Raining in Newcastle? Here's what to do
Is the wet weather getting you down? While Newcastle is a beautiful place to be when the sun is shining, there's plenty to keep you busy on a rainy day. Check out our guide for things to do when it's raining in Newcastle.
Get active
Get bowling and arcade gaming at Dullboy's Social Co in Warners Bay, head to MANIAX to blow off some steam as you chuck axes (and maybe even follow up with a pizza, or swing some clubs at Rippit Golf in Broadmeadow.
Why not try a new indoor sport? Scale the walls rock-climbing at Pulse Climbing in Adamstown and Warners Bay, tackle the indoor obstacles at Ninja Parc Cooks Hill (both adults and kids over 8), and get jumping at Revolution Sports Park in Maryville, Springloaded at Gateshead, and Flip Out in Charlestown.
Want to escape the rain and head to a sunny island paradise? UnrealVR in Charlestown or Novacade in Newcastle will take you there (virtually)! Or, warm up with hot yoga – Yoga Body Works and Yoga Loft both offer these hot little classes on their schedule.
Maybe it’s Pilates you’re after? Whether you’re keen to hit the reformer machines or just do some mat work, there’s plenty of Pilates studios across Newcastle.
For the little ones, burn some energy ten-pin bowling or putt your stuff at Holey Moley in Charlestown. There's even a fully-licensed bar for the big kids.
Eat and drink
Start off the day with a bottomless brunch at The Autumn Rooms, enjoy something less boozy at Equium Social, or choose from one of Newcastle's best cafes.
Warm up with tea and scones at one of these high tea experiences, or indulge in dessert at Cakeboi or Doughheads.
Spend the afternoon cracking open a book over coffee at the atmospheric The Press Book House or sipping hot chai at Momo Wholefood.
When it comes to dinner, Newcastle has a wealth of options where you can escape a downpour. Try our guide to Newcastle's best restaurants for somewhere to feast the night away.
Be a distiller for the day and book yourself in for a gin blending class with some friends at Earp Distilling Co. Become a cocktail or whisky expert after one of Coal and Cedar’s masterclasses. Or if beer’s more your thing, book in a brewery tour at Foghorn Brewhouse or Modus Brewing.
Belt out ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ at Jam’s Karaoke and Bar on Union Street, accompanied by cocktails and Japanese bar snacks.
Or, you can't beat heading out midweek with a bunch of mates and testing your knowledge with pub trivia.
Shopping, art and culture
Take a browse through some of the unique boutiques along Darby Street including Steel & Anchor, Abicus, Ramjet, Cooks Hill Books, Blackbird Corner, Palinopsia, and Eat Your Water are just some of the boutiques on this iconic street.
Wander Beaumont Street and shop the Hamilton strip featuring retailers like July Jones, Retro Wardrobe, and more.
Or, if you're in the CBD, don't miss Betty Loves Books, Hey Jude, Love Pete, Paper Caravan, High Tea with Mrs Woo and Studio Melt, Honest Paper, or The Lair.
Try your hand at painting with Pinot & Picasso, or get messy with clay at The Art Department.
Visit one of Newcastle's many art galleries. Try Cooks Hill Galleries, LEDA Gallery, Wester Gallery, Straitjacket, or The Lockup, just to name a few. Or, take the kids to Newcastle Museum where there's always plenty to do, see, and learn.
If you don’t mind getting a little wet, head up to Nobby’s Lighthouse (open Saturdays and Sundays) and peruse the artwork of Newcastle creatives. There’s even a shop inside!
Take yourself shopping on Maitland Road in Islington and discover some new, vintage, and pre-loved treasures. Must-visits include: Hide + Seeker, Stoned Saint Moon, edde, Jack Jack, The Conscious Exchange, High Swan Dive, and Yardsale Trading Co. Kick back after all your shopping with a coffee at Slingtown Espresso.
Catch some live music at the Hamilton Station Hotel, The Lass O'Gowrie Hotel, or The Underground.
The movies are always an option – head to The Rooftop at Westfield Kotara where you can keep the kids occupied at Timezone and grab something to eat at one of the many restaurants before heading in to catch a movie.
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