18 Things To Do In Brisbane On A Rainy Day For The Perfect Silver Lining
BYO umbrella
You can only say ‘rain, rain, go away’ so many times before you have to accept that a storm is here to stay. But don’t let it rain on your parade! We’ve found the silver lining and that’s the plethora of indoor activities Brisbane has to offer to keep you dry and very entertained.
From immersive experiences to retro arcades, here are the best activities to do in Brisbane on a rainy day.
By the way, we consider everyone in this list the best of the best! To make finding your next favourite that much easier, we’ve ordered the list alphabetically by suburb and also have filtering tabs for your convenience. Did we miss someone from the list? Let us know here!
QAGOMA
South Brisbane
Get your culture on and peruse the stunning exhibitions and installations at the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art aka QAGOMA. A wander through the galleries will be sure to keep your shoes dry, eyes open, and your mind inspired. With an in-house cinémathèque, restaurant, cafe, and bistro, why not make a day of it? For those with the little ones, there’s plenty of kid-friendly activities at the Children’s Art Centre to keep them entertained. Open every day from 10am – 5pm, no matter the weather, absorb yourself in some of the best Queensland has to offer.
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Mas & Miek Ceramic House
Newstead
Try your hand at crafting clay, throwing on the wheel, and channeling your inner artist at Mas and Miek’s ceramic studio. Been eyeing off a vase, cup or bowl you saw on Insta? Make it a reality and add your own flair in a workshop catered to all pottery skill levels, from novice to expert. The airy Newstead studio is fully equipped to get the creative juices flowing and have you firing and glazing up like a pro!
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Gin School
Brisbane City
Education is so important, especially when it comes to enrolling here. At Gin School, you can let your ima-gin-ation run free and choose from 180 Australian and exotic botanicals to craft your very own bespoke bottle of gin. By the end of the day, you’ll be a master distiller after being guided through each step of the process. A gin-paired cheese and charcuterie plate will keep you fuelled up, with four delicious cocktails to enjoy on the day and a 500ml bottle of your personally distilled concoction to take home.
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iFLY Indoor Skydiving
Chermside
Not all superheros wear capes. Instead, they wear the neat little flight suits, goggles, and a helmet at iFLY! There’s no need for good weather conditions or jumping out of a plane to get a thrill; you’ll have dedicated instructors teaching you how to master the wind tunnel and feel as free as a bird. Open to a range of ages and abilities, there’s always new skills to master and learn on your flight path.
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B. Lucky & Sons
Fortitude Valley
A lil’ bit of a healthy competition is the easiest way to pass the time, so grab your crew and head on over to B. Lucky & Sons! The player’s paradise is home to a bounty of arcade games and worthy prizes, meaning every day here is fortune-filled. All that hustling is also sure to work up an appetite, but there’s plenty to drink and eat at the bar.
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Holey Moly
Brisbane City, Chermside, Fortitude Valley
Think putt putt, but make it a pop culture wonderland with a pumping bar to boot, and you have yourself Holey Moly. The motto is more is more when it comes to this mini golf mecca, from shark infested waters to the Nine Iron Throne itself. With plenty to eat and drink as well, it’s sure to get you and your crew into the swing of things.
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QPAC
South Bank
The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) hosts the best of local, national and international theatre, music, comedy, dance, and opera. No matter the weather, there’s plenty to see and do. Throughout the week you’ll find matinee performances, headlining shows, activities for kids and festival programs running throughout the season. While popping into QPAC, grab a bite and drink at the bistro, cafe, restaurant, wine bar, or one of the theatre bars.
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City Cave
Multiple Locations
Block out the world and let your stresses float away. City Cave offers float therapy where you can take a dip by yourself or with a pal to send you to the ultimate relaxation station. Deprive your senses in the open pools and float effortlessly without sensations on your body. It’s your choice whether you want silence or calming music in this tranquil space made for inner peace. You can even get some R&R for your mind and body with infrared saunas and massages available.
