Even on the Sunshine Coast, we're still prone to a rainy day or two! Fortunately, there’s no need to spend it on the couch. Our backyard is packed full of epic adventures that don’t require a beach towel (and yes, there’s plenty for kids and adults alike).
So, turn off the TV and dig out your wet weather gear: these are some of the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast when it rains.
Indulge in cosy eateries
Spicers Tamarind, Maleny
Wet weather means comfort food, so rug up and head out for some hearty eats at your favourite local spots. If you’re looking for ambience, The Spirit House Restaurant and Cooking School in Yandina has a tranquil pond and picturesque garden, while The Tamarind in Maleny serves up plenty of umami Asian flavours. Need an afternoon tipple? Venture up to Flame Hill Vineyard in Montville for wine tasting and locally sourced eats in front of the wood fire. And there’s nothing quite like watching the waves fizz onto the shore on a gloomy day while you're cosy indoors - check out Pavilion Mooloolaba, Embassy XO and the Alex Surf Club.
Sip on craft brews
Blackflag Brewery and Sunshine Coast Craft Beer Tours
Honestly, all weather is good craft beer weather in our opinion, but we’ll happily use the rain as an excuse to do a brewery crawl. With more craft breweries per capita than anywhere else in Australia, no matter where you’re staying on the Sunshine Coast, there’ll be a brewery near you ready to serve up some cold ones. Not sure where to start? Sunshine Coast Craft Beer Tours will take you to meet the brewers behind some of your favourite beers, chauffeuring you from Mooloolaba, all the way to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and north of the Sunshine Coast.
Time for some pampering
Noosa Springs Spa
Treat yourself to a wellness escape and use the rain to rejuvenate your energy levels. With the pitter-patter of rain already setting the scene, allow yourself to relax and unwind. From cosy retreats to luxury spas, scope out our list of five fabulous experiences on the Sunshine Coast. Prepare to get your zen on!
Explore under the sea
SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast
Stay dry while exploring beneath the ocean’s surface with a visit to Sea Life Mooloolaba! Get hands-on in the tidal pool, coo over the colony of Little Blue Penguins, discover the magic of Seal World and hold your breath as you wander through the 80 metre-long Ocean Tunnel while sharks circle around you.
Cook up a storm
Spicers Tamarind Cooking School
Learn a new skill and devour drool-worthy eats at one of the Sunshine Coast’s best cooking schools. Master the art of spices at Red Hot Chilli Pepper in Caloundra; learn the intricacies of Thai cooking in the purpose-built cooking school at Spicers Tamarind Retreat and whip up a curry at Spirit House Cooking School.
Get cultured at an art gallery
The Sunshine Coast is awash with creativity from the hinterland to the seaside. Check out incredible local talent on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Art Trail where you’ll explore the charming towns of Maleny and Montville, wandering through galleries and boutiques. In Caloundra grab your umbrella and marvel at the vibrant street art that covers buildings and laneways (pro tip: be sure to warm up with a coffee and feed at White Picket Fence along the way). And on the northern end, the Noosa Regional Gallery is an absolute must, featuring local and international exhibitions, plus interactive workshops. If you want to get your hands dirty, Frida’s Sip n’ Paint in Mooloolaba will see you sipping wine while crafting your own masterpiece.
Catch a movie
It’s hard to think of anything better suited to a rainy day than a large box of warm popcorn and a movie at the local cinemas. Gather the family and treat yourself to Gold Class at Sunshine Plaza or Kawana Shoppingworld.
Climb to new heights
Get your adrenaline pumping with a visit to Rockit Climbing Gym in Warana and challenge yourself on a variety of rock climbing walls that are suitable for all age groups and skill levels. Want more? Make like Spider-Man at Bould Move and Flow Climbing who offer indoor bouldering and climbing facilities.
Get Swinging
Holey Moley, Maroochydore
Find bowling and mini golf all under one roof at Maroochydore’s Big Top Shopping Centre. There are two different nine-hole courses to choose from at Holey Moley, alongside a massive bowling alley - so you’re guaranteed hours of fun. Best of all, you can refuel at the onsite cafe slinging cheese Kransky hotdogs and loaded waffle fries.
Bounce It Out
The Big Boing Indoor Trampoline Park is a good time in any weather conditions but it’s incredibly helpful when you need to burn off the kids' excess energy on a rainy day. Spanning across 70 interconnecting trampolines with dodgeball, basketball and a giant airbag, this is definitely one for the whole family to enjoy.
You could try these rainy day options
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SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast
Go on an underwater adventure at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast, a multi-award winning, all weather attract
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Queensland Air Museum
Queensland Air Museum is Australias largest and most diverse historic aviation display. Located at C
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Ginger Factory
Open daily with free admission the iconic Ginger Factory is one of the Sunshine Coasts most popular
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Big Boing Indoor Trampoline Park
Fly through the Air! Rebound off the walls! Slam dunk like a Pro! Soar higher than ever! Over 50+ i
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Rush Adventureland
Rush Adventureland is the largest air-conditioned indoor family entertainment on the Sunshine Coast
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Holey Moley Maroochydore
Hope youre ready to rename it the Funshine Coast, Maroochydore, because Holey Moley has brought the
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Alleyoops Indoor Skatepark
Alleyoops Indoor Skatepark is a centrally located indoor skatepark on the Sunshine Coast. Catering t
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Bould Move
Bould Move is one of the largest indoor bouldering (climbing) centres. Bouldering is rock climbing w
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Nutworks
Nutworks is situated at Yandina, across the road from the Ginger Factory. Visitors are welcome to un
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Sunshine Plaza
Sunshine Plaza is Sunshine Coast's premier shopping destination, with over 300 stores and all of you
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Laserzone Sunshine Coast
Laserzone is is a family entertainment centre suitable for all ages featuring Laser Tag, Virtual Rea
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Woodworks Museum and Interpretive Centre
Gympie's Woodworks Museum and Interpretive Centre was first opened by the Queensland Museum and Depa
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Gympie Regional Gallery
The Gympie Regional Gallery is housed in the heritage listed School of Arts Building designed by arc
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Caloundra Regional Art Gallery
Caloundra Regional Gallery presents a changing exhibition program featuring leading local and nation
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Clock Shop
Clock Shop takes you on an incredible journey into the world of clocks. From mechanical cuckoo clock
Rainy day guides
Guide
Top things to do on the Sunshine Coast when it rains
Who doesn't love an excuse to cosy up for a day?
