To avoid the heat, or perhaps the rain, take a look at this list of fun indoor activities in Sydney for ideas. From shopping and dining to sightseeing and hands-on activities for kids and adults, here’s our guide to some great things to do in Sydney!
#1 Experience a virtual escape room adventure
If you’re looking for a fab way to have fun indoors, no matter the weather, consider entering the virtual reality world of Virtual Room Sydney. Grab a pair of VR glasses and let yourself be transported into an exciting metaverse – it’s a memorable experience for kids and adults alike.
You can team up in groups of two, three or four, making it a great choice for friends or family outings. The games available are incredibly diverse. Imagine travelling through time or taking on zombies in a thrilling battle – there’s something for every taste. It’s the ideal way to escape reality, especially on those gloomy rainy days! (And it’s conveniently just a two-minute walk from QVB – see below.)
Level 5, 393 George Street
#2 Shop at Queen Victoria Building
Queen Victoria Building (QVB) is a majestic five-level shopping paradise in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. Covering an entire block along George Street, this place transforms your average shopping experience into something special.
For starters, QVB is a historical jewel filled with elegance. Dating back to 1898, its architecture is highlighted by Romanesque features, including stained glass and a grand central dome. This dome showcases a giant Christmas tree during the festive season.
The building is a hub for over 140 stores ranging from high-end fashion boutiques and jewellery shops to speciality stores – a mix of Australian and international brands. Looking for a deal? Head to Victoria’s Basement. This shop in the building’s lowest level stocks an endless assortment of household items – a big collection of chopping boards, just to give you one random example! – all at reasonable prices. QVB takes shopping to another level, making it a must-visit destination for anyone in Sydney.
456 George Street
#3 Observe underwater wonders at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium
At Sea Life Sydney Aquarium in Darling Harbour, each zone offers a different aquatic adventure, making it one of the fun indoor activities in Sydney. Start at the Day and Night on the Reef exhibit, the world’s largest display of the Great Barrier Reef. Here, you can experience the underwater world transitions from sunshine to darkness. Imagine swimming alongside marine turtles, reef sharks, and hundreds of tropical fish – without getting wet!
Continue your journey through over six million litres of water, home to over 13,000 marine animals. Hop aboard the Penguin Expedition for a chilly encounter with sub-Antarctic penguins, or explore the South Coast Shipwreck and Dugong Island. At the latter, Pig the friendly dugong provides a rescue story that warms the heart.
Shark Valley is a highlight for many – you get to walk through a 100-metre ocean tunnel surrounded by terrifying sharks and majestic rays. Enhance your visit with interactive daily talks, or reserve a spot for a special behind-the-scenes activity like fish feeding, the Penguin Passport experience, or even an adrenaline-pumping Shark Dive Xtreme!
#4 Read a book at the State Library of NSW
If you’re looking for things to do indoors in Sydney and you’re a bit of a book worm, head over to the State Library of New South Wales. It’s in the CBD and is one of the oldest libraries in Australia.
The library’s interior feels like a wonderland of books, with endless rows and collections to explore. Whether you want to revisit an old favourite or discover something new, you’ll find plenty of choices here. Who needs to spend a rainy day outside in Sydney? Get cosy instead and escape into the different worlds offered by a great books.
1 Shakespeare Place
#5 Take a tour of Sydney Opera House
One of the best indoor activities in Australia’s largest city is a visit to iconic Sydney Opera House. Among the most famous buildings globally, this is a true architectural gem and a hub for cultural performances. The venue blends historical significance with modern creativity, making it an ideal place to explore.
Inside, you’ll find six unique theatre spaces, each with its own story and charm, providing a wide range of performances from classical concerts to contemporary dance.
Tours available at the Sydney Opera House are perfect for anyone interested in learning more about this venue. You’ll hear about its dramatic history and the architectural challenges overcome during construction.
Bennelong Point
#6 Savour some wine and cheese
When it’s wet outside, why not head for a glass of delicious wine paired with a fabulous cheese or two. We might be biased, but we rate this as one of the best things to do in Sydney indoors when it’s pouring outside!
If you’re up for a real treat, consider visiting Handpicked Cellar Door in the heart of Sydney. Here, you can dive into the world of wines with a classic selection – and a delightful charcuterie board too. What makes this experience even better is having an expert sommelier to guide you. They can help you understand each pairing and maximise your visit.
50 Kensington Street, Chippendale
#7 Explore the Art Gallery of New South Wales
From its magnificent site on Sydney Harbour, on Gadigal land, the Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of Australia’s flagship art museums and the state’s leading visual arts institution. In 2022, the gallery completed a significant expansion through the Sydney Modern Project. This transformation created a new art museum campus across two buildings connected by a public art garden in one of the world’s most beautiful cultural precincts.
The expanded complex is one of the finest indoor activities in Sydney and an absolute must-see for an art and cultural experience. It’s a 15-minute walk from the central business district, admission is free, and there are several free and paid experiences. You can also follow your path with Dora, the Art Gallery’s free audio guide. And, if you work up an appetite looking at art, you can dine at Crafted by Matt Moran or MOD – Dining by Clayton Wells. You’ll also find refreshments at the Gallery Café, and the Kiosk featuring a takeaway menu of items curated by Indigenous Elder Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo.
This is a beautiful gallery, with much to look at and admire – a mix of old masters, contemporary and Aboriginal works.
Art Gallery Road
#8 Experience the cityscape from the Sydney Tower Eye
Imagine catching Sydney’s most spectacular views from the Sydney Tower Eye, 309 metres high. It’s visit-worthy even on a rainy day, when the city is wrapped in a misty, dramatic cloak. The other bonus is that gloomy weather keeps many tourists away, so you’ll have the comfortable, enclosed indoor observation deck mostly to yourself. This is exactly the kind of thing that can transform your day into a memorable adventure, with some of Sydney’s best, crowd-free views. Oh, and when the sun is shining, there’s an outdoor Skywalk experience that gets you outside the building and hovering on a cable, high above the city streets!
Level 5/108, Westfield Sydney, Market Street
#9 Get star-struck at Madame Tussauds Sydney
Find yourself up close and personal with your favourite celebrities and become the story’s star with the new immersive experiences at Madame Tussauds Sydney. The Justice League has recently swooped into the venue, so you can exert the power of Wonder Woman’s wrist gauntlets, help Superman lift a real helicopter, summon Batman with the Bat Signal and power up The Flash into battle.
Elsewhere, you’ll step into the spotlight and accept your MTV Best Newcomer award presented by superstar Adele, kick goals with Aussie soccer legend Tim Cahill or grab a selfie with two of Australia’s hottest stars, Chris and Liam Hemsworth.
For a spot of posing with the stars, and experiencing these all-new interactive features, Madame Tussauds Sydney is open daily from 10am.
1-5 Wheat Road, Darling Harbour
#10 Step back in time at the Australian National Maritime Museum
Another Darling Harbour highlight, the Australian Maritime Museum explores the world of towering ships and boats, including an exciting submarine tour and a peek into the lives of Navy sailors from the 1960s.
It’s more than just vessels too. For example, there’s a special treat for photography enthusiasts – the Oceanic Photography of the Year exhibition. This showcase of the beauty of the ocean is well worth a visit if you’re looking for something to do indoors in Sydney. There are lots more creative activities for families to enjoy together here, too. Whether it’s climbing aboard a historic ship or exploring underwater wonders, everyone will be entertained.
2 Murray Street
Liked this roundup of indoor activities and things to do in Sydney, Australia? Now take a look at our list of things to do in the great outdoors!
