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    What to do in Wollongong when it rains. Rainy day things to do.

    Rainy Day things to do in Wollongong, Shellharbour and Illawarra wide. Don’t let wet, chilly weather put a damper on your plans! Discover our best indoor venues and fun activities when it’s wet, windy and cold. Here’s 20 rainy day ideas, from museums and art galleries to indoor adventures and delicious food experiences. Bought to you by the local team at What’s On in Wollongong – the Illawarra’s leading guide to the best events, markets, live music, eats & drinks, and family fun.

    For toddler or kid-friendly indoor fun when the cold, rain or wind hits, head over to our sister site, What to do in Wollongong with Kids in the Rain – Parents Guide Illawarra

    Rainy Day Indoor Ideas For All Ages:

    Hangdog Indoor Rock Climbing + ClimbaYoga

    When the rain keeps you indoors, Hangdog Climbing Gym is the perfect place to get active, have fun, and try something a little different with the family. Ideal for beginners and experienced climbers alike, the gym offers top rope climbing, bouldering + more for kids and adults. You can join casual sessions, memberships, social climbs, or fitness-focused classes like HangFit and ClimbaYoga (pictured below) to build strength, agility, and confidence. With fun, safe, and skill-building activities for all ages, Hangdog is Wollongong’s go-to destination for a rainy-day adventure.

    Revolution Laser Tag + NEW VR Arcade Experience

    When the weather turns wet, Revolution Laser Arena is the perfect indoor destination for an action-packed day out. Combining heart-pounding next-gen laser tag action (pictured below) + their brand-new VR Arcade and VR Escape Rooms (pictured above), all ages can enjoy immersive adventures without stepping outside. The VR experiences let kids & adults dodge, solve puzzles, and explore incredible worlds, with age-appropriate options for younger players and teens. Plus, try 20% off your first VR booking for even more fun. Perfect for families looking to stay active, entertained, and dry on a rainy day in Wollongong.

    Science Space Wollongong

    When the weather keeps you indoors, UOW Science Space in North Wollongong is the ultimate destination for hands-on fun for young and old. As the largest interactive science centre in NSW and ranked among the Top 10 Fun Places for Kids by Parents Guide Illawarra, it’s packed with over 100 exhibits across two floors, exploring dinosaurs, fossils, electricity, motors, and more. There are live science shows, immersive astronomy experiences in the Planetarium & a fully stocked Science Shop, Science Space Wollongong offers endless indoor fun, learning, and exploration – perfect for a rainy day in the Illawarra.

    HARS Aviation Museum

    When the weather keeps you indoors, the HARS Aviation Museum at Shellharbour Regional Airport is a must-visit for families, kids, and aviation enthusiasts of all ages. This interactive museum showcases Australia’s aviation history, including the last Boeing 747-400 in the country. Visitors can board aircraft, explore hangars, sit in cockpits, and enjoy hands-on guided tours led by friendly volunteers. Open 7 days a week, with special Tarmac Days on the second weekend of each month, HARS Aviation Museum provides an exciting and educational experience for everyone, rain or shine.

    Northern Bowl, Bellambi

    Northern Bowl is the perfect spot for indoor entertainment in the Illawarra when the rain or cold hits. Enjoy bowling with ramps for kids, arcade games, and a café on site for snacks and refreshments. Rain or shine, Northern Bowl offers hours of fun, excitement, and friendly competition, making it an ideal indoor destination for families, friends, and groups of all ages.

    Illawarra Light Railway Museum

    Looking for a fun indoor-friendly activity in the Illawarra? The Illawarra Light Railway Museum in Albion Park is perfect for train lovers of all ages. Hop aboard restored light rail vehicles, miniature trains, and steam engines while learning about the history of railways in the region. Tours are lively and educational, giving visitors an up-close experience with trams, locomotives, and carriages – making it a great, accessible destination for families and groups, rain or shine.

    Wollongong City Libraries

    Rainy days are perfect for exploring Wollongong City Libraries, with seven locations across the region offering inclusive, safe, and engaging spaces for all ages. Families with young children can enjoy educational and recreational programs & school-aged kids and teens can join workshops and learning sessions. Adults are also well catered for, with free social, educational, and recreational programs, including hobby groups, workshops, talks, and tech help. Wollongong City Libraries provide a cozy and inspiring destination for families, friends, and individuals when the weather keeps you indoors.

