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Things to do in Noosa on a Rainy Day for Kids & Adults

Here we have a list of the best things to do in Noosa on a rainy day.

Rain, rain go away! Come again another day! Actually… raining on a holiday isn’t necessarily a bad thing. We’ve come up with a list of the top ten things to do in Noosa on a rainy day. Read on to find out more!

What is there to do in Noosa on a rainy day?

Isn’t Noosa just divine?! We love it so much that we compiled a HUGE list of the perfect things to do in Noosa to make the most out of your trip. 

The problem is, though, that it’s not perfect weather all of the time. There are going to be rainy days in Noosa, and they might cross over with your trip. But don’t despair – not all is lost! There are some great things that you can do in Noosa and the surrounds that will keep the whole family happy when the skies are grey and the rain just won’t go away.

These are are favourite tried and tested rainy day activities in Noosa.

Right IN Noosa rainy day activities

You don’t have to travel to far at all to enjoy these rainy day activities in Noosa:

Noosa cinemas

things to do in Noosa on a rainy day

Things to do in Noosa on a rainy day have to include a trip to the cinemas! We even have an up to date list of  the latest kids school holiday movies!

There is a cinema right in Noosa, you can find all the movies that are playing here at:

Address: 29 Sunshine Beach Rd, Noosa Heads QLD 4567

Phone: (07) 5409 7240

Cinemas near Noosa are:

Noosa Leisure Centre

Noosa Leisure Centre
Noosa Leisure Centre

The Noosa Leisure Centre is a great place to go when it is raining! Run by the Noosa Council, the centre offers a variety of indoor activities that are perfect for staying active and entertained on a rainy day. They have a large gym with a wide range of cardio and weight-training equipment, as well as group fitness classes such as yoga, Pilates, Zumba and more.

Check out their rock climbing wall that takes casual bookings – perfect for when it’s wet outside! They have a range of activities for all ages, including a kids room with a variety of games and activities. The Noosa Leisure Centre is a great place to go when it is raining, as it provides a fun and healthy indoor activity for visitors of all ages.

Address: 9 Wallace Drive, Noosaville

Go to the Noosaville library

Noosaville Library
Noosaville Library

Who’da thunk it?! Hit up one of the two libraries in Noosa and curl up with a good book, play the educational games on offer, participate in the local programs running and let the kids fall in love with literature. Your local choices are:

  • Noosaville Library
  • Cooroy Library

Noosa Regional Gallery

Noosa Regional Gallery
Noosa Regional Gallery children’s activities

The Noosa Regional Gallery is the premier public gallery on the Sunshine Coast. Located riverside on the picturesque Noosa River in Tewantin and just a short stroll from Noosa Marina cafes and Tewantin’s main shopping precinct, Noosa Regional Gallery presents a diverse program of contemporary exhibitions featuring local, national and international artists, matched with a suite of public programs including artist talks, masterclasses and workshops for all ages.

There are facilities and programs for kids (our photo above as taken on a sunny day!), beautiful and evocative exhibits for the art aficionados and an ever-changing array of works to keep even the fussiest art critic fascinated.

Address: 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin.

Phone: (07) 5329 6145

Noosa Surf Museum

Noosa Surf Museum
Noosa Surf Museum

The Noosa Surf Museum, located in the Boarding Offices, immerses visitors in the rich and dynamic history of surfing. Featuring a captivating collection of vintage surfboards, memorabilia, and photographs, the museum pays homage to the local surf culture and its global impact. As you explore the exhibits, you’ll discover the evolution of surfboard design, witness the triumphs of legendary surfers, and gain insight into the cultural significance of surfing in Noosa. With its engaging displays and interactive elements, the Noosa Surf Museum offers a unique opportunity to ride the waves of nostalgia and appreciation for the enduring surf legacy that has become synonymous with this sun-kissed paradise.

Address: 3 Hilton Terrace, Noosaville

Phone: (07) 5475 0285

Pixels Arcade

Pixels Arcade Noosa
Pixels Arcade Noosa

Noosa Pixel Arcade is like the ultimate playground for awesome family fun! Imagine a place filled with cool lights and sounds where you can play all kinds of games, from classic pinball to super high-tech virtual reality adventures. The kids can have a blast competing and showing off their gaming skills. The place looks like a colorful wonderland, and every time you visit, it’s like stepping into a world of excitement. With lots of fun games and laughter, Noosa Pixel Arcade is the perfect spot for creating memories with your family. It’s a place where the fun never ends!

