When the weather doesn't want to play nice.
When the weather doesn't want to play nice.
The Gold Coast might be famous for its sunshine, but she sure knows how to put on a moody thunderstorm (and don’t get us started on the humidity hair drama). So, when the skies decide to open up, don’t stress, we’ve rounded up 14 fun things to do on the GC that are totally rain-proof.
Yep, Surfers Paradise is home to the big one, and it’s basically an indoor theme park disguised as an arcade. Think bumper cars on a 200sqm track, laser tag to get the adrenaline pumping, a prize shop stuffed with more lollies and collectibles than your childhood dreams could handle, and the brand-new Colour Grid – Queensland’s first glowing digital playground where you can jump, step and race your way through walls and floors that literally light up. Add an onsite café to keep the troops fuelled and Zone Bowling right next door, and you’ve got hours of rainy-day fun sorted.
If you’ve got teens who claim they’re “too cool” for arcade games, MANIAX Axe Throwing (also inside Paradise Centre) is the ultimate trump card – supervised, safe, and wildly satisfying. Rain? What rain?
The ultimate triple threat, Hijinx Hotel, Archie Brothers and Holey Moley in Surfers offer the perfect opportunity to while away a rainy day. With immersive game rooms, all your fave arcade games, bumper cars and mini golf, this epic entertainment precinct is a game-changer for fun-seekers.
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise and 3197 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Level 1 Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise
Infinity Attraction in Surfers Paradise is a crowd pleaser, a super fun activity to do with your friends! Infinity’s maze is both challenging and mind blowing. It’s an extraordinary series of 20 multi- sensory environments filled with unique special effects, emotive atmospheric sound fields, sensuous aromas, ultra-groovy music and spectacular illusions that appear to go all the way to infinity! Get 10% off entry with our coupon code INSIDEGC.
Where: Shop 31, Chevron Renaissance, Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
When the weather’s wet, let the kids bounce, climb and play their hearts out indoors! The Gold Coast is packed with epic indoor play centres: The brand new Area 51 at Westfield Helensvale delivers 1,500sqm of all-ages fun.
BOUNCE in Burleigh Waters is a 3,000sqm trampoline paradise complete with adventure courses, Big Bags, and the adrenaline-pumping X-Park Challenge, and iPlay offers high ropes, Clip n’Climb courses, arcades, redemption stores and heaps of party space. Rainy days never looked so action-packed, or so exhausting!
Where: Area 51, 1-29 Millaroo Dr, Helensvale, Bounce, 5 Sunlight Drive, Burleigh Waters, iPlay Adventure, Westfield Coomera, 103 Foxwell Rd, Coomera and iPlay, Harbour Town Shopping Centre, Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters
Keen to channel your inner movie buff and catch the latest blockbuster? Maybe you’re more into the arty side of things with indie flicks and foreign films. Or perhaps you just need somewhere to plonk the kids so they’ll sit still (and quiet!) for a couple of hours these school holidays. Rainy day solved – the GC has you covered with many options, including Event Cinemas at Pacific Fair and Australia Fair and Reading Cinemas at Harbour Town. Popcorn mandatory, choc top highly recommended.
Where: Australia Fair Shopping Centre, Level 1/42 Marine Parade, Southport, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre,1571 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach and Harbour Town Premium Outlets, Gold Coast Hwy & Harbour Town Dr, Biggera Waters
Rain putting a dampener on your dinner plans? Not here. From Wednesday to Saturday from 5pm, Miami Marketta transforms into a buzzing undercover wonderland of street eats, live music and good vibes. Wander through the alley of food stalls serving up flavours from every corner of the globe, sip something delicious, shop the eclectic stalls, and soak up the atmosphere that made Marketta the GC’s original creative precinct. It’s the ultimate rainy-day date night (or mates’ night), and the best part? Entry is free.
