Things to do in Sydney when it’s Raining

Sydney has plenty in the way of museums, from art (Art Gallery NSW, Museum of Contemporary Art) to convict history (Hyde Park Barracks Museum), to a bit of everything (Powerhouse Museum). Then there’s the frankly epic Australian National Maritime Museum, a sprawling shangri-la of seafaring vessels that includes a replica of Captain Cook’s HMB Endeavour as well as submarines, Navy destroyers and more. Shelter from the rain and let the learning come to you.

Watch the clouds roll in over the Sydney skyline from your vantage point more than 250 meters above the city streets. Look out for famous landmarks including the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Darling Harbour – those sweeping 360-degree panoramas mean you can spot, well, just about everything. 

Top tip: entry to the Sydney Tower Eye is included with a Sydney pass from Go City, which can save you up to 50% on access to some of the city’s top tours, activities and attractions, including the Australian National Maritime Museum and Sydney Opera House. Find out more and choose your pass here.

Spend an hour discovering the history behind the sails on a guided tour of Sydney Opera House. Your guide will let you in on secrets and insider stories as you wander along some of the 300 corridors and visit parts of the building not open to the general public.

There are plenty of ways to get up close to cute Aussie critters on rainy days in Sydney. In fact, when you can experience the wonders of the WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo without the crowds, meaning you get even closer to the resident koalas, crocs, kangas and wallabies. Or take a walk on the wild side at the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium where sharks, penguins and native dugongs are among the star attractions. And if you prefer your Aussie wildlife a little more... human, there's always Madame Tussauds, where national treasures including Ned Kelly, Steve Irwin, Olivia Newton-John, Rebel Wilson and of course Kylie rub waxy shoulders with other historical figures and Hollywood A-listers.

Top tip: all three of these great rainy day attractions are included with Go City's Sydney attraction pass!

What better way to spend a rainy day than sampling the best wines at Urban Winery Sydney, the city’s only winery? You’ll be given a tasting book and six different wines to try – enjoy the different structures and aromas of each wine over a board of local cheeses and charcuterie. Start the experience as a novice, end as a well-informed local wine expert.

The many ocean pools in and around Sydney, including those at Bondi and Bronte, are far less crowded on rainy days, but the views are just as spectacular. Swimming in an ocean pool can be much less intimidating than entering the surf for a dip, but steer clear if the weather turns stormy or the winds pick up.

The Harbour City is known for its brunch culture. Huddle up with poached eggs, waffles, loaded croissants or breakfast burgers and wash all that delicious food down with a bloody mary. Our favorite spots are Three Blue Ducks (Bronte), Goodfields Eatery (Lindfield), Reuben Hills (Surry Hills) and Bills (Darlinghurst, Surry Hills and Bondi Beach).

Wait out a torrential downpour underground in one of the city’s bars below street level. Head to the Lobo for Caribbean summerhouse vibes and rum cocktails, Palmer and Co for a prohibition era aesthetic and rare whiskies, or Calabur for Asian fusion food during the day and killer cocktails later on.

Entermission is Sydney’s only virtual reality escape room. Grab your friends (up to six people per room) and choose from two adventures, then enter the world of virtual reality. High-tech, real-time hand tracking, and real smells and sensations make this experience truly unforgettable. After your adventure is over, relax and debrief with a complimentary soft drink and biscuits.

Enjoy the peace and quiet inside The State Library of New South Wales – a unique cultural institution overlooking the Botanic Gardens. Admire the grand architecture of the Mitchell Library Reading Room, enjoy a coffee in the café, or watch a free film screening in the projector room.

Catch a new release or an old classic at one of the cinemas in the city. The Golden Age Cinema has just 56 seats and shows indie films as well as the latest releases, while Palace Central Cinema has a whole beer hall, a Champagne bar and an interactive wine wall as well as various food options. Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace on the other hand, is a treasure trove of Art Deco and has an organ which rises out of a stage pit every weekend. There are also plenty of outdoor cinemas in Sydney for when the sun is shining.

Many Sydneysiders have adopted the Cantonese custom of yum cha – a brunchtime feast of dishes accompanied by plenty of jasmine tea. Sydney has lots of restaurants catering specifically to yum cha including a few choice favorites: The Dynasty (try the steamed prawn dumplings), Golden Unicorn (affordable prices and popular with the younger crowd) and Palace Chinese (don’t miss the blistered green beans laced with salt and garlic). Grab your mates and settle in.

Climb the 100 stairs to the top of the lighthouse for spectacular sea views and a slice of Sydney history. Originally designed by convict-architect Francis Greenway in 1818, this site is the longest standing lighthouse site in Australia. Getting to the lighthouse itself does involve a 15 minute walk along the clifftop, so avoid when the weather is stormy.

If you've enjoyed our rundown of the best things to do in Sydney when its raining, you're going to love our all-weather Sydney pass, with up to 50% off entry to all the best attractions, tours and activities in town! Hit the buttons below to find out more and pick your perfect pass.