When the weather on the Gold Coast/Kombumerri Country takes a turn for the drizzly, it might seem like your plans for sun-soaked beach days and alfresco dining have gone out the window. But fear not.
The Gold Coast is packed with awesome indoor activities that sparkle just as brightly as the coastline itself. From cosy cafes to adrenaline-pumping adventures, the Urban List team has rounded up the ultimate rainy day activities to keep you entertained.
Say Cheers To A Brewery Tour
With popular and often award-winning craft breweries including Balter, Burleigh Brewing, Black Hops, Precinct Brewing, Hard FIZZ HQ and Lost Palms all calling the Gold Coast home, a rainy day spent brewery crawling is definitely a full day out, well spent.
Be Inspired At HOTA Gallery
Image Credit: HOTA Gallery | Supplied
Be inspired by over 4, 400 incredible artworks on display at HOTA Gallery. This stunning gallery is the largest public gallery outside a capital city in Australia, so you can expect it to be absolutely incredible. The beauty is that you can visit time and time again, and always see something different.
Whether you’re hitting up the latest touring exhibition, taking the little ones to the Children’s Gallery or visiting the whopping four floors of acquired collections, there will always be something to amuse, delight, provoke and astonish. If budget isn't any issue, you can enjoy views from the rooftop Exhibitionist Bar or indulge in fine-class dining at Palette Restaurant.
Nab Some Op Shop Bargains
Gold Coast has more op shops that you can poke a stick at, and with the well-heeled GC crowd regularly discarding the most recent season’s fashions in favour of the latest trends, you’re likely to find plenty of high-quality gear at stellar prices. Burleigh and Nerang between them alone, have at least a dozen excellent spots, and there are plenty more across the coast.
Let The Little Ones Loose On An Indoor Playground
Image Credit: Bounce | Supplied
When the rain decides to make a surprise appearance, navigating the world of indoor play becomes essential for keeping the kids entertained. From trampoline parks to ninja academies and inflatable playgrounds, here are the Gold Coast's best indoor playgrounds. Just plug those addresses into your GPS and hit the road—oh, and don't overlook the crucial detail: pack the kids' socks.
Hit Up Miami Marketta
The beauty of Miami Marketta is that it has all the feels and fresh air of an outdoor venue while being totally covered, so you can enjoy it rain, hail or shine. Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday you can chow down on a range of tasty international dishes while listening to free live music. It’s totally family-friendly, too.
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Caffeinate Yourself At The Gold Coast’s Best Cafes
Image Credit: Tarte Bakery | Brooke Darling Photography
If there is one thing we’re equally proud as of as our glittering coastline, it’s our love for good coffee, beautifully crafted breakfasts and the humble weekend brunch. We’ve eatn our way through a swag of cafes you should have been to if you live on the Gold Coast and if you're just visiting then this is your ultimate breakfast hit-list. Contrast the bad weather outside with a delicious cuppa inside.
Try Your Hand At Bowling
Ten pin bowling is one of Australia’s favourite indoor sports for a load of reasons, but frankly we’re just in it for the snazzy shoes. You’ll definitely find a spot near you in our ultimate guide to bowling on the Gold Coast.
Take A Visit To Jellurgal Centre
This impactful Indigenous cultural centre in Burleigh Heads will open your eyes to the fascinating art and stories of the Gold Coast’s first nations people and rich history of the area. Immerse yourself in First Nations culture with a guided walk around Jellurgal (the Burleigh Headland) or if it's raining, you can browse the centre, filled with paintings in the Art Gallery and learn about Aboriginal artefacts.
Explore the Frugal Foodie Scene
If you’re not that into booze, try a foodie crawl instead. You can try out a dish from a bunch of your local favourite eateries for less with our guide to cheap and tasty eats on the Gold Coast.
Go Record Shopping
Vinyl lovers may well take up the opportunity to bolster their collections with a lazy rainy day browse through the Gold Coast’s funky record sellers like Butter Beats, Badlands Vinyl and beloved Broady institution, Beatniks.
Play Mini Golf At Holey Moley
You can order an espresso martini with a side of golf? Now that's winning. Holey Moley is where cocktails and bar snacks collide with crazy putt putt golf and good times galore. Located in Surfers Paradise, nine holes here will set you back $18 per person, just bring extra cash for beers and burgs.
Brave The Rockface
Fun AND a workout? Sign us up. The Gold Coast’s indoor rock climbing craze isn’t going anywhere, and it won’t break the bank either. Check out our list of hotspots here.
Indulge At The Gold Coast’s Best Restaurants
There’s no denying the Gold Coast of 2024 is a culinary paradise. From north to south, from fine dining institutions to newly established eateries, the hardest part about dining out on the Gold Coast is choosing where to go. Here’s 25 of the Gold Coast’s best restaurants, perfect for those rainy days.
Get Your Foodie-Gram on
Image Credit: Elk Espresso | Jade Quinlivan Photography
Did you know that cloudy days give the best light for photography? Take advantage of it by hitting up some of Gold Coast’s most aesthetically-pleasing dishes, and make your followers drool with envy. Think Elk Espresso, Bam Bam Bakehouse and Side Piece Coffee, just to name a few.
Get In The Spirit Of Things
If craft spirits strike your fancy, you’re lucky, as Gold Coast distilleries are also on the rise. Hit up Husk, Granddad Jack’s, Wildflower and more for a lovingly crafted gin or wet your whistle with the liquor of your choice.
Munch Down On Bakery Treats
Gold Coasters are spoilt for choice when it comes to quality bakeries. From the gut-healing goodness of Burleigh Baker’s sourdough to the luxurious silky goodness of the tarts at Custard Canteen, you don’t want to pass up the opportunity for a top shelf pastry on a gloomy day.
Grab The Latest Lit From A Local Bookstore
Books and rainy days just seem to go hand in hand, don’t they? It’s the perfect opportunity to head to your local seller and browse the stacks for your next read. Bookface is popular for its range and café, Big B Book Exchange in Burleigh is where to go when you’re looking for a bargain, and Bookness is Mudgeeraba has the quaintest vibe we’ve seen in a while, complete with a gorgeous kid’s corner and yummy treats.
Looking for more Gold Coast restaurants? Check out:
Main image credit: Precinct Brewing | Brooke Darling Photography
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