Where: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
Feeling a little trigger-happy? Swap the beach for the Gold Coast Indoor Shooting Centre, where you can try everything from pistols and rifles to shotguns and tactical weapons – no licence or experience needed (the hardest part is choosing what to shoot!). Check out our experience here. Discount offer available here.
Or head to The Shooting Centre Gold Coast, a custom-built facility just minutes from Surfers, with expert instructors, top-notch safety, and an arsenal ranging from beginner-friendly pistols to beastly .50 calibre hand cannons. Rainy days don’t stand a chance when you’ve got this much firepower. Discount offer available here.
Where: Gold Coast Indoor Shooting Centre, 1/76 Ferry Road, Southport and The Shooting Centre Gold Coast, Unit 5, 41 Ferry Road, Southport
Believe it or not, but Ripley’s is a great indoor attraction for you, your family and yes, even your friends. It’s a museum full of odd, unique and incredible artefacts, art, photographs and stories of the 200+ countries Mr Ripley has visited over the years. Discount offer available here.
Where: Cavill Mall, Surfers Paradise
The Wax Museum is one of the longest-standing attractions on the Gold Coast. Head in for a guided tour and discover some of the more gruesome torture methods that were used in ancient times. Or prepare to be starstruck, get up close and personal with some of Hollywood’s biggest names and grab a photo with royalty. Discount offer available here.
Where: 56 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Rain = the perfect excuse to go shopping undercover. The Gold Coast is a haven for indoor shopping centres, so if you’re in Broadbeach hit up Pacific Fair Shopping Centre or The Oasis Shopping Centre, if you’re in Surfers Paradise, the Paradise Centre or Australia Fair Shopping Centre in Southport.
Round up your crew, stash the phones, and dive headfirst into some brain-bending fun! Surfers Paradise is stacked with escape room action: test your wits at Fox in a Box Escape Rooms, Eclipse Escape Rooms, or Padlock’d, where you’ve got just 60 minutes to follow the clues, crack the codes, and make your grand escape. Feeling extra adventurous? Other World HQ takes it up a notch with immersive, pulse-racing scenarios that’ll have you questioning reality (in a good way). Rainy day? More like game day – click here for discount vouchers and get ready to see who really is the mastermind of your squad.
Where: Various locations in Surfers Paradise
Car lovers, start your engines – Muscle Car Museum in Bundall is a full-throttle Aussie muscle car heaven, rain or shine. Get up close to jaw-dropping Monaros, Toranas, SL/R5000s, and even a spot-on replica of the legendary Mad Max Interceptor. It’s not just for grown-up gearheads – kids (and big kids) can demolish pinball machines, battle on the Scalextric track, or explore the mega retro arcade. Throw in free soft drinks from a vintage machine and you’ve got a perfect rainy-day pit stop for the whole family. Discount offer available here.
Where: 76 Bundall Rd, Bundall
Slideways Go Karting Centre, just 10 minutes from Surfers Paradise, is your ultimate rain-proof adrenaline fix. Their indoor track is specially designed to let karts drift and slide for max fun, no matter the weather – rain, hail or shine! Take the wheel of one of 20 state-of-the-art European Sodi karts, powered by 9hp four-stroke Honda engines, and see if you’ve got the skills to nail a perfect lap. Feeling competitive? Discount offer available here.
Where: 10 Spencer Road, Nerang
Dracula’s and Australian Outback Spectacular both offer nights of total entertainment! The Australian Outback Spectacular is dinner and a show with a true-blue twist – think incredible arena effects, Aussie animals, and whip-cracking action, all served up alongside a hearty three-course meal and drinks. It’s family-friendly, wow-worthy, and guaranteed to have you yee-hawing in your seat.
Leave the kids at home for this one – Dracula’s is strictly MA15+ and unapologetically outrageous. Think a wild mash-up of comedy, live music, burlesque and jaw-dropping aerials, all wrapped up in a cabaret where fantasy and reality collide. You’ll laugh, you’ll gasp, you’ll probably blush… and you’ll definitely have a bloody good night out. Bonus: you can even sink your fangs into a discount offer right here.
