Art Gallery of NSW
Including the Naala Badu building
Two buildings of Australian, Aboriginal, Asian and international art, with free general admission.
- Best for
- Art lovers
- Where
- The Domain
- Price guide
- Free
Indoor things to do in Sydney
The best rainy day things to do in Sydney
Sydney rain doesn't have to ruin the day. These are the best indoor things to do in Sydney — world-class galleries, museums, shows and experiences that are better when it's pouring.
The short answer
On a rainy day in Sydney, visit the Art Gallery of NSW (including its Naala Badu building), the Australian Museum or SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, then catch an evening show.
| # | Pick | Why it's here | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Art Gallery of NSW | Free general entry | The Domain |
| 02 | Australian Museum | Dinosaurs + First Nations | Sydney CBD |
| 03 | SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium | Best for kids | Darling Harbour |
| 04 | Museum of Contemporary Art | Contemporary art + harbour views | The Rocks |
| 05 | State Library of NSW | Most beautiful room | Sydney CBD |
| 06 | Queen Victoria Building | Shop and look up | Sydney CBD |
| 07 | WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo | Koalas, rain or shine | Darling Harbour |
| 08 | [PLACEHOLDER] Best indoor activity | Placeholder | Sydney |
Photo: Australian MuseumAustralian Museum
Natural history & culture
Australia's oldest museum — dinosaurs, minerals and outstanding First Nations galleries. General entry is free.
- Best for
- Families
- Where
- Sydney CBD
- Price guide
- Free
Photo: SEA LIFE Sydney AquariumSEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Sharks, a dugong & reef
Walk through underwater tunnels with sharks and rays overhead.
- Best for
- Families
- Where
- Darling Harbour
- Price guide
- $$
Museum of Contemporary Art
Contemporary Australian art
Australia's leading contemporary art museum on Circular Quay. Entry is ticketed (free for under-18s); the ground-floor café and Level 4 Canvas restaurant don't need a ticket.
- Best for
- Culture seekers
- Where
- The Rocks
- Price guide
- $
Photo: State Library of NSWState Library of NSW
The Mitchell Library Reading Room
The grand reading room is one of Sydney's most beautiful interiors, and exhibitions are often free.
- Best for
- Quiet afternoons
- Where
- Sydney CBD
- Price guide
- Free
Queen Victoria Building
Heritage shopping arcade
A grand Romanesque arcade with stained glass, a great clock and boutique shopping — plus the Strand Arcade nearby.
- Best for
- Shoppers
- Where
- Sydney CBD
- Price guide
- Free
Photo: WILD LIFE Sydney ZooWILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Aussie animals indoors
See koalas, kangaroos and crocodiles under one roof in Darling Harbour.
- Best for
- Families, visitors
- Where
- Darling Harbour
- Price guide
- $$
Indoor activity venue with neon lighting
[PLACEHOLDER] Best indoor activity
Games, climbing or VR
Placeholder listing. Add a standout indoor activity — bouldering, VR, bowling or mini golf.
- Best for
- Groups
- Where
- Sydney
- Price guide
- $$
Frequently asked questionsThings you might ask
What can you do in Sydney when it rains?
Visit the Art Gallery of NSW, the Australian Museum, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium or the MCA (ticketed), explore the QVB and State Library, or catch a show in the evening.
What are free indoor things to do in Sydney?
The Art Gallery of NSW, the Australian Museum and the State Library of NSW all offer free general entry.
What can kids do in Sydney on a rainy day?
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo and the Australian Museum are the top rainy-day picks for kids.
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