Things to do on a Rainy Day on the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is a city that has built its entire reputation as a tourism destination almost entirely based on its famously consistent weather that provides an estimated average of around 300 days worth of sunshine per year. Because of this, on those occasions when the weather turns sour, people are often left with cancelled plans and asking what to do on the Gold Coast on a rainy day. Truly, it can be tricky to find appropriate wet weather activities to take part in, as many of the biggest attractions are either outdoors or involve activities that rely on clear skies and warm weather - and can obviously be a no-go for those who don't want to suit up in a poncho or have their umbrellas on them at all times.

Thus, Experience Oz has knocked our heads together to come up with a list of some of the best things to do on the Gold Coast on rainy days as we often get requests for information on what to do in non-ideal weather conditions, and the result was the following which we hope you find helpful in order to get the most out of your holiday or day out - weather be damned!

Australian Outback Spectacular

The Outback Spectacular has quickly, in the span of a few years, become one of the most popular attractions for those visiting the Gold Coast, with its unique blend of a quality dining experience with one of the most energetic and expertly-performed theatre shows encompassing entertaining tributes to Australian outback culture, traditions and history. Best of all, it is conducted entirely indoors within a huge, spacious and intricately decorated "Outback style" Aussie shed/warehouse that can accommodate a thousand people, with a large stage/show floor area that forms the focal point of the evening's proceedings and provides the ideal outing for rainy evenings. In addition, to help ensure you stay high and dry while attempting to travel to the show itself, direct transfers are available that depart from multiple Gold Coast suburbs at various times throughout the evening and will take you from the door of your hotel to the doors of the Outback Spectacular with ample time to enjoy a drink or two before the beginning of the show.

CSI: The Experience

A brand new, interactive experience that has been added to the range of existing Gold Coast attractions, the CSI Experience aims to put you in the shoes of one of the popular crime series detectives as you put your deductive skills to the test in an attempt to solve a simulated mystery. You'll be able to analyse the presented forensic evidence and test your sense of logic as you are put to the task of solving one of three true-to-life mysteries. At the end of the experience you'll present your findings and see how they stack up to those of expert crime scene investigators - if you pass correctly, you will receive your own personal CSI Diploma! This international, award-winning exhibition is based in the Piazza at Surfers Paradise and is, again, entirely indoors - an interesting day out that will provide a break from the norm on those rainy days where you are looking for something truly different to do on the Gold Coast. PLEASE NOTE: As of the end of April, the temporary CSI Experience has concluded its run on the Gold Coast. Stay tuned for replacement attractions run by the same company in the near future.

Infinity Attraction

Infinity has been a long standing, highly popular and completely unique indoor Gold Coast attraction that offers a mind-blowing journey into a maze-like world of wonder - a combination of optical illusions, dazzling visual effects and technology combine to make for a distinctly memorable experience. As a facility that is made up of an amazing series of around twenty multi-sensual environments filled with unique special effects, atmospheric sound fields, cool music and more, it's a great place to visit for both kids and adults that will give you an escape from the rainy weather outside and leave you feeling as though you are in another universe! Suitable for all ages and located right in the heart of Surfers Paradise, Infinity is easily accessible and great fun - although those with younger children may want to consider their level of tolerance for these kind of effects as the visual illusions may prove scary for the extremely young. Simply put, go to Infinity and challenge your senses!

Go Ten Pin Bowling

IIt's said that the classics never die, and Ten Pin Bowling has always been a great and entertaining way for groups of friends and family to while away the hours indoors while also providing a fun challenge that can be taken as seriously as you'd like it. Strike Bowling Bar - located in the heart of Surfers Paradise's newly developed Circle on Cavill area - takes the standard bowling experience to another level by incorporating all the latest in modern audio-visual technology to enhance the activity. At Strike, expect not only bowling but also large, high-definition screens that will be playing all the latest and greatest musical hits, neon lighting which adds to the atmosphere, pool tables to shoot a round or two, private karaoke booths that you can utilise to belt out a few tunes, and a deluxe bar that offers drinks throughout your time there (which may assist in boosting up your courage to participate the aforementioned karaoke!) A great outing when the rain is bucketing down, Strike bowling bar offers plenty of entertainment options all sheltered under the one roof.

Laser Skirmish

Unlike regular skirmish, laser skirmish isn't conducted out in open fields amongst the bush. At this great Gold Coast laser skirmish venue, you'll be entirely indoors and manoeuvre through a simulated urban city underworld that is complete with mazes, dark tunnels and ramps as you battle it out with rival players. An action-packed indoor laser adventure game - without the pain and inevitable bruises of paintball - you'll be armed with advanced laser weapons and combat vests as you focus your concentration and match your wits against those of the opposition as the tension provides an experience of pure strategic, aiming and reflexive fun. Smoke screens and integrated lifting add another element of surprise; use the walls and obstacles to your advantage, and challenge your friends, family or coworkers to a battle that is perfect for both adults and children. Located at Robina, it's another fun alternative for rainy days.

Indoor Go Karting

Those with the need for speed can spare the risk of slipping and sliding on rain soaked roads and head to one of the biggest Indoor Go Karting venues in Australia for a fun filled racing day out on the Gold Coast. As the name implies, the track is entirely indoors and all karts are highly advanced and fully electronically timed. Be sure to call in advance and make a booking as on rainy days the venue is quite popular and it will assist in avoiding delays in queuing so you can get out on the track with a minimum of waiting time. Based at Nerang, the track is easily accessible and can accommodate up to 15 other racers on the circuit at any one time. Kids are also welcome to join in - as long as they can reach the peddles, they are potential racers, with the minimum height limit of 120cm being the only restriction that applies for participation. So get behind the wheel, and stay indoors without worrying about the rainy day outside, with this great Gold Coast Go Karting experience!

Alternatively, if the weather fines up and you're looking for a full range of things to do on the Gold Coast, be sure to check out our main Gold Coast region section for our full catalogue of available experiences!