Where: Dracula’s, Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach and Australian Outback Spectacular, Pacific Motorway, Oxenford
Sometimes a little self-love is exactly what the doctor ordered, especially when the rain is tapping on the windows and all you want to do is stay snug inside. Treat yourself to a day of bliss at one of the Gold Coast’s top spas: think soothing massages, indulgent facials, hot saunas, and maybe even a dip in a heated pool while the storm does its thing outside. From luxe day spas to boutique wellness havens, there’s a perfect spot for every kind of pampering. Check out our hand-picked favourites here and make it a rainy-day retreat to remember.
Words by Belinda Symons
Don't let the drizzle fizzle your plans.
Us Gold Coasters can find ourselves a little, well, lost when the rain falls and the mercury drops below 25.4 degrees. Occasionally the whole “beautiful one day, perfect the next” theory can exit stage left (for like, 4 days per year…or 304 days per year if it’s 2023). When you find yourself looking to fill your to-do list, we have some feel-good rainy day activities coming your way!
We’ve done the hard yards and compiled a list of failsafe ideas to keep you dry, entertained and smiling when you’re missing that natural vitamin D and reaching for your brolly. These activities prove that the drizzly days on the GC can be just as fun as the sunny days!
Eat your weight in pasta
If the cooler weather makes us want to do one thing, it’s eat pasta. And lots of it. So if you can’t be stuffed DYI-ing (us), head out to one of our many local Italian nosheries for some epic pasta pigouts! We’re dreaming of marinaras and carbonaras, but you can see our full list of soul-satisfying Gold Coast pastas here.
Eat your way through chocolate desserts
Ok so we’re still on the topic of eating but at the risk of sounding food-obsessed (we plead guilty), come on – who doesn’t love themselves a comforting choccy dessert on a wet wintery day and/or night. Whether it’s a slab of morish mud cake, choc dipped churros, or a decadent chocolate éclair, find your death by chocolate experience here.
Catch up with friends at a watering hole
Okay so this is something we’re partial to irrespective of what the weather’s doing, but on a rainy day or night, there’s added appeal to bunkering down in a bar with your mates. Whether you’re channeling a shiraz, pint of Guinness or a mojito so you can pretend it’s summer, hit up top spots to sink a brew or a grab a drink.
Snuggle by the fire
Nawww, does this not make you feel all warm and fuzzy? Possibly not if you’re single or phyrophobic, but we digress, because we’re not talking significant others or raging bushfires, we’re referring to the many cozy GC restaurants boasting a homely fireplace ambience. Find them here.
Get your soak and float on
Are your muscles and joints giving you grief in this rainy weather? At the risk of sounding like a bunch of middle-aged whining Karen’s, is it just us, or do your joints and muscles seem to cease up and ache way more when the temperature drops and the rain sets in? Cause same! And we think we have to treat ourselves to a little R&R to give you back that pep in your step! Check out a wellness centre or be pampered at a spa – either way, we are in!
Visit a winery
Look, wineries, like watering holes, speak to us all year round, but a drive (or Uber…) out to one of our beautiful local grape farms for a feed and a tipple is the perfect way to spend a rainy day. We’re feeling reds and moscatos to wash down a mouth-watering lunch infused with local ingredients. Don’t know where to go? Call off the search, because we have your one-stop-shop to wineries here.
Get creative
Fancy yourself as a bit of an artist? Why not explore your arty-farty side and what better time of year to do it! Whether you’re into sculpting, pottery, photography, drawing, jewellery making, painting, painting whilst wining (ding ding!), or gallery hopping, you can do all that and more in your own backyard. Check out your list of paint & sip classes here.
Make a charcuterie board and chill out with your friends
You had us and cheese, deli meats and antipasto. And look, basically anything that appears on a charcuterie board belongs in our stomachs. The rain makes it seem totally acceptable to indulge in such guilty pleasures so why not call in your squad and a make day of it.
