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

With a heavy outdoor focus, it’s easy to forget about the Sunshine Coast’s many indoor and sheltered experiences that don’t rely on the (admittedly reliable) weather. Here, we discuss 10 of the best experiences available to make the most of a rainy day on the Sunshine Coast.

On a rainy day, nothing beats warm popcorn and a local cinema. Fortunately, the Sunshine Coast offers great cinema options. With locations in Maroochydore Sunshine Plaza, Caloundra, Noosa, and Gympie, you're sure to find one nearby. Plus, there's a highly anticipated gold class cinema coming to Kawana Shopping World. If it's not ready for your visit, Maroochydore's Sunshine Plaza, just 10 minutes' drive (or 20 minutes by bus) from Mooloolaba, is a convenient and entertaining alternative for movies, dining, shopping, and rainy day activities.

Location: 154-164 Horton Parade, Maroochydore QLD 4558 Maroochydore Sunshine Plaza, more than just a cinema, is a unique shopping complex near Cotton Tree and Mooloolaba. It's distinguished by a flowing river at its center, offering picturesque views and watercraft rentals for a river paddle. Sunshine Plaza, like Kawana Shopping World, is undergoing a $400 million expansion with 100 new stores and 30,000 extra square meters, perfect for rainy day shopping. However, completion is expected in 2020. Beyond shopping, cinema, and watercraft, the center boasts 35+ restaurants and fast-food options to satisfy any rainy day cravings.

Location: 1 Downunder Drive, Palmview QLD 4553 Aussie World is a top attraction for travelers, but just outside its doors, you'll find The Pub—an ideal stopover on the Bruce Highway, especially for those short on time. If you're passing through Palmview on a quick Sunshine Coast visit, The Pub is the perfect meal stop, especially during rainy weather. Their menu features local produce, beer, and wine, with seasonal changes to satisfy your hunger on a long drive. On Fridays from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, they even offer a "Kids Eat Free" deal along with live music for added enjoyment.

Location: 19 Caloundra Rd, Caloundra West QLD 4551 Why rely on iPads and smartphones during bad weather when you can trade tech for rollerblades or skates at Caloundra's Rollerdome? This indoor, air-conditioned rink offers the perfect rainy-day activity, keeping you socially and physically active while staying dry. Depending on the season, Rollerdome transforms into an ice skating rink during holidays and hot months, starting in 2017. It's a hit with locals and tourists alike, providing a cool and sheltered escape from the elements. Whether it's rain or heat, Caloundra's Rollerdome is your go-to destination.

Location: 7 Pathfinder Dr, Caloundra West QLD 4551 The Queensland Air Museum is a hidden gem on the Sunshine Coast, showcasing an impressive collection of military and civilian aircraft. It offers indoor and outdoor displays expertly curated for all-weather enjoyment. Whether you're a history enthusiast, aviation lover, or simply curious, this museum is a must-visit during your Sunshine Coast trip. Dedicated volunteers have maintained each aircraft in pristine condition, and the informative displays share captivating stories about their history and former use, ensuring an educational experience.

Location: 292-296 David Low Way, Bli Bli QLD 4560 Bli Bli's Sunshine Castle, a European-inspired attraction on the Sunshine Coast, is a perfect rainy-day destination for kids fascinated by knights, swords, castles, and medieval history. Despite being only 40 years old, it's expertly themed to transport visitors to the medieval era, offering displays and activities that justify the admission fee. From kids' treasure hunts to an expanding doll collection, the castle offers diverse entertainment options for the whole family on a rainy day.

Location: 50 Pioneer Rd, Yandina QLD 4561 In any weather, the Sunshine Coast's Ginger Factory is a must-visit for activities, tours, and shopping in the incredible Ginger Shop. They boast the world's largest selection of Buderim Ginger products, including ginger beers, cordials, marmalades, sweets, and more, ensuring you won't run out of options on a gloomy day. Additionally, the store offers gifts, gourmet foods, skincare, kitchenware, books, toys, and honey products. The Ginger Factory also hosts shows, tours, and tastings suitable for any weather, with many experiences taking place indoors or under cover.

Location: 24C Innovation Pkwy, Birtinya QLD 4575 If being stuck indoors during your holiday is making you want to bounce off the walls with boredom, why not visit The Big Boing where you’ll be able to bounce of the walls for real! With over 50 interconnected trampolines that scale the walls, you’ll be able to practice your slam-dunks, pull off some aerial dance moves and play a game of dodge ball or two, all in the comfort of the indoors. The park is fully air-conditioned and has a range of cold refreshments available to keep you going throughout your visit.

Location: 46 Grays Rd, Doonan QLD 4562 Located just minutes from Noosa's main beach on spacious grounds, ikatan offers a unique luxury spa experience. This award-winning spa provides a range of treatments, packages, and full-day retreats, making it a perfect escape on rainy days. Its villa-style treatment rooms and Balinese architecture ensure a relaxing atmosphere. The Garden Room and Spa Gardens are popular communal areas, ideal for group bookings, enhancing the overall relaxation experience.

Location: Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557 What better way to escape the rain than by going beneath the sea? SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast offers the opportunity to explore the deep sea with the added bonus of not getting wet! (optional). The largest aquarium in Queensland, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast is packed with an incredibly diverse range of aquatic life, from seals, coral reef fish, sea horse, turtles sharks and rays, there’s sure to be something for everyone. With an array of cleverly themed zones throughout the aquarium, including a state-of-the-art shark exhibit, the Bay of Rays, the fascinating Jelly Fish species and of course the Shark tunnels, SEA LIFE is able to show off the incredible amount of life that exists both beneath the ocean and above it’s surface.