Melbourne’s weather is notoriously unpredictable, so it’s always best to have a wet-weather plan. If you’re looking at the radar and it’s looking like a miserable day, don’t worry! From indoor skydiving to immersive art exhibitions, there are heaps of fun and interesting rainy day activities to keep you busy in Melbourne, whether you’re flying solo or planning a day out with friends. Bookmark this list of super indoor activities for all the rainy day inspo you’ll need.
Indoor activities in Melbourne to boost your mood on a rainy day
1. See an exhibition at Melbourne Museum
Escape the rain and explore some of the marvellous galleries at Melbourne Museum in Carlton. Stay up to date with what’s on via the website.
2. Make magical memories at Harry Potter™: The Exhibition
Forget simply looking at artifacts behind glass—here, you’ll actively step into the magic, casting spells, brewing potions, and even earning house points along the way. Expect to marvel at authentic props and costumes, explore beautifully recreated settings from the films, and uncover behind-the-scenes secrets that bring the Wizarding World to life.
3. Bust out of an escape room
Melbourne is full of thrilling escape rooms for you to try on a rainy day. But if you don’t want to leave your house, there’s some online options too.
4. Be enchanted by a Candlelight concert
Beautiful Candlelight concerts have taken over marvellous venues around Melbourne, including the Athenaeum Theatre, the National Theatre and Meat Market, offering a range of classical tributes to music’s greatest artists. Escape the rain outside and let the music and the glow of candles sweep you away. See what’s coming up here.
5. Swim over to Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium
If the wet weather’s put you in a watery sort of mood, why don’t you check out the aquarium? See the fish, admire the penguins, and check out their digital experience, Submerged.
6. Be mesmerised at Ballet of Lights
Avoid the rain by getting lost in the magic of Ballet of Lights. Why sit at home and do nothing when a breathtaking ballet production is taking place in the city? Rediscover Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and more shows as phenomenal ballet dancers perform in costumes fitted with optical fibres.
7. Discover some beautiful art at NGV
Check out some incredible exhibitions at the NGV International and its sibling institution, Fed Square’s Ian Potter Centre. Keep up to date with the latest exhibitions via the website.
8. Spice up a wet weather day at the titivating Museum of Desire
Celebrating one whole year of eye-opening and downright erotic adventures, Museum of Desire remains an unforgettable day out, especially when Melbourne’s unpredictable weather forces you inside. It’s all about discovery, fun, and pleasure, and it’s been a popular spot for visitors ever since opening. You’ll find it in Collingwood, and it’s well worth keep an eye on their regular themed events, as well.
9. Scope out the theatrical delights at Spiegel Haus
New to the city, but quickly picking up a reputation for fun, frivolity, and fabulousness, Spiegel Haus is a entertainment precinct that’s popped up at Golden Square Car Park on Lonsdale Street in the CBD. Expect circus, cabaret, comedy, music, and much more – and since it’s also one of Melbourne’s best late-night venues, it’s a welcome hideout from the evening rain. See our full guide to the venue here.
10. Prop up the bar behind bars at Alcotraz
Forget the pub for a spell and try a more memorable drinking session at Alcotraz, where you’ll need to smuggle liquor away from the prying eyes of the guards to enjoy your cocktails.
11. Find a bit of quiet at State Library Victoria
Go on a tour of this historic space, check out exhibitions, do a bit of research, try some workshops, grab a coffee, visit the bookshop and find a comfy spot to read inside State Library Victoria.
12. Cast a deciding vote in gripping immersive show The Jury Experience
If you love judging people, this should be right up your street. The Jury Experience hosts a range of different thrilling investigations, but the common thread is that you’ll need to weigh evidence, hear testimonies, and deliberate amongst yourself. And then you can judge people! You’ll find them periodically holding court at St Kilda Town Hall and the Meat Market in North Melbourne.
13. Have a feast at this artisan food hall
Located in Collins Street’s handsome art deco McPherson’s building, il Mercato Centrale is more than just your stock-standard food court — it’s a three-level, 3500-square-metre hub of artisanal food, beverage and culture. The first of its kind to open outside Italy, il Mercato Centrale features produce and food by 23 select artisans, as well as sit-in fine-dining and casual restaurants and an experiential market square with open kitchens. Find out more here.
