8 unique things to do in Adelaide when it’s raining

Don’t let the rainy days stop you.

Adelaide has its fair share of rain most winters. Our South Australian capital and the landscapes which surround it, offer the most magnificent selection of outdoor activities. You could say we’re spoiled for choice. However, when it rains we sometimes don’t know where to turn. We’re here to help you with just that: what can we all do when it’s cold, rainy and unpleasant? Read on to find a handful of things to do in Adelaide when it’s raining. 

It’s easy to exchange a hike for a gorgeous brunch at your local eatery. It’s also pretty painless to opt for a few drinks at a bar when plans for get rained off. And there’s nothing wrong with indulging in a tasty bite or a night out. Yet Adelaide has so much more to offer than awesome restaurants and cosy cafes. Why not try something different?

Here are eight ideas for your next rainy Adelaide day. You might just be surprised by the possibilities.

1. Tour the Gaol but bring a jacket

Take a self-guided tour through the not-so-pleasant-past of inmates who spent their days in this sinister looking prison. Adelaide Gaol has stood for over 170 and has housed over 300,000 inmates. As you wander around through outdoor yards and a number of different rooms and exhibits, you’ll get a real picture of the harsh conditions endured by many here throughout history. Dark and damp, the gaol is eerie and completely spine-chilling. Take an intimate look into the haunting history of Adelaide, learning about the crimes of men and women and get a feel for what an inmates daily life would have looked like. If history is at all interesting to you, you’ll find this one absolutely fascinating. 

2. Watch a movie at Mercury Cinema

Whilst watching a movie might appear a little mainstream for a rainy day, Mercury Cinema takes care of making sure that your experience is unique. With screening of classics and cult films as well as more recent cinema, Mercury Cinema is a cinema with a twist. It’s a not-for-profit, run by the Media Resource Centre. As they state on their website: ‘Yes, this means that you won’t be paying $11 for a large pop-corn or $6 for a cup of coke’. Grab a glass of wine or a Campari and fresh orange and head into their wonderful old theatre for a movie of your choice. It’s steeped in character and beautifully unique.

3. Go iceskating indoors

Unless you’re a figure skater or ice hockey player, it’s probably been a while since you took to the ice. An evening at the ice rink is a different and very novel idea for rainy winter nights. Head to IceAreanA with your friends, get a little exercise and enjoy the laughs that come with ice skating this winter. 

4. Have High-Tea at the Mayfair Hotel 

You’ve probably been out for dinner, lunch or even brunch recently, but when was the last time you treated yourself to a high-tea. Pay a visit to the Mayfair Hotel this winter and settle in to the elegant Mayflower restaurant for a cosy afternoon filled with exquisite treats, teas and champagne. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a date with an old friend, a high-tea is a fabulous way to brighten up your afternoon when its gloomy outside.

5. Visit MOD

If philosophy, science, art or innovation keep you ticking, drop by MOD (Museum of Discovery) on a rainy afternoon. MOD is Australia’s leading future-focused museum. Provoking new ideas and keeping things innovative, the museum captures perfectly the space where art and science meet. Take a trip into the future and get your mind thinking at MOD.

6. Take cover from the rain at the Art Gallery of South Australia 

If you’ve lived in South Australia a while, it’s likely you’ve been here before. But it’s so easy to forget all of the exceptional activities right on your doorstep. Rediscover the AGSA this winter and take a glimpse of the one of the country’s best displays of visual culture all set within a stunningly grand old building. Guided tours and changing specialist exhibitions are also possibilities for those interested in the whole experience. 

7. Play indoor mini-golf at Holey Moley

Visit the 80s and 90s whilst playing a round of mini-golf if the weather is letting you down this winter. Choose from cocktails, wine, beer or anything you fancy, and get stuck into a competitive round of golf with your friends. Music is blasting and holes are inspired by your childhood favourites at this indoor mini-golf course with a fantastic twist. There are plenty of things to do in Adelaide when it’s raining, but this is certainly the most unique.

8. Explore the national wine centre and replace rain with wine

If wine makes up one of your interests in life, then you have probably been to many cellar doors and wine bars in and around Adelaide. Why not visit the National Wine Centre itself this winter and sample a cross-section of some of South Australia’s best wineries. Set foot inside the architecturally impressive and chic building and learn about the history of the Australian wine industry as well as more current lessons in wine production. Stay for a tasting platter, a coffee or go for a tasting. Stay as long as you like, there’s a whole lot to do (and taste) here.

For more tips on things to do in Adelaide when it’s raining, take a look at our Ultimate Guide to Adelaide and discover more of the South Australian capital. Hopefully, when you visit the weather will be great, but if not we hope the article helped you find things to do in Adelaide when it’s raining.

SA Weekend Escape top hotel picks!

If you’re not based in Adelaide, but you could with a city break this winter, you’ll need some inspiration for hotels in Adelaide. Whether you’re after the perfect hotel for a special getaway or simply a base for a weekend of exploration, we have some suggestions. Take a look at a few of our recommendations for hotels in Adelaide:

Adelaide Royal Coach – Parkside location, modern rooms, onsite Angus&Co Restaurant and indoor pool.

Mayfair Hotel – Adelaide luxury with New York style, gorgeous rooftop bar, afternoon teas and all things lavish.

Adelaide Meridien – Practical and perfect North Adelaide location, spacious and modern.