Rainy Day Fun in Melbourne

Let’s face it, our Victorian capital can get a little damp at times (actually, quite often), but there is definitely still plenty to do indoors.

Whether it’s art, games, or drinking that takes your fancy – we’ve got you covered. Not to mention the hefty handful of theatre matinées on offer. You certainly have a whole bunch of activities to choose from for your rainy day. There is no chance of boredom, that’s for sure. Ponder these options …

Art

If it’s art that you love, Melbourne has bucket loads of different, intriguing and gorgeous creative spaces where you can see some wonderful works.

At the top of the list:

ACMI – If the moving image is your jam.

NGV – The oldest and most visited gallery in Australia.

Anna Swartz Gallery – Reopening on January 30 with ‘I’m your man (A Portrait of Leonard Cohen)’.

ACCA – A groundbreaking centre for contemporary art that “encourages curiosity and transformation”.

Heide – Modern art intertwined with innovative architecture, gardens and social history.

TarraWarra – Bringing the wow factor as a non-profit art institution.

Escape Rooms

If you haven’t delved into the Escape Room experience yet, you are missing out. You have an hour (or more, depending on the venue) to solve the mystery of the room to be released. It’s live puzzling mixed with pure unadulterated FUN. It may not be the best choice for the claustrophobes amongst us though!

Our picks for essential must-try escape expeditions in Melbourne are Escape Room Melbourne, Orz Escape, or Trapt. Pick your puzzle and go wild!

Board Games en masse

Who doesn’t love a good board game sesh on a rainy day? At these establishments you have your pick of the best of the bunch and can stay or go as you please. Who’s up for a game of Cluedo or Pictionary? Try these spots out for size but please don’t buy Mayfair, that’s mine … aim to pass Go and collect your $200 instead.

Games Laboratory

Marche Board Games Café 

Libraries

If you’re after something more quiet and zen, hit up your local library or even the State Library as the vibe is truly lovely. What’s not to love about an old-fashioned library visit on a rainy any day?

Brewery tours

Enjoy a tipple and taste your way through the best hand-crafted beers in Melbourne. Spend the whole day or make it a treat-worthy stop off in your busy rainy day itinerary. Our favourite Melbourne breweries include Carlton United Brewery, Moon Dog Brewery Bar, and Temple Brewery Co.

Enjoy the fresh beer, try the limited edition brews and make the most of the friendly and knowledgeable staff for a beer-tastic time.

Theatre

If you are still out of ideas, make sure to check the local theatre and musical program. Melbourne is flush with fancy, fun performances, with everything from world-wide hit, The Book of Mormon, to reputable Australian troupes premiering their shows. The Arts Centre Melbourne and Princess Theatre are popular destinations for theatre so make sure to peruse their websites for what they are showcasing.

Obviously your daily activity choices depend on whether you have the tiny humans in tow. If you are with children, we recommended Scienceworks, trampolining, Rampfest – an indoor skate park, or for the crafty folks, Crafternoon Café.

words by emily carstairs