14. See what’s happening at ACMI
As one of Australia’s most cutting-edge public art institutions, there’s always something interesting to discover at ACMI. Explore a standout exhibition, take in a classic or contemporary film in the cinemas, browse the excellent gift shop, or grab a bite to eat at Hero. Find out what’s on at the ACMI website.
15. Embark on a VR voyage aboard the Titanic
History’s most famous ship still exerts a powerful pull over the world’s imagination, but if you’ve seen the film a few times and prefer your history not from a book, the edu-taining experience Titanic: A Voyage Through Time will be perfect for you. You’ll meet passengers, explore the ship’s interiors, and witness the fateful night that Titanic met her end.
16. Let some energy out at Bounce
Jump into action and have some fun at this incredible indoor trampoline centre in Melbourne. With venues around the state, including Essendon Fields, Heidelberg, Blackburn and Glen Iris, there’s lots of room for adventure on a rainy day at Bounce.
17. Enjoy an evening of live jazz
The Jazz Room offers a soulful escape from gray skies, bringing 60-minute performances that celebrate jazz and other genres like soul and blues to popular Melbourne venues. From Louis Armstrong to Fats Waller and BB King, rediscover music by your favourite artists and more fiery improvisations in captivatings setting that resemble street-style bars of the 1920s.
18. Unwind at a spa
The gentle pitter-patter of rain can feel quite relaxing. Take your journey to bliss even further by checking yourself in for a day at the spa. Chill out at wonderful day spas around Melbourne or go even further and escape to a spa in regional Victoria.
19. Take on 34 unique challenges at Prison Island
One of our new favourite indoor activities in Melbourne, you’ll want to have your wits about you for Prison Island. You’ll also need a friend, as, working in groups between two and five people, you’ll need to solve challenges, beat the clock, and rack up points. Mixing physical and mental challenges means this is a workout for both body and brain!
20. Treat yourself to a spot of high tea
Stay cosy indoors and treat yourself to elegant finger sandwiches, sweet treats, tea or even a glass of bubbles at one of these lovely high tea venues in Melbourne.
21. Enjoy a theatre show
Melbourne has a thriving theatre scene, so if you’re looking for something to do and the weather forecast isn’t good, definitely go and see a show. You can stay up to date with all the latest cultural happenings around town here.
22. Flex your muscles with indoor rock climbing
If you’ve ever strolled down Franklin Street, you may have looked up and seen the intimidating heights of the indoor rock climbing at Hardrock. Challenge yourself and get to the top of one of the walls. You can find Hardrock in both the CBD and Nunawading.
23. Feel like you’re playing Among Us in real life at Saboteurs
Head to The District Docklands and go on a space adventure at Saboteurs. Set inside converted shipping containers, this game is great for rainy days in Melbourne. Play with your friends, complete tasks, and eject any imposters before they kill you and your crew.
24. Unleash your fury at The Smash Room
Let loose with your friends and wreak havoc together at The Smash Room in Keilor East. Don some overalls and accessories to feel at home in this 80s, neon space. After breaking a few stuff, play some table tennis, air hockey and more.
25. Play games at Fortress Melbourne
If you love gaming, you’ll love Fortress. This multi-level complex has all kinds of indoor activities for you to try on a rainy day in Melbourne, including board games, arcades and PC gaming. When you’re not playing, watch an e-sports event in the Alienware Arena, grab a drink from the bar, or enjoy a hearty meal in the fantasy-themed restaurant.
26. Watch the rain fall from the cosy comfort of a wine bar
Sure, a coffee shop will do the job just as well, but there’s something cinematic about watching the droplets slide down the windows whilst you sip a smooth Malbec, isn’t there? Personal favourites include Embla on Russell Street, The Alps in Prahran, Bear’s Wine Bar in North Melbourne, and the cosy nook at Luxsmith in Seddon Village
27. Show off your swing at Holey Moley
Putt your way through some seriously fun and nostalgic mini golf courses at Holey Moley. You’ll find unique themes at each location around Melbourne, so you’ll never get bored. Enjoy some food while you’re there, and sip a cocktail to keep the good times going.