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Urban Climb
Milton, Newstead, West End
When the rain puts a damper on your day, trade the outdoor peaks for an indoor adventure at Urban Climb. Whether you’re a climbing rookie or a seasoned pro, this indoor bouldering spot has something for everyone – no ropes or harnesses required. Worried about the technicalities? Don’t stress, the team at Urban Climb will show you the reins. Your day is sure to be rock solid!
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Cinebar
Paddington
When it comes to rainy day activities, nothing steals the show quite like a trip to the cinema. At Cinebar in Rosalie Village, you can dive into the latest flicks on screen and let your worries wash away. Plus, you can order mouth-watering pizzas and epic themed cocktails, right from the comfort of your seat. Rainy day forecast: guaranteed cinematic bliss.
Ps. Want to catch more flicks? Check out our pick of Brisbane’s best cinemas here.
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IceWorld
Acacia Ridge, Boondall
Embrace the cold vibes of a rainy day and hit the rink at IceWorld. Gather your pals for a day to remember as you skate and slide to your hearts’ content. And when you need a break, the cosy coffee shop awaits with hot drinks and comfort food to warm you up!
Netherworld Arcade
Fortitude Valley
For gaming enthusiasts, Netherworld Arcade in Fortitude Valley is the ultimate indoor escape from wet weather. From vintage arcades to pinball machines, consoles, and an impressive board game collection, they’ve got everything you need for endless entertainment. Treat yourself to delicious burgers and beer, and roll the dice on an unbeatable day of excitement!
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Vanilla Zulu Culinary Delights
Teneriffe
Why not use a drizzly day to brush up on your cooking skills? Learn some culinary magic from the accredited chefs at Vanilla Zulu with their variety of cooking classes. From mastering the art of authentic Italian pizzas to crafting delicious dumplings and crispy spring rolls, they’ve got the tools to spice up your plans. So, whisk away the grey clouds and chop your way to a day of flavourful fun!
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Hijinx Hotel
Chermside
Enjoy a day of laughter at Hijinx Hotel, where every challenge room is a playground for your wits! With 10 unique challenges, from shooting hoops to mind-bending puzzles, you’re in for the ultimate day of entertainment. In the lobby, you’ll find a feast of food and drinks to keep you fuelled – an epic blend of yum and fun, all under one roof!
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Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq
Bowen Hills
This one-stop destination of good times galore houses retro games for all ages, alongside crazy drinks, bar snacks, and a whole lotta prizes. Sitting conveniently in the King Street precinct, gather the crew and get that competitive streak fired up for ten-pin bowling, VR games, or some classic arcade fun. With your game card keeping tabs on your hard-earned tickets, you can keep racking up the points every time the rain comes to town.
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Escape Hunt
West End
Exercise your mind and experience the thrill at Escape Hunt. Decipher the clues and solve mysteries with 6 unique themes to choose from, including ‘Alice in Puzzleland’ and ‘The Jewel Thief’. It’s the ultimate remedy to banish the wet weather blues and leave you buzzing! For more ways to channel your inner Nancy Drew, check out our round up of Brisbane’s best escape rooms here.
Victoria Park's Golf Sim
Herston
Don’t let the rain stop you from practicing your swing! Victoria Park’s state-of-the-art Golf Sim allows you to play like the pros all around the world inside a private studio capturing the most realistic indoor golf experience. From icons on the PGA tour to the oldest golf course in the world, step a virtual foot on over 80 world-class golf courses or enjoy fun arcade games including, mini golf, bullseye, longest drive, closest to the pin, darts, and more.
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Vend Marketplace
Virginia, Annerley
Raindrops won’t dampen your spirits at Vend Marketplace locations in Virginia and Annerley, where an indoor oasis awaits with over 100 shops from local small businesses. Explore a diverse array of options, including plants, fashion, vintage collectibles, homewares, art, beauty products, and more. To add flavour to your shopping spree, both venues feature a café serving up delicious treats sourced from local suppliers. Rain or shine, you’re in for a treat!
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