Address: 18 Hastings St, Noosa Heads

Phone: 0423 015 716

Noosa Toyworld

Toyworld Noosa
Toyworld Noosa

Toyworld Noosa is a great destination for families looking for indoor activities when it’s raining. They offer a wide variety of indoor toys and games that are perfect for keeping children entertained on rainy days. This store has a fab selection of board games, puzzles, and craft kits that are perfect for encouraging kids to use their imagination and creativity. They also have a wide range of educational toys that can keep children engaged and learning while they’re inside. They also stock a variety of video games, action figures, and collectibles that are perfect for older children who are looking for something more interactive.

Address: Noosaville Homemaker Centre, Mary Street, Noosaville

Shopping on Hastings Street

What better place than to burn some time (and some cash) than beautiful Noosa? It’s the Paris of Queensland! Boutiques, toy stores, book stores, home furnishings – it’s all there and it’s all fabulous. Hastings Street in particular has so much on offer. Don’t waste the day staring gloomily out the window – stare longingly into shop windows instead! Woohoo!

Best places to eat in Noosa on a rainy day

things to do in noosa on a rainy day eating

Om nom nom. Noosa is home to some of the best foodie-focused venues in Queensland. Gorge yourselves to drown out the rain in any number of amazing establishments. Take a look at our top picks for child friendly restaurants if you’ve got younger kids and see if any are of interest.

Things to do NEAR Noosa on a rainy day

Right, so if you have exhausted all the local rainy day activities, of none of the above *float your boat* we have found some great ideas a little further afield.

Visit Sea Life (formerly Underwater World) at Mooloolaba

things to do in noosa on a rainy day

Sea Life is a short drive south from Noosa to Mooloolaba and well worth the trip. It’s long been one of Australia’s family favourite destinations and remains just as magical now as you remember from your own childhood. There is an indoor play area, seal feeding, a cafe, gift shops and all the beautiful sea creatures you could possible imagine. We reviewed Sea Life here.

Address: Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba

Roller Skating at Caloundra

things to do in noosa on a rainy day

Head to Caloundra and get your skates on! What a great indoor activity and a cool thing to do in Noosa on a rainy day. Skating burns off energy, brings back memories and is just a raucously good time for young and old. Head to the Caloundra Rollerdrome for a great energy burner on a rainy day. We reviewed the Rollerdrome here.

Address: 19 Caloundra Rd, Caloundra West QLD 4551

Phone: (07) 5491 4255

Sunshine Castle, Bli Bli

things to do in noosa on a rainy day sunshine castle

One of our writers went to Sunshine Castle. It is officially Australia’s biggest castle and is open to the general public, and also available for functions and school excursions.

If you grew up in South East Queensland, you may remember it being called “Bli Bli Castle” and remember the massive doll collections.  These collections are still there on display, ready for you to find them as you wind through all the different rooms. It looks like a fabulous place to spend a good solid day forgetting the drizzle outside. Awesome choice of things to do in Noosa on a rainy day! Read about our trip to the Castle here.

Address: 292-296 David Low Way, Bli Bli

Phone: (07) 5448 4477

Ginger Factory

Ginger_Factory_Day_Trip_From_Brisbane

The Ginger Factory also offers a variety of indoor activities that are perfect for a rainy day. The factory offers a range of experiences for visitors, including a tour of the factory to see how ginger is grown and processed, as well as a range of ginger-based products such as ginger beer, lollies, and preserves. They also have an interactive museum that tells the story of ginger production in the region.

Visitors can also take the (indoor) Overboard boat ride and enjoy the beautiful sights of the factory’s gardens and waterways. They also have a restaurant and café which serves ginger-based dishes, desserts, and hot and cold drinks. The Ginger Factory is a great place to go when it is raining, as it provides a fun and educational indoor activity for visitors of all ages. We went there a while ago – check out our review here.

Address: 50 Pioneer Rd, Yandina

Stay put and have fun in the hotel!

Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa - little girl in stripey socks jumping on big fluffy bed

Finally, here’s an idea, why not stay put in your hotel room. Read books, order room service, play in the games room, hit the resort gym. See if the concierge is offering any vacation activities. (If you used our Noosa accommodation guide, you’ll definitely have family-friendly stuff to take advantage of!) Make the most of where you’re staying and allow yourself breathing space to slow down and chill out!

What’s your pick for things to do in Noosa on a rainy day? Got any further suggestions? Let us know in the comments!

Photo of author

Janine Mergler

Janine Mergler is a veteran Queensland teacher, graduating from QUT with a BEd majoring in Social Sciences. After many years in the classroom, Janine moved on to academia. She has proudly trained new generations of teachers in her role as a lecturer at Queensland University of Technology Faculty of Education. She has also worked in the Queensland Government as an education specialist, developing education resources and delivering community awareness programs to help families conserve water. Currently she is the owner and editor of Families Magazine, a publication specifically targeted at parents who value a quality education for children.  Janine leads a team of professionals who write about family lifestyle, early childhood, schools and education information and family-friendly events.

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