28. Learn something new at Scienceworks
Visit Scienceworks in Spotswood and satisfy your curiosity with interactive exhibitions, shows at Melbourne Planetarium and more.
29. Have a ball at Ballers Clubhouse
There’s 2,500sqm of space for you to play with on a rainy day in Melbourne. Have fun with ping pong, darts and shuffleboard, sing a bit of karaoke, and drink your way around the venue’s six bars. Enjoy yummy food like pizza and tacos while you’re there, and keep a look out for some of their exciting pop-up events and experiences.
30. Escape the rain with a cinema session
Catch a movie at some great cinemas around Melbourne, including Cinema Nova, the Astor Theatre and the Sun Theatre. See our list of favourite cinemas here.
31. Go bowling at Strike
Round up your mates and have some indoor fun with a bit of bowling — but take things up a notch at Strike, where you can pair your frames with music, cocktails and bites. And if you want to mix it up a bit, their venues also have karaoke, escape rooms and laser tag.
32. Feel mesmerised by The Fluid Project
Visit Emporium and unleash your sense of childhood creativity at The Fluid Project. Drip paint and glitter over adorable teddy bears, bunnies and more, and watch the magic unfold before your eyes. If you can’t make it to Emporium, there’s also DIY kits so you can have fun at home.
33. Go ice skating
Rug up and slide into O’Brien Icehouse the next time it’s raining in Melbourne. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll have a ton of fun ice skating around the rink at this Docklands venue (that’s also located in the Free Tram Zone). Find out more here.
34. Challenge yourself with wacky games at Hijinx Hotel
Head to Chadstone and find plenty of rainy day activities for you to do at Hijinx Hotel. This immersive space looks like a hotel, but is really filled with different themed rooms, filled with games for you to conquer. After playing the games, indulge in a cocktail or two.
35. Go swimming at an indoor pool
Why get wet outside when you could get wet inside? Go for a swim at some indoor pools around Melbourne. On Mondays to Fridays for example, you can visit WET at W Melbourne for a dip in the water, and a mocktail and fruit platter on arrival.
36. Immerse yourself in Imaginator
Imaginator, formerly known as Imaginaria, combines imagination and technology to create an immersive experience. Explore the installations and enjoy this dreamy space in Docklands on a rainy day in Melbourne.
37. Go indoor skydiving
Experience the rush of skydiving without worrying about the risk of dying. Head to iFly Melbourne and feel the closest sensation to freefalling. As far as rainy day activities go, this is one of the most thrilling!
38. Throw darts at Oche
Duck out of the rain and play a round of darts at Oche. There’s heaps of different games to try, and you can keep an eye on the score with the help of a digital display board. While you talk and play, nibble your way through food that can be eaten with one hand, and sip on their delicious range of cocktails.
39. Belt out your favourite tunes at karaoke
Melbourne is full of wonderful karaoke venues, but if you’re a little short on money, Kono Karaoke is the way to go. This is Melbourne’s first coin booth karaoke venue, and songs are just $2 each. There’s songs available in English, Korean, Japanese and Chinese, with multiple booths available.
40. Feel like a warrior by going axe throwing
Got some pent up energy? Let it out with a bit of axe throwing! Visit Lumber Punks in South Melbourne or Maniax in the CBD and Abbotsford to get your fix.
41. Feel immersed at Virtual Room Melbourne
On a rainy day, leave Melbourne behind and go on a virtual reality adventure. This experience combines escape rooms with a full 3D cinematic experience. Travel through time, fight off zombies and more by solving puzzles with your friends in the virtual world. Games last for 40 to 50 minutes.
42. Have a good time at The Funderdome
Visit The Funderdome at Highpoint for arcade games, karaoke and mini-golf inspired by Coney Island. After trying these rainy day activities, relax and enjoy some delicious American bites, including hot dogs, clubhouse sandwiches and pizza. They also have an extensive drinks list to help you quench your thirst.
43. Hang out at a board game café or bar
If it’s a rainy day, stay nice and cosy indoors by chilling out at a board game café in Melbourne. Or, if you’d prefer a cheeky bev or two, stay out late at a board game bar. See our list of recommendations here.