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While the Northern Beaches is known for its gorgeous beaches and sunshine, sometimes we do have rainy days. What should you do when a beach day is no longer an option? Here are some ideas to keep you dry and having fun.

1. Get cultured with local art and music

Visit Manly Art gallery on a rainy day on the Northern Beaches
Image courtesy of Manly Art Gallery and Museum

Visit Manly Art Gallery and Museum on West Esplanade. The gallery presents exhibitions and cultural programs that never fail to impress. Afterwards, continue exploring at Manly Library to find a good book to read during the storm.

Afterwards, head to a local bar or pub to enjoy some live music.

2. Take advantage of local food and drink deals

What to do on a rainy day on the Northern Beaches
Image courtesy of Destination NSW

Stay out of the rain with a good drink and a delicious meal. Enjoy a variety of meal deals and happy hours around the Manly area.

3. Let your creativity flow

Image courtesy of Pinot & Picasso

Express yourself at an art class. The Paint and Sip at Pinot & Picasso is always fun at their studio in Manly. If you like to get down and dirty, try a ceramics class at Lumina Ceramics Studio.

4. Hit an arcade and bowling alley

What to do on a rainy day on the Northern beaches
Image courtesy of Dee Why RSL

Unleash your inner child with a couple rounds of bowling, arcade games and a ride in the bumper cars at Dee Why RSL’s Zone Bowling.

5. Wind down with a drink or two (or three!)

4 Pines Tasting rainy day on the Northern beaches
Image courtesy of 4 Pines Brewery

Enjoy the craft breweries and distilleries of the Northern Beaches. We have a range of 9 breweries and 5 distilleries that offer tours and tastings, food and live music.

6. Treat yourself to a shopping day

Shop on a rainy day on the Northern Beaches

Stay up to date with the latest trends with a shopping trip to Warringah Mall. This indoor-outdoor mall allows you to feel like you’re outside without having to deal with the rain! Or check out one of the smaller local shopping areas such as Freshwater or Newport.

7. Challenge yourself with some brain teasers

What to do on a rainy day on the Northern beaches

Get a group of friends together to crack some tough codes at Escape This on Manly Corso. It’s a fun challenge with the potential to make or break friendships!

Or get the kids into some hands-on STEAM learning experiences that inspire creativity and innovation at Tinkertank.

8. Watch a performance in film or theatre

Glenn Street Theatre on a rainy day
Image courtesy of Keith Saunders

Catch the newest films at one of our many cinemas – Brookvale, Warriewood, Collaroy and Avalon. Alternatively, you can see a live show at Glen Street Theatre. They have singing, dancing and all sorts of other performances running all throughout the year. Have a look at what’s on at the Glen St Theatre.

9. Train for an apocalypse

Axe throwing Northern beaches
Image courtesy of Kiss My Axe

Do something you’ve never done before such as axe throwing. Spend your day being professionally guided in the art of axe throwing at Kiss My Axe in Brookvale.

10. Get in shape

Rainy day on the Northern Beaches

Don’t let the rain stop you from being active. Reminisce about the sunny days with a swim in one of our indoor pools, such as Manly Boy Charlton or Warringah Aquatic Centre.

Keep active with an indoor rock climbing session or visit one of our local gyms, pilates or yoga studios.

Since you’re getting wet anyway, why not enjoy it. Learn to surf or rent a kayak or paddle board and spend the day on the water. This way you can truly say you spent the day at Manly Beach!