Top 10 things to do on a rainy day on the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is a city that has built its 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.

To lend a hand, we've put together a list of some of the best things to do on the Gold Coast on rainy days in order to get the most out of your holiday or day out - weather be damned!

Location: Chevron Renaissance Centre, Surfers Paradise

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.

This is an attraction 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!

Infinity sits within the Chevron Renaissance complex across the road from main Surfers Paradise, which is a popular area for both retail shopping and some quality restaurants - as a result it's a great combination to mix a trip to Infinity with lunch for a wholesome couple of hours worth of entertainment.

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 kinds of effects as the visual illusions may prove scary for the extremely young. Simply put, go to Infinity and challenge your senses!

Location: 135 Bundall Rd, Bundall

Your best option on the Gold Coast, if you're after a dose of rainy day arts culture, is the Gold Coast Arts Centre and the large new modern Art Gallery.

Located on Bundall Road in Southport along the banks of the Nerang River. If you are staying in Surfers Paradise, the best way to get there is by the Hopo ferry. The Gold Coast HOTA is easily identifiable with buildings with a unique large colourful designs. It plays host to a comfortable theatre offering a selection of arthouse and indie films, which can make for a refreshing break from the standard explosion-filled Hollywood blockbusters playing at mainstream cinemas. The cinema itself features full Dolby Digital surround sound, so it isn't like a small-scale theatre.

The HOTA has quality cafes to enjoy a meal. In addition to the theatre, the Gold Coast HOTA also a large new art gallery and featuring around different exhibitions focusing on a variety of artistic themes and types throughout the year.

The curators who work there are enthusiastic and helpful. Entry is free and if you combine the gallery with a Hopo ferry trip, the Gold Coast HOTA is a very viable rainy day activity.

Location: Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise

Step out of the real world behind and immerse yourself in a world of mystery at the Padlock'd Escape Rooms. In a race against the clock, your team will be shut into a room with 1 hour open the locks in these fast paced games. There are nine themed rooms, so choose your type of fun..

Location: 108 Siganto Drive, Helensvale

A great outing for the whole family, the Game Over indoor games venue has some pretty cool options. The Game Over Gold Coast combo includes 1 session of electric go karting, 1 laser tag game and 1 climbing session. A great rainy day activity, providing hours of entertainment.

Race your family members on the go kart track, win the record lap time. Then face them off again in laser tag and take the other side down, in an arena with pumping soundtrack and cool lighting. Lastly, let the kids loose on the indoor climbing walls. The clip and climb walls are a fun and safe way to challenge yourself while getting high up that wall.

Perfect for family fun, this indoor games venue has something for everyone. Select your dates and buy your tickets online right here.

Location: Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Another popular and modern indoor attraction on the Gold Coast, iFLY serves to fulfil all the dreams of flying for those who may never want to actually try skydiving from thousands of feet in the air. Located just a short walk from the centre of Surfers Paradise, iFLY utilises a truly powerful force of air to defy gravity and push participants up into the air - all within the safety of a glass wind tunnel.

Participants undergo a safety briefing and some basic instruction, then don a purpose-designed aerodynamic jumpsuit and helmet before entering the tunnel proper and feeling the awesome sensation of being suspended in mid-air. Once acquainted with the initial balance, you'll soon get a sense of how to master the different free-fall methods that allow you to progress through the different levels of skill and experience.

It's both fun and a sensation like no other, and in many ways serves as a great introduction for skydiving, as well as being a thoroughly enjoyable experience in its own right. Those looking to take part in an iFLY session have a number of different packages to choose from, ranging from shorter and cheaper intro packages to extended and advanced multi-session bundles that represent better overall value for those planning repeat visits.

A true tip of the cap must also be given to the highly skilled and helpful staff who are both friendly, highly skilled and helpful in allaying any nerves or fears for first-time participants. For those who are curious but not sure about committing to a session, visiting the iFLY complex serves as an entertaining way to pass some time on a rainy day in Surfers Paradise, as you'll be able to watch other participants defy gravity!

Location: 122 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise

This great kids attraction is perfect for family fun and the little ones, with skating aides available for those unable to skate themselves. When its a rainy day on the Coast, this fully indoor attraction provides hours of fun! Or even on a too hot summer day escape the heat and enjoy a couple of hours in this beautifully cold attraction!

This great family activity is more than just ice skating, there are also game tables with air hockey and snooker! You can get Ice Skating tickets online right here and head on down to the rink.

Location: Robina Town Centre, Robina

ArtVo Gold Coast gives visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the massive artworks and pose alongside jaw-dropping scenes. This is the ultimate selfy photo opp against truly amazing backgrounds.

With over 80 optical illusions and larger-than-life wall murals, visitors can scale rocky crevasses, come face-to-face with wild animals or surf massive pipelines to take the perfect thumb-stopping photo that will play tricks with your mind. See classic scenes from famous films like Titanic and mind-blowing locations to get everyone excited. To make the most of the experience, bring your own phone camera to capture the amazing art.

ArtVo Gold Coast will truly keep the kids entertained. Afterwards, you can have a bite to eat and browse through Robina Town Centre one of the best shopping centres on the Gold Coast. Makes for a good afternoon out while escaping the wet weather.

Location: 19 Ozone Parade, Miami

Axe throwing is a new competitive sport to emerge and also a novalty for those looking to try something new.. Its a great activity for a that rainy day with sessions available day or night. And its is easy to learn, so why not give it a throw.

Your session includes instruction by experts on how to throw the SOG Tomahawks. You will get to throw a range of small and large axes aimed at targets for practice and then the competition begins. So for a fun group activity get ready to unleash your inner Lumber Jack and hit that bullseye.

Location: 34 Smith St Motorway, Southport

Go head to head with robots, droids, zombies in a world-class free-roaming virtual reality gaming experience where you get to choose your desired game package on the day. No matter if rainy or stormy weather, a virtual reality game is a Gold Coast activity you can enjoy any time. Fight off rogue AI technology or immerse yourself in a colourful world, your game your choice.

The games come to life in the 200sqm VR arena with wireless technology, motion tracking and 4K clarity headsets guiding you through the interactive virtual reality 30 minute games. These games are most fun when played as a family or with a group of friends up to 8 per game.

Location: 1 Entertainment Dr, Helensvale

For some exciting live family entertainment, check out the Australian Outback Spectacular ‘Heartland’ show. Located next to Movieworld in an immersive multi-media arena, this heartwarming show includes a three course meal and beverages throughout the show, incredible special effects, inspiring performances by a great cast, as well as many farm animals.

The story depicts Australian farmers enduring tough times in a protracted drought and life in the outback told with humour, quirky characters and friendship set to the soundtrack of well-known Australian country music songs. With the help of amazing projection technology and some incredibly talented horses and their riders, the arena transforms into a variety of spectacular outback landscapes that give the illusion of rugged plains, farms, green fields, red dust, rocky outcrops, stampeding cattle, fire and rain.

For a great night out, the Australian Outback Spectacular dinner and Heartland show won't disappoint. Select your show dates and secure your tickets online right here.