Things to do on the Sunshine Coast when it rains

Rainy days are a great excuse to sample the local fare. When it comes to one place that has it all, it’s riverside at the Wharf Mooloolaba.

15 eateries will tempt even the fussiest taste buds, and here you’ll eat from all over the world. Italian, Columbian, Latin, Asian and Australian flavours duel – but try Riceboi for hawker style Asian, or Saltwater Fish & Chippery for some good old-fashioned favourites.

If you have the kids in tow, try iconic Hogs Breath or Chances family-friendly restaurant with a dedicated kids play zone; guaranteed to be a Sunshine Coast rainy day tribe-pleaser.

Roll, bounce and putt

For some good old-fashioned fun, get your skates on at Caloundra Rollerdome and sign up for a session that’s sure to stoke your inner nostalgia. Rollerskating turns into ice-skating from October, and returns to roller again come January.

While you’re re-visiting the 80s (or proving to the kids you’ve still got it), why not add some extra bounce by hitting the 50+ trampolines at Big Boing Trampoline Park?

Complete the trifecta by challenging your gang to a few rounds of mini golf at Holey Moley. But don’t expect ordinary mini golf here; putt your way through shark infested waters or take a shot at the Nine Iron Throne. There’s food, cocktails and even a karaoke lounge to ensure the good times keep rolling, even if it decides to rain all night.

Fishing, family-style

A short walk away you’ll meet some fishy little characters who don’t mind the rain at all at Sea Life Sunshine Coast.

Join one of the tours to go behind the scenes to see the turtle hospital, learn from the experts who champion ocean conservation or sign your kids up to be a marine biologist for a day (half day available for kids aged 5 and up).

For an extra fun exhibit, your kids can find Dory via an interactive trail created with Disney•Pixar. If you’re not a kid, no problem; release your inner child to connect with all the wonders found under the sea.

Treat yourself

See the rain as a sign to slow down, and check yourself in for an indulgent pamper session at the Sunshine Coast’s premier spa – Ikatan Balinese Day Spa.

Relax in a tranquil garden setting and let the raindrops provide the soothing sound track for your massage, facial or blissful body treatment. Enjoy this one solo, or book as a couple – and while not suitable for younger children, there are teen treatments that can be booked alongside a parent for the perfect bonding day out.

For something a little more spirited, enlist your inner master chef at Spirit House Cooking School. Here you’ll garner culinary insights that’ll have you cooking up storm while meeting new friends. Feast on what you cook and toast to your skills with a glass of wine or beer.

Get crafty

Sunshine Coast’s famous produce just loves the rain. To get your pick of the crop, join Sunshine Craft Beer Tours for a tasty trip to the Sunshine Coast’s Hinterland region.

Known as the Sunshine Coast’s food bowl, you’ll meet the locals growing, brewing, distilling and producing some of the regions very best food, wine and beer. Did someone just say beer? Join the brewery tour to meet the master brewer and talk and taste all things ale, beer and cider. A range of half and full day tours are available. The best bit? You have your own designated driver on board. Cheers to that.

If wine is more your tipple of choice, a visit to Montville will be a rainy day drive you’ll savour. Weave your way up through the Sunshine Coast hinterland to arrive at Flame Hill vineyard, one of this region’s best.

This is an age-old process, with octogenarian vines producing estate wines that are hand harvested. Sip, dine and even stay; you’ll get lost in the spectacular scenery and be nourished with great wine and home grown food in a true paddock-to-plate experience.

5 more crowd-pleasers to add to your Sunshine Coast rainy day guide

1. Spice things up with a visit to the Ginger Factory. You’ll take a ride round on the ginger train, sample your way through the cafe or pop the umbrella and go on a tour to see how ginger is grown and harvested.
2. Head up the Sunshine Coast Motorway to Noosa and hit the boutiques of Hastings Street for some rainy day retail therapy.
3. Blame it on the rain and load up big on the sweet stuff at the Sunshine Coast’s minimalist, but sweetest bakery Tome, located in Ocean Street, Maroochydore.
4. Art hop through an array of public galleries featuring paintings, sculptures, photography and mixed mediums by following the Sunshine Coast’s Art Gallery Trail.
5. Get gaming at the Sunshine Coast’s latest addition to the scene timezone Sunshine Plaza. Challenge your family or mates to a ten-pin bowling duel, see how far they can bounce in the drift bumper cars or see who can out tag who at the futuristic themed laser tag arena.