Try a new workout class
With all this talk of chocolate, cheese, watering holes and wine, we’re thinking it’s wise to add a new workout class to your rainy-day must-try list. There are plenty of places to get your deep burn on, and donning your activewear is still entirely acceptable when it’s a bit frosty (bonus – excuse to buy that LSKD sweater you’ve been eyeing off).
Words by Bianca Trathen
There’s more to the glitter strip than glitter!
It’s right under our nose, but sometimes we forget how many activities there are for the small, medium, and big kids (aka us) in good ‘ole Surfers Paradise. And we’re not just talking about the beach, but a myriad of other cool stuff to keep them entertained and whinge-free these school holidays.
Here are ten ideas to help fill the blanks in your school holiday schedule, with some old faves and a few newbies thrown in for good measure. The best part is not only will you score ‘cool mum’ kudos from the kids, but you’ll get a kick out of them too!
Timezone
I mean, does this place really need an introduction? We’ve all racked up many-an-hour at Timezone in days gone by, and your mini-me’s will love it as much as you did. Probably more, because it’s levelled up its epic-ness in recent times. With arcade games, bowling, mini bowling, mini golf, laser tag, and bumper cars, it’s actual kid heaven…with a touch of nostalgia for us.
Where: Paradise Centre, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Holoverse
This new hi-tech entertainment centre using holograms which look oh-so-real will make you feel like you’re in a Star Wars flick! Pick hologram grass to feed a dinosaur, swim with life-sized holographic whales, compete against your kiddos in holographic sports, play holographic arcade games, and more! Special shoutout for their birthday party packages #theshizzle.
Where: Paradise Centre, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Infinity
To infinity and beyond! Challenge their sense and ignite their imaginations with a unique and mind-blowing 30-minute journey into spectacular, interactive, futuristic maze-like worlds of wonder! This walk-through experience is choccas with unique special effects, emotive atmospheric sound fields, sensuous aromas, awesome tunes and amazing illusions. Suitable for kiddos aged 8 and above. Get an exclusive 15% off here.
Where: Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, G31/3240 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Ripley’s Believe it or Not
This iconic home-grown ‘odditorium’ – now with over 300 exhibits and artefacts – is out of this world! A highlight is the new state-of-the-art Ripley’s 7D Moving Theatre where you feel every twist and turn as you compete against your seatmates. Enjoy a Ripley’s LaseRace, find out just what happens to your body in space, make friends with a life-sized R2-D2™ and more. Click here for a special offer.
Where: Cavill Mall, Surfers Paradise
The Wax Museum
Fancy some famous people watching? There’s no better place than The Wax Museum, home to the largest collection of wax figures in the Southern Hemisphere. Super realistic replicas of celebs, nursery rhyme characters, scientists, explorers, villains, world leaders, and even the crown jewels await (#RIPQueenElizabethII)! For the big kids (if you’re game) check out The Chamber of Horrors (shriek!!). Fancy a discount voucher? You’re welcome.
Where: 56 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Quack’r Duck
Is there any such thing as a kid who doesn’t go loco when they spot the big duck cruising down Ferny Ave? Imagine if you actually took them on said duck #eeep. Check out the pristine beaches and landmarks by road, then experience the thrills as the duck splashes into the Broadwater! Admit it – you’ve always wanted to do it too…. Grab a special offer here.
Where: 7 Elkhorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Fox in a Box
Ever wanted to break out of prison (without actually going to prison)? Or break into a diamond-filled vault in a bank? Or perhaps work out how to open a mysterious chest and unlock its contents and the secret within? You can do all of this and more at Fox in a Box! The rooms are recommended for ages 10 and above, but everyone is welcome to play. Good times!
Where: Level 1/3173 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Padlock’d Escape Rooms
Boasting ten immersive rooms themed to perfection, a visit to Padlock’d Escape Rooms is a great way to ditch reality for a bit (an hour to be exact…) and put your mind to the test. You’ll have a blast and the kids will be tuckered out from all that clue finding, code cracking, and puzzle solving #missionaccomplished. Recommended for ages 10 and above but all ages welcome.