    The Fraternity Club

    Don’t let wet weather ruin your plans—The Fraternity Club is the perfect indoor destination for families. Kids can enjoy hours of excitement in the arcade, while parents refuel with award-winning meals from La Trattoria or Il Bene, offering everything from cheesy pizza to handmade pasta and hearty mains. With HD big screens for live sport, indoor sporting facilities, & futsal courts, there’s something for everyone. Rain or shine, The Frat combines food, fun, and family-friendly entertainment all under one roof, making it a go-to spot for a memorable day in the Illawarra.

    When the weather keeps you indoors, Wollongong Art Gallery is the perfect destination for families and art lovers of all ages. As one of Australia’s largest regional art museums, entry is free, and the gallery is open Tuesday to Friday (10am–5pm) and Saturday to Sunday (12pm–4pm). Explore a diverse collection of Australian, Aboriginal, Asian, and contemporary art, enjoy exciting exhibitions, and participate in hands-on workshops and activities designed for all abilities. With engaging displays and creative programs, Wollongong Art Gallery offers an inspiring and cozy indoor escape on a rainy day.

    For toddler or kid-friendly indoor fun when the cold, rain or wind hits, head over to our What to do in Wollongong with Kids in the Rain Guide over at our sister site, Parents Guide Illawarra

    Best Pubs & Restaurants With Fire Places In Wollongong / Illawarra. Get Cosy!

    When the rain hits and a chill settles in the air, there’s nothing better than curling up fireside with a warming drink or a hearty meal. From Wollongong to across the Illawarra, our insider guide here highlights the best pubs, clubs, and restaurants with fireplaces where you can enjoy craft beers, fine wines, or delicious dinners in cozy, welcoming surroundings. Whether it’s a casual night out, a romantic dinner, or a catch-up with friends, these best local fireplace spots are perfect for staying warm, dry, relaxed, and indulging in the ultimate comfort vibes.

    Perfect Rainy Day Dining Destinations:

    The Icon, Wollongong

    When the weather’s wet, The Icon is the perfect place to escape and enjoy great food, drinks, and entertainment in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Located in the heart of Wollongong, The Icon’s kitchen hours run late Thursday to Saturday, featuring fan favourites like the $12 Chicken Schnitzel with gravy and chips, plus daily specials including $10 cocktails and $6 beers and wines. Bookings are recommended to secure your spot for a cozy rainy day out in Wollongong.

    Steamers Bar & Grill

    When the weather’s wet and chilly, there’s no better spot to relax and enjoy exceptional food and drinks than Steamers Bar & Grill, located at 1 Marine Drive, Wollongong, with stunning views over City Beach and the Wollongong Lighthouse. Rainy day specials are available mid-week and on weekends – add to the atmosphere with live acoustic music every Thursday from 5:30pm + Happy Hour daily from 5–6pm. Whether you’re escaping the rain, celebrating with friends, or simply craving a delicious meal with a view, Steamers Bar & Grill is Wollongong’s ultimate cozy and stylish spot for a rainy day.

    The Lagoon Restaurant

    When the weather turns wet and chilly, The Lagoon Seafood Restaurant is the ideal place to relax and indulge in a memorable meal. Open 7 days for lunch and dinner, this Illawarra institution has been delighting diners since 1986 with its world-class à la carte menu featuring the freshest locally sourced seafood, Sydney rock oysters and signature dishes like Barramundi Nick and whole snapper. The perfect way to escape the rain and treat yourself to a relaxing, delicious experience.

    Altitude 1148, Bulli Tops

    When the weather turns wet, Altitude1148 is the perfect escape for a warm, friendly, and professional dining experience with breathtaking panoramic & stunning views of the Illawarra. Open 7 days, the restaurant offers authentic Indian cuisine, fresh seafood, and modern Australian dishes, while the café serves everything from light cakes to juicy burgers paired with barista-made coffee. Unwind during Happy Hour and watch the rain roll over the escarpment with friends, enjoying buy 1, get 1 free drinks Fridays to Sundays and soaking in the cozy atmosphere with a view, Altitude1148 is an ideal rainy-day destination.

    Wisos

    When the weather turns wet, Wisos (formerly Wiseman Park Bowling Club) is the perfect place to relax, enjoy great food, and have some fun. Just 2 km from Wollongong CBD and the University of Wollongong, it’s one of the Illawarra’s top destinations for a casual day out with family or friends. Pets are welcome in the outdoor areas, making Wisos a cozy, all-ages spot to escape the rain and enjoy great food and entertainment.

    Restaurant Santino

    When the weather turns wet, Restaurant Santino is the perfect chic spot to relax and enjoy a memorable meal in a stylish, intimate setting. Tucked away in a lively laneway in central Wollongong, this award-winning Italian bistro combines classic ambiance with art deco charm, making it ideal for a cozy lunch or dinner. Families are welcome too – kids eat free Friday to Sunday lunches, making it easy to enjoy a relaxed weekend meal in from the wet and cold.

