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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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