, making it a perfect experience for rainy days. While in Sydney, the famous Hunter Valley is the area you’ll want to visit. The Hunter (as we locals like to call it) is an easy day trip, with a range of transport options (including a hop-on or hop-off bus!). Why not make a weekend of it, with our value-packed Harbour to Hunter Escape package?
Feel like a wine experience closer to the city? Check out the range of experiences at Urban Winery right in the heart of Sydney.
3. Catch a Movie At One Of Sydney’s Picturesque Movie Theatres
One up your ‘Netflix and chill’ game, by catching a movie at one of Sydney’s stunning cinemas. Rich in history and beautiful in its interior, the Ritz in Randwick is a heritage-listed institution that has been going since 1937. It’s definitely worth a visit rain, hail or shine! If you find yourself on the northern side of the bridge, then the Hayden Orpheum is another must-see for a day at the movies. Beginning in 1934, the auditorium in the main theatre will set a high standard for all your future movie days! And finally, the State Theatre is Sydney’s most iconic venue for film, theatre, music and more. For love at first sight, this is a must-visit!
Budget travel hacks! Tuesdays are commonly referred to as ‘Cheap Tuesdays’ as this is when the cheapest tickets usually are! Also: BYO popcorn and movie snacks, so you avoid the extra $$ at the candy bar.
4. Tickle Your Taste Buds With Cafe Hopping
Let’s be real: Aussie cafes are bloody rippers! What better excuse to go cafe hopping and load up on the best of Australian brunches, lunches, sweet treats (and more!) than a rainy day. Some particularly good meals out there you need to try, include: the classic Aussie ‘smashed avo’ (avocado on toast), fresh açai bowls, fluffy pancakes, and a perfectly brewed flat white coffee.
Pockets like Surry Hills, Alexandria, Bondi Beach, Newtown and Redfern all have many delicious eateries, which means you can spend the whole day taste testing. What more could one wish for! Sing out to any of the Wake Up! team for their recommendations.
Vegan? Check out our list of vegan eats in Bondi!
5. Check Out Some Cool Museums & Art Galleries
Many of Sydney’s great museums and galleries are located in the inner-city, which means you can spend less time getting soaked, and more time soaking up Aussie history.
The Museum of Contemporary Art will spark your creativity, being Australia’s leading contemporary museum; the famous Art Gallery of NSW is an amazing space + a must-visit (it also stays open ’til 10pm every Wednesday for #ArtAfterHours).
Some of the coolest museums are also located in the inner-city area. The Museum of Sydney will give you an intro to Sydney’s history – from stories of Aboriginal peoples to British colonization. Then, there is Susannah Place Museum – a fascinating block of four terrace houses that housed over 100 families for nearly 150 years. And finally, the Powerhouse Museum is an interactive space focusing on space, technology, the arts, and science.
6. Catch A Show At The Opera House
The Opera House has a packed daily schedule of events in all genres. So whether you’re into comedy shoes, cabaret, magic or more, a drizzly day is the perfect opportunity to check out what’s on at the Opera House. An extra budget tip for those looking to save their cash: every day at 12pm during summer 2021, they’ll be releasing $21 tickets – keep your eyes out!
7. Have A Party Undercover
One of Sydney’s best student bars – Side Bar – is conveniently located right below Wake Up! Sydney Central, which makes it the perfect rainy-day nightclub. With a party every night – and generous Happy Hour deals – you can be sure the rain won’t get your spirits down.
8. Get Active Indoors
Get active indoors! Try out 9 Degrees Indoor Bouldering gym which is open to all levels of experience, or unleash your inner-Dodgeball warrior at SkyZone. And don’t forget – as a Wake Up! Sydney Central guest, you can receive discounted pass to Jetts Fitness Centre – just pop by reception to find out how!
9. Deepen Your Friendship Over An Escape Room
You’ve met new roomies in your dorm, but now what? Why not get together, and head out for a code-cracking day out at one of Sydney’s coolest Escape Rooms! Close to the city, you have a huge range of choices, including Paniq Room, Next Level Escape, Mission Escape, and The Escape Hunt.
10. Go To Town On Yum Cha
Not that you need an excuse for endless dumplings and a yum cha feast, but on a rainy day? This is the perfect place to be. While away the day at one of Sydney’s many magnificent yum cha joints, like Marigold in the CBD or Palace Chinese Restaurant where you can take your pick from around 80 different varieties of steamed, deep fried, baked, sweet, savoury and spicy dim sum to choose from.