18 Gold Coast Rainy Day Ideas That Will Have You Hoping For a Downpour

While I’m sure you’ve ordered a side of sunny skies with your upcoming Gold Coast holiday, the reality is that rain can put a dampener on your plans. The good news is that wet weather doesn’t have to spoil the fun, with the Gold Coast offering a huge range of indoor alternatives:

1. Timezone

In the heart of Surfers Paradise lies Timezone, Australia’s biggest family entertainment centre. Featuring 5,000 square metres of interactive attractions, games and rides, you can treat the kids (and big kids) to laser skirmish, dodgem cars, 18-hole mini golf, a roller coaster simulator, glow-in-the-dark bowling or simply try your hand at the arcade games to win a prize. In fact, whether it’s raining or not, Timezone is a must-visit.

2. The Wax Museum

The Wax Museum is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and houses movie stars, villains, world leaders and scientists to name a few. For those who like a fright, the Chamber of Horrors will set the spine tingling.

3. Dracula’s Haunted House

Another one for those who like an adrenalin-raising scare, Dracula’s Haunted House offers five levels of interactive spooky madness including ghouls, sharks, spiders and vampires. Expect the unexpected! There’s also a hilarious vampire cabaret show at night but keep in mind that this one is quite saucy – and not kid-friendly.

4. Go Karting

A European style indoor go-kart track that allows up to 12 go karts on the track at any one time. Listen to the safety procedures, set a family challenge, then race!

5. Ripley’s Believe It or Not

Ripley’s self-guided tours take a closer look at some of the most unbelievable stories to happen across the world. Stand against the world’s tallest man, discover magic and illusions and marvel at the Odditorium.

6. RaceCentre

Pretend to be a race car driver for the day with a real-time simulated racing experience. Over an hour at the RaceCentre you can choose your favourite car, set your level and then practice, qualify and race.

7. 19 Karen Art Gallery

What started as a gallery designed to showcase work from local emerging artists, Mermaid Beach’s 19 Karen Art Gallery now features work from those mid-career and established international artists.

8. Indoor Rockclimbing

Located in Burleigh Heads, Paramount Adventure Centre offers 850 metres of indoor rock climbing walls with more than 11 metres of vertical height. Even beginners can have a go with instructors on hand.

9. The Arts Centre

Sitting on the banks of the Nerang River, the Arts Centre always has something fun and exciting to offer, be it an exhibition, performance or show. You could also take in a flick at the on-site cinema.

10. Australian Outback Spectacular

Featuring a cast of larger than life characters, magnificent animals, stunning special effects and a delicious three course dinner, the Australian Outback Spectacular gives you the opportunity to soak up the beauty of the Australian landscape from indoors.

11. Spa Experience

Get away from it all with a little R&R and choose from a range of massages, spa treatments and facials at the Endota Day Spa. You could also get your nails done at Sayaka Nail Bar.

12. Bowling

A larger bowling alley than the one in Timezone, AMF Bowling Robina offers 24 bowling lanes, a fully licensed bar and a cafe. It also has an arcade and M9 Laser Skirmish.

13. Mini Golf

The Gold Coast is home to two indoor golf centres – King Tutts in Surfers Paradise or King Tutts at Carrara Markets. Both centres take you on a time travel adventure past dinosaurs, ancient ruins and rainforests. The Surfers Paradise location is only a short distance from Focus Apartments, making getting there easy.

14. Cinema

There is a large number of cinemas on the Gold Coast and some locations offer a premium service such as Gold Class and V Class. There are also 3D cinemas, so check Event Cinemas website for details.

15. Carlton Brewhouse Tour

One of the largest breweries in Australia, Carlton produces VB, Fosters, Carlton Draught and Pure Blonde. Learn all about the brewing process with this informative tour.

16. Hard Rock Cafe

Enjoy Queensland’s only Rock ‘N’ Roll museum while sipping a drink on the undercover balcony. The Hard Rock Cafe is the ultimate rock experience and serves an internationally acclaimed menu.

17. Ice Skating

Iceland in Bundall offers three public sessions daily and a range of lessons for those wanting to learn. Why not take part in a two-hour session of skating school?

18. Abrakidazzle

Three levels of indoor fun for kids of all sizes, means parents can be assured a relaxing time as the kids are entertained behind the glass. Abrakidazzle features toddler toys, a jungle gym, slides and a great cafe, so everyone is kept happy on the yuckiest of days.