Where: 3177 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Eclipse Escape Rooms
With five diverse, highly immersive, and technologically advanced rooms with insane special effects, bespoke props, and unique storylines leading up to an unforgettable grand finale, what’s not to love? Puzzle solving is designed to be fun and rewarding, with different levels of difficulty available. Kids as young as five can join in the fun, plus babies in prams are welcome in some rooms #StartEmYoung!
Where: Level 1, Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise River Cruises
Kids get as pumped about boat rides as we do, so why not jump on a morning, midday, afternoon, or sunset cruise with Surfers Paradise River Cruises! Friendly guides will point out landmarks and homes of the rich and famous around our glitter strip’s waterways, whilst you kick back with the kiddos enjoying complimentary snacks. And mum/dad – there’s a bar…. Cheers! Get 10% off your cruise here.
Where: 63 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Paradise Centre is our good times go-to!
We’re known to be a bit of a fun-loving bunch here on the GC, and any local worth their weight in salt(y hair) knows that Surfers Paradise is the MVP when it comes to fun. But there’s more to Surfers than just beach and suddenly we’re thinking about Ryan Gosling #MyJobIsJustBeach. Whether you’re a big kid at heart, an actual kid, or somewhere in between, the newly zhuzhed Paradise Centre is the GOAT for good times.
Timezone
I mean, if you haven’t been to Timezone at the Paradise Centre as an ankle biter, on a date, with a mate, or to wow the mini-me’s, sorry but you can’t sit with us. A local institution in its own right, this rite of passage has been serving up adrenaline-pumping good times for four decades. Bust a move in a dance-off, race your friends on a virtual track, challenge the fam to a laser tag battle, or play a round of mini golf but don’t forget, pack a spare pair of socks in case you get a ‘hole in one’…. #punstoppable.
FREAK VR
If you like escape rooms, FREAK VR’s virtual reality escape room is the (un)real deal. Here you don’t just play the game, you become the game with mind-boggling 4D effects and totally out of this world physical spaces. Test out your teamwork skills, immerse yourself in other dimensions, and get ready to embrace your inner FREAK (in a strictly ‘non-Only Fans’ kinda way of course…).
MANIAX Axe Throwing
Nothing says fun like chucking axes at a wall, plus it’s like a therapy sesh complete with ocean views and a Viking-themed bar #quadfecta. Sporting a custom-built axe hall and 15 throwing lanes, learn a badass new skill and grab a pic sitting on the mighty warrior’s throne for the ‘gram. Promising ‘axe-factor’ for days, chop chop and book your crew in stat.
Zone Bowling
Bowling is like pizza – even when it’s not great, it’s still pretty great. So, when you experience the awesomeness of Zone Bowling, you’ll agree it’s right up everyone’s ‘alley’, and guaranteed to ‘strike’ a chord with even the most decerning bowler (no ‘pins’ intended). Featuring 12 interactive bowling lanes, a cafe and a bar, channel your inner Jeffrey Lebowski and head to Zone.
Holoverse Dinosaur World & Aquarium
LBR, dinosaurs never get old, so for a fun family day out, birthday party, or team building activity day, it’s Holoverse for the win. Obvs a hit with the small folk, there’s also an M-rated section and once again, #NoOnlyFans. The first of its kind on the planet, get acquainted with monsters or dinosaurs, take a deep dive into the big blue, experience what it’s like to fly, and play both action sports and arcade games. Roarsome!
Go Ride A Wave
Learn a gnarly new skill to flex, which will most likely improve your physical flex by default (bonus points), at Go Ride A Wave. This renowned surf school specialises in daily beginner surf lessons, with group and private lessons available on request, all on our world-famous Surfers Paradise Beach. And just like that, we’re back to Ryan Gosling again….. #beachoff.
When: Check website for each venue’s operating hours
Where: 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY PARADISE CENTRE
