Things to do on a rainy day in Melbourne

Play mini golf at an indoor course 

A mini golf course and a huge arcade all under one roof? Now you’re talking! PLAYit is the perfect place for games and good times on a dreary day. Grab a club and putt your way around 9 themed holes with your besties. Then test your skills with motor-cycle games, air hockey, digital bowling, claw machines and heaps more. Take note: score 50% off mini golf this winter when you load up with $50 of arcade credits.

Take cute pics at a New York-style photobooth 

Take cover from the rain and head downstairs to the basement of Melbourne Central where you’ll discover the coolest new photobooths. Grab adorable props and accessories to look the part then choose your themed room. There’s a New York-style subway car, a teddy bear-style booth and a chrome elevator. Once you’ve snapped your pics, add stickers, text, effects and more. 

Go on a gourmet sandwich hunt  

Build the ultimate sandwich on this gourmet hunt around Queen Victoria Market. Start your day with a tasty brunch sanga before the adventure begins. Then grab your map and work your way around this undercover foodie spot. This isn’t just any market trip, you’ll be solving clues and collecting carefully curated sandwich ingredients along the way.

Roam through art galleries

Melbourne’s artistic heart beats inside the NGV. It's home to an extensive collection of international and Australian art. Explore classic European masterpieces, contemporary installations, and bold exhibitions. At Federation Square, the Ian Potter Centre focuses solely on Australian works. You'll find collections celebrating Indigenous art, photography, and cutting-edge modern pieces there.

Geek out on history and science

Melbourne Museum is the ultimate rainy-day destination for a mix of history and science. Spend your day wandering through immersive exhibitions. There are living rainforests, displays about rare animals and the incredible triceratops fossil exhibit. If ancient history more your speed, check out the Rome: Empire, Power, People exhibition. A must-visit for Julius Caesar fans and ancient art aficionados. Be sure to try the pop-up Italian cafe with treats made by Brunetti Classico.

Sip gin in a historic cottage

Step into the past at this boutique gin distillery hidden in Melbourne’s laneways. Set in a restored 19th-century cottage, Little Lon Distilling Co. pays homage to the city’s wild early days with handcrafted small-batch gins and spirits. Enjoy a guided tasting while learning about the history of these streets, or mix up your own blend in a gin-making masterclass.

Explore VIP spaces at Marvel Stadium 

One of Melbourne’s biggest stadiums is opening its doors for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour. Join an expert guide as you weave your way through the back corridors of Marvel Stadium. Learn all about the cutting-edge technology behind this impressive live venue. Then get rare access to player change rooms, coach briefing spaces, VIP areas and more. 

Sink into an adult-sized ball pit

Check in at technicolour dream world, Hijinx Hotel. This rainbow-bright experience is filled with ten larger-than-life puzzle rooms. Solve spooky puzzles, play mind-boggling games and make a splash in the ball pit. Then celebrate your success with a bite at the diner. Quirky cocktails range from bubble-topped bevs to drinks served in disco balls.

Hit up the batting cages and bowling alleys

Kingpin at Crown takes entertainment to the next level with bowling lanes, laser tag and escape rooms. While the new Collins Place Kingpin offers lawn bowls, batting cages and supercharged shuffleboards. And there's no need to venture out into the cold when you're ready for a bite to eat. Head to the restaurant where you can enjoy gourmet bites and fruity cocktails.

Learn about Melbourne's Aboriginal history

Deepen your understanding of Indigenous culture at the Koorie Heritage Trust. It's a space where art, artefacts, and storytelling bring First Nations history to life. The gallery hosts contemporary Aboriginal artists, cultural workshops and guided walking tours. Browse the shop for handcrafted jewellery, books, and artwork by local creators.

Challenge your mates to a shuffleboard tournament

Melbourne’s largest interactive games bar, Ballers Clubhouse, offers it all. Play everything from ping pong and shuffleboard to virtual reality gaming. The massive 2500-square-metre venue features six bars, a rooftop area, and private booths. With happy hour deals and live DJs, it’s the perfect place to embrace your competitive side while staying dry.

Catch an indie film

Cinema Nova in Carlton is a must-visit for lovers of independent and arthouse films. With 16 screens, it offers a wide selection of films for every genre. Grab a drink at the Nova Bar before your movie, and visit on Mondays for cheap tickets. If you're in the city, head to Kino. A charming boutique cinema, it screens a mix of indie gems, foreign films, and the latest Hollywood releases. The plush seating and stylish cafe make it a perfect place to escape the rain, catch a film, and unwind.

Have a luxe high tea

Visit a true Melbourne institution. The Tea Rooms 1892 is an essential stop for those seeking an escape from the rain. Nestled in the historic Block Arcade, this venue serves a decadent, classic high tea. Buttery scones, delicate pastries, and smoked salmon pinwheel sandwiches are all on the menu. The lavish interior, with gilded mirrors and chandeliers, makes it feel like stepping back in time.

Create a masterpiece on the pottery wheel

If you’ve ever wanted to try pottery, Neo Ceramics offers hands-on workshops for beginners and experienced creators alike. Choose a taster class to shape a stoneware piece or dive into a wheel-throwing course. This independent studio also stocks handcrafted ceramics made by local artists. Spend your rainy day browsing unique homewares while your creation dries.

Hurl axes like a Viking

Channel your inner Viking and learn the ancient art of axe throwing at Maniax. After a quick safety briefing, expert coaches will teach you how to hurl axes like a pro. End the session with a craft beer or Viking-inspired cocktail. This is an unexpectedly fun and satisfying way to spend a rainy afternoon.

Browse boutiques in Melbourne's most beautiful arcade

Melbourne has some of the most beautiful shopping destinations, one of the best being The Block Arcade. This heritage-listed landmark was inspired by Milanese shopping culture. Wander past unique stores, chocolatiers, and tea rooms while admiring the architecture. Take a guided tour to uncover its fascinating history, or simply window shop while staying dry.