10 things to do when it rains in Brisbane

Forgo a movie marathon and the comfort of your couch. Experience the magic of the stage, watching a performance at South Bank’s Queensland Performing Arts Centre (better known as QPAC).

Following the completion of a fifth theatre venue in the not too distant 2022, QPAC is set to become the country’s largest Performing Arts Centre. There’s plenty of variety in terms of events here; after all, it’s where the Queensland Theatre Company, Queensland Ballet, Queensland Symphony Orchestra and Opera Queensland call home.

2. Sip on a local brew

We Queenslanders are serious about our beer. So much so that the state isn’t just home to the iconic XXXX Brewery, but boasts the largest population of craft breweries in the country.

Seek shelter from the storm outside with a trip to one of the city’s best craft outlets. Mosey your way to Newstead Brewing Co. sampling its six creations, before making your way to neighbouring Green Beacon Brewery just around the corner. If you’re still thirsty, make your way to more recent city additions Felons Brewing Co. at Howard Smith Wharves, and the first Brisbane outlet of much loved Stone & Wood.

3. Wander the galleries

What better way to escape the wet weather than a foray through the state’s art collection? South Bank that you’ll come to greet two of Queensland’s most esteemed galleries dubbed QAGOMA; the Gallery of Modern Art and Queensland Art Gallery.

Neighbours, this duo of art havens are complementary in their exhibitions, spanning the more traditional of artworks, to the more experimental. GOMA in particular has become globally recognised courtesy of exhibition Asia Pacific Triennial and a renowned kids program.

4. Sharpen up your cooking skills

Foodies will need no convincing when it comes to taking a cooking class. Golden Pig is one of Brisbane’s best; the award-winning restaurant comes equipped with a school led by ex-Rockpool and Spirit House talent Katrina Ryan.

There’s really no limit to what you can learn at this refurbished Newstead warehouse; classes are held on Sundays and Mondays, and range in subject matter from Moroccan favourites to pastry essentials.

5. Take a trip down memory lane

Consider yourself a history buff? Get out of the rain, and better acquainted with Brisbane’s past with a venture to the Museum of Brisbane. Nestled inside a regal historic icon in its own right, the 90-year-old Brisbane City Hall, the Brisbane Museum overflows with tales from the capital’s beginnings, as well as an impressive collection of artwork from local creatives.

Just don’t miss out on a ride up the resident clock tower, where the bell rings on the hour, every hour.

6. Unleash your inner artist

Join us for adults-only kind of crafternoon, with a painting class partnered with wine. There are a handful of different Brisbane-based offerings which will see you take a brush in one hand and a glass in the other; on Brunswick Street in nightlife district Fortitude Valley sits Brush and Barrel, while Cork and Chroma’s studio sits on the other side of the river in South Brisbane.

7. Feast on global fare

We hope you’re hungry before you embark on a visit to Eat Street Northshore. A collection of more than 70 shipping containers form the bulk of the markets here; each converted into a permanent stall doling out heaped plates of food from around the world.

Held on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons in Hamilton, the markets provide not only plenty of eating potential, but ample cover from the rain.

8. Sit back and relax

Treat yourself with a day at the spa. It’s in the Sofitel you’ll come across Brisbane’s best known; Stephanie’s is an award-winning relaxation specialist.

Think massage, facials, waxing and pedicures, not to mention a ‘steam temple’ which combines steam therapy with cleansing muds and a gentle rain shower. Special mentions should also go to more recent Brisbane additions; W Brisbane’s Away Spa and KAILO Wellness Medispa at The Calile.

9. Get better acquainted with wine

You don’t need to be a sommelier to have an understanding of grape juice. Get to know the world of wine a little better with a visit to one of Brisbane’s specialty bars.

We boast an impressive number of vino fanatics in the river city for improving your wine education. To start there’s Cru Bar + Cellar on James Street, and La Lune Wine Co in Fish Lane.

The pottery wheel, that is. Channel your inner creative with a class sculpting your own ceramics. There are a growing number of spaces in town happy to teach you the basics of throwing, including Mas and Miek Ceramic Studio in Newstead led by a mother and daughter duo.

Refuse to travel in the rain? They’ve conveniently released some online courses.