Melbourne is Australia’s most leisurely city, a glorious mix of arts, gardens, gastronomy and sports!
Whether you’re checking out a star-studded exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), enjoying fine dining at one of the city’s world class restaurants or heading down to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for the Aussie Rules or cricket, Melbourne is a city with plenty to do in all types of weather.
This being said, one thing Melbourne isn’t renowned for is its weather, with the city experiencing more than its fair share of rainy days throughout the year!
So, the question is this: what can you do on a rainy day in Melbourne? Well, plenty, really…
The National Gallery of Victoria
The NGV proudly boasts a rotating roster of masters exhibitions, with the likes of Dali, Basquiat and Monet being some of the recent headliners of the gallery’s summer/winter exhibits.
Not only this, but the series of permanent exhibitions intertwining throughout the building make for a most charming respite from what can be some pretty serious Melbourne downpours…
Head to the footy
Aussie Rules was made to be played in the mud, hail and wind, but that doesn’t mean you have to cop it just for watching this amazing spectacle! No, you can certainly head to either the MCG or Marvel Stadium for one of these gladiatorial contents without the risk of getting soaked yourself!
Aussie Rules is a Melbourne favourite, and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular, as thousands of screaming fans cheer on these elite athletes as they battle it out in one of the sport’s toughest contests. The great thing about visiting Melbourne and heading to a footy game is choosing a team you go for when you’re there (if you haven’t done your research already!).
Enjoy coffee & treats in a laneway
Melbourne is world famous for its uber-cool intersecting laneway system, with each laneway being lined with artisanal cafes and street art. This makes for the perfect place to sit, enjoy a coffee and watch the rain pour down onto these charming little thoroughfares.
Once you’ve enjoyed your coffee (complete with, say, a toasted almond croissant), there are thousands of bar and dining options throughout the city, and an awesome Chinatown to enjoy a delicious meal whilst evading the rain outside!
Related article: What to Do in Melbourne This Weekend?
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia
Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.