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6 things to do in Canberra on a rainy day
You are sooo ready for the weekend, but you’ve woken up and it’s pouring rain. Boo. But there are so many damp-repelling options that will turn that boo into a wooh! Umbrella? Tick. Great attitude? Tick. Bring it! Here are some of the best things to do in Canberra on a rainy day
Overview
- Plenty of cultural attractions can keep you entertained and dry on a rainy day - and most of them are only a short walk, ride or drive away from ANU.
- A rainy day or night is a great excuse to head to the movies or shops.
- Or brave the rain and enjoy some of Canberra's amazing markets and green spaces.
1. Explore
Canberra has an abundance of cultural delights to explore, from the iconic to the lesser-known. They offer many mood-enhancing hours dodging the wet.
Creatives and would-be artists will love the National Gallery of Australia, the National Portrait Gallery and the breathtaking creations bought to life at Canberra Glassworks. History buffs can channel significant past times at the Australian War Memorial and Old Parliament House.
And if museums are your thing, head to the National Museum of Australia. Other cultural and historical experiences can be unearthed at the Royal Australian Mint (ka-ching!), the National Library of Australia (books galore and exhibitions plus an amazing bookshop) and the National Film and Sound Archive (a kaleidoscope of “living memories”).
But there’s more … Are you a mad (in a good way) scientist? Check out Questacon. Barking mad about animals? Put on your raincoat and push up your umbrella and go out and meet feathered friends at the Canberra Walk-in Aviary, scaly critters at the Canberra Reptile Zoo or go nose-to-nose with a red panda at the National Zoo & Aquarium.
Sports mad? Grab a mate and a foam finger for one of these sporting events, or load up on snacks, sink into your comfy couch and watch a game online.
Mood Booster: If you’ve never visited the National Museum of Australia, spending some money (we’re talking less than $20) on an introductory Museum Highlights tour is worth it. Great bang for your buck!
Immerse yourself in the story of Great Southern Land, where a rich collection of objects reveals connections from the ocean to the mountains and beyond.
2. Shop
Rain got you down? Cheer yourself up with a retail fix! Canberra’s big indoor shopping centres include the Canberra Centre, Westfield Belconnen, Westfield Woden and the Canberra Outlet Centre. If you love hunting down a bargain, the city’s op shops offer hours of second-hand entertainment. Find Salvo’s and Vinnies stores all over the city – plus the more niche Goodbyes in Braddon and Material Pleasures second-hand shops in Fyshwick.
Mood booster: After something organic or hand-made? Head to the markets with your raincoat! You’ll have to run through the rain to get inside but the Capital Region Farmers Market, Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets and the Old Bus Depot Markets are all under cover. Watch out for the new-look under cover Belconnen Markets that’s coming soon!
Tiger Lane is an all-new dining destination inspired by the hawker centres of Asia.
3. Eat
If you’re hanging out for a good feed, then a world of tasty morsels awaits … literally on your doorstep if you’re living on campus! The fabulous Kambri precinct is packed with fabulous foodie options, from Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese to Japanese, Turkish and Mexican. Rather stay in? The Daily Market stocks everything you need – from groceries and chilled items to fresh fruit and veg so you can cook up your own storm!
Mood booster: Short on coin? Badger & Co. serves up all your favourite pub grub, including steaks, pasta, fish and chips, bangers and mash (and the list goes on) for $20 or less!
You don’t even have to leave campus to indulge in a swim in the world-class facilities, chill in the spa and sauna or do some laps in the heated pool.
4. Play
Get in touch with your kiddie side by engaging in some old-fashioned fun at iPlay. With branches in Belconnen, Woden and Tuggeranong, grab some mates and head out for a battle of laser tag, basketball, car racing or dodgem cars. Boost the adrenaline even further with a few laps around the circuit at the Powerkart Raceway or smash some pins with a few games of tenpin bowling. Need to cool down a little? Get your skates on at the Swimming and Ice Skating Centre in Phillip.
Mood booster: The Swimming and Ice Skating Centre offers regular “Cheapskates” student discounts – check their website for more details.
Experience Kingpin, with over 100 arcade games, bowling, karaoke and much more.
5. Watch
If you love a little drama, chase away the rainy day blues with a culture kick at the Canberra Theatre Centre. Offering theatre, comedy and music to dance, musical theatre and even circus performances, a discount will sweeten the deal if you’re a full-time student. Student discounts are also available at all movie cinemas in Canberra, including Palace, Dendy and Hoyts. Grab a mega-box of popcorn, recline your seat to its optimal level and settle in for a couple of hours of visual and acoustic bliss.
Mood booster: For an at-home visual challenge, see if you can pick out the local landmarks in Somersault, Galore or The Dish - these movies were all shot in Canberra!
Palace Electric quickly found its audience in Canberra for programming a mix of international and local arthouse films, Hollywood blockbusters, family films and Palace Cinemas’ renowned film festivals.
6. Ignore
OK, so… it’s just water. And as long as it’s not hailing, freezing cold or teeming to the point where travel is unsafe, what’s the harm in getting a little damp in the great outdoors? Grab a coffee in one of on-the-go options on Lake Burley Griffin and do a brisk walk from bridge to bridge or head up to Mount Ainslie and grab an ice- cream. Or seek out parkland oases further afield that are ideal for hiking and cycling. Don’t let the rain ruin your vibe, people!
Mood booster: The Food Co-op (in the heart of ANU at 3 Kingsley Street) is open seven days a week with a stack of treats for the perfect rainy day spread (most of which are certified organic/biodynamic, so also good for you)
There's plenty of things to do in Canberra on a rainy day — so get out there! Or, need to get some study done? Rainy days are great opportunities to squat in one of the world-class ANU libraries.
