It’s raining, it’s pouring…but that’s no excuse to sit at home (or in your hotel/motel) being bored! Brisbane generally has a perfect climate for outdoor activities, but when the weather turns wet, it’s time to explore the city’s “inner” entertainment and activity-focused places. Here are a few ideas for bored residents and sunshine-deprived visitors alike. Pick up your umbrella and sally forth!
South Bank
For an easy way to fill a rainy day head straight for the Cultural Centre, where the combined offerings of the Performing Arts Centre, Queensland Museum, State Library, Art Gallery and GOMA are guaranteed to please everyone, from Grandma to baby Joe Citizen.
And while you’re in the vicinity, don’t forget to visit the Maritime Museum where you can soak up the stories and history of the maritime industry in Queensland.
Libraries
Forget the old-fashioned notion of libraries as hushed repositories for worthy tomes. Today’s libraries are communication and information hubs where you’ll find much more than books. There are CDs, DVDs, books of every description, magazines, activities (e.g. children’s story sessions), exhibitions, computers with Internet access and much more.
Movies
When the rain’s drumming down, but you need to get out, take yourself off to another time, place or world - at the cinema. Check what’s on at the movies and read the reviews before you decide.
Eating out
Gather some family and friends and go out to a restaurant for lunch. Read a review before you go! Or indulge in the genteel pastime of high tea - Brisbane has some top spots to indulge this delicious, decadent treat.
Fitness
Kick that New Year’s "get fit and healthy" resolution into gear and head to your local indoor gym or fitness centre. Many offer a variety of enjoyable exercise options including aerobic workouts, pilates and yoga.
Shopping
Make tracks for Brisbane’s city and suburban shopping centres and malls where you can indulge in retail therapy without getting drenched.
Indoor hobbies
Get out the glue, the glitter, the paints or the craft wood - and catch up with your favourite indoor hobbies - or start a new one.
Gardening
Grow, baby, grow. For many plant types rainy conditions are the perfect time for planting. Check the soil types in your suburb and read our tips on which plants are most suitable for Brisbane’s climate.
Your suburb
Get to really know your suburb and neighbouring suburbs. Find out about parks, sporting clubs, shops, real estate profiles and suburb statistics as well as local events and things to do.
For more ideas check our Events Calendar and What’s On section, and don’t forget to check the latest Brisbane weather forecast complete with webcam of the city.
What's your favourite way to spend a grey and rainy day in Brisbane?
Kayaking on the Brisbane River or playing football in the park with the lads, if you don't get out when it's wet where I'm from, you would just stay at home all your life. Get out and don't be a wimp!