    Centro CBD Wollongong

    When the weather keeps you indoors, Centro CBD is the perfect place to enjoy an extraordinary meal and unforgettable live entertainment. Located in the heart of Wollongong, Centro CBD combines a classic Italian restaurant with intimate live music and performance spaces, including the Sorrento Room, where up-close concerts let you relax with friends, a bottle of wine, and your favourite artists. The chefs craft fresh Italian dishes with fine wines and cocktails to match – making rainy days memorable and delicious in Wollongong.

    Dicey Riley’s Hotel

    When the weather turns wet, Dicey Riley’s Hotel, Wollongong’s only Irish pub, is the perfect spot to pull up a chair, enjoy a pint, and soak up a warm, lively atmosphere. With an award-winning bistro, cosy lounge with darts and pool, families are welcome, with a dedicated kids’ menu and hearty meals at Noel’s Place Bistro, Dicey Riley’s Hotel is an ideal destination for a cozy rainy day in Wollongong.

    Kneading Ruby

    When the weather turns wet, Kneading Ruby on Crown Lane Wollongong is the perfect place to escape and enjoy casual, modern Italian dining in the heart of Wollongong. Specialising in rustic dishes and authentic wood-fired pizzas made from fresh, locally sourced produce, you can also opt for the ‘Feed Me’ set menu – ideal for groups, double dates, or long-overdue catch-ups. Mark your calendar for when the weather keeps you indoors

    The Boathouse, North Wollongong

    When the weather turns wet, The Boathouse on the top level of the North Wollongong Surf Life Saving Club is the perfect place to relax with stunning beach views. Enjoy lunch or dinner in a bright, airy space overlooking the Pacific Ocean, or stop by the bar for cocktails, wine, tap beer, and small plates. Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or casual drinks, The Boathouse North Wollongong is ideal for a cozy, scenic escape on a rainy day.

    The Imperial at Clifton

    When the weather turns wet, The Imperial at Clifton is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy award-winning food in a stunning, historic venue perched along the Northern Illawarra escarpment. Just over 500m from the Sea Cliff Bridge and set along the Grand Pacific Drive, the Imperial offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even picnic hampers, all in a beautiful seaside setting. With coastal charm, great food, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, The Imperial at Clifton is ideal for a cozy rainy-day escape.

    A cosy bar more your style? Then check out our list of the best bars in Wollongong here.

    Explore our Best Museums & Cultural Attractions

    When the rain rolls in, Wollongong is packed with indoor adventures for all ages. Explore everything from planes, trains, and automobiles, to science, art, and history at local museums and historical societies. Discover the best museums, historical attractions, and cultural venues in Wollongong and experience the rich history and vibrant culture of the Illawarra — perfect for keeping the whole family entertained on a wet day.

    Rainy Day Reboot: Sauna & Ice Bath Wellness

    Saunaus Wollongong

    When the rain hits and the air turns crisp, Saunaus offers the perfect indoor escape to recharge your body and mind. Experience the ancient practice of sauna therapy, then plunge into the invigorating ice bath for the ultimate contrast therapy. This hot-and-cold combination boosts circulation, supports detoxification, reduces inflammation, and enhances mental clarity.

    Saunaus provides a calm, safe, and rejuvenating space for health, fitness, relaxation, recovery, and rehabilitation. Take advantage of their limited-time Premium Unlimited Membership: $70/week with 2 weeks FREE, unlimited access to the sauna, ice baths + more. Learn more/enquire here now.

    Hangdog Recovery Room

    Looking for a rainy-day wellness reset in Wollongong? Hangdog Climbing Gym has just opened its Recovery Room, featuring a state-of-the-art infrared sauna and invigorating ice bath. Open to everyone- not just climbers – this space is perfect for boosting circulation, reducing muscle soreness, and relaxing while the kids climb. Casual visits start from $10, with weekly memberships from $20, making it an affordable way to unwind and recharge. Book your session today.

    Visit our Best Breweries in Wollongong, Illawarra & the South Coast

    When the rain pours and the chill sets in, there’s nothing better than exploring Wollongong and Illawarra’s top breweries. Let us guide you through the region’s finest craft beer spots – from cosy taprooms to hidden gems – where you can warm up with a hearty pint while enjoying the vibrant local beer culture. Perfect for friends, couples, or solo adventures, a brewery tour is a tasty, indoor way to embrace cold and wet weather in the Illawarra.

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