We’ve compiled a list of the best ways to spend your next rainy day.
Gone are the days of staying in and waiting for the weather to pass. Whilst a good old fashioned movie night is a wintertime favourite (and for good reason), these activities will help you level up your rainy-day activity game.
Drown those sorrows at The Whiskery
There’s no better way to spend a rainy day than by a fire with a cocktail in hand and that’s exactly what you can expect from the whiskery in Drysdale. With offerings including cocktails, the Whiskery’s own gin and of course a myriad of whiskey on offers The Whiskery is a perfect place to chase away those winter blues. Local wines and beers are also on the menu. Pair your drink of choice with a pizza, or a platter of local meats and cheese and you’re all set!
The whiskery is open Thursday-Sunday 11am-5pm, staying open til 8pm on Friday nights. It’s a strictly 18+ venue so be sure to leave the kids at home for this one!
Head here to make a booking to make sure you don’t miss out.
You can find the whiskery at 2 Scotchman’s Road Drysdale.
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Suss the virtual golf green at X-Golf
if you fancy a spot of golf but the weather just isn’t cooperating, head to X-Golf in South Geelong. No more will you have to trudge around a golf course to get to each hole, X-Golf offers a virtual experience suited to all levels. Think virtual golf greens, driving range and even virtual mini-golf, X-Golf has something for everyone. With five simulators, X-Golf is giving you access to the best digital golf greens in the world. The venue is also fully licensed, boasting a sports bar (with snacks), live music and a games room X-Golf is sure to keep everyone entertained.
X-Golf is open 7 days a week from 10am til late meaning you can always get your golf fix rain, hail or shine.
You can find X-Golf at 138 Fyans Street, South Geelong
Eat your feelings at the Chocolaterie
There’s no better way to suppress your winter sadness than with copious amounts of chocolate. The chocolaterie is located in Anglesea and will see you stuffing your face with chocolate and ice-cream all day long. Warm-up with their signature hot choccies, or perhaps some fondue if that’s more your fancy. If you’re more of a savoury fan, never fear, the chocolaterie has a huge range of savoury menu items to accompany your sweets (it’s all about balance, right?). cosy up with a hot chocolate and a pizza and watch the rain from inside their window surrounded dining space.
Don’t forget to grab yourself a take-home block of chocolate on the way out.
You can find Great Ocean Road chocolaterie at 1200 Great Ocean Road, Bellbrae
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Indulge in Drag & DJs at Recess Bar + Eats
If you’re outdoor picnic or summer swim plans have been ruled out why not mix it up and check out a Drag & DJs night! Held every Friday and Saturday, this is the ultimate dinner and a show!
While Drag & DJs may not seem like the most obvious choice for a rainy day activity (girls’ night often springs to mind) it can be one of the most fun. It’s also a crowd-pleasing date if you’re looking to impress, from the great food and drinks to the incredible atmosphere and incredibly talented entertainers, this will be a fabulous night you won’t be soon to forget (unless you hit those cocktails a little too hard!).
Indulge in a local feast
We’re quite blessed in Geelong. Whether you’re after a quick bite, a group celebration or a fancy date night, there’s a huge range of places to eat, both in the city and in the surrounding suburbs, precincts and regions. Formal restaurants awarded hats by The Age Good Food Guide, quick and cheerful cafes with better-than-average coffee and loads of venues that take advantage of our position on the coast to offer views, alfresco and an amazing range of local produce.
A simple stroll down Little Malop Street or Pakington Street and you’ll come across some great cafes and restaurants for any time of the day. With the current surge in cases, a lot of businesses are experiencing a staff shortage so it’s probably best to book prior if you’re really craving but otherwise there’s no harm in trying your luck (just remember to be nice!). We’re loving the OpenTable app, which gives you a rundown of participating venues and what time slots they have left. Very handy for the indecisive among us.
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Lace-up your bowling shoes at Tenpin bowling
There’s nothing better than a bit of healthy competition and that’s exactly what you’ll find at OZ tenpin bowling in Belmont. There are 28 lanes to choose from, all with automatic scoring and bumpers. If the promise of bowling wasn’t enough there is a fully licensed café so you can bowl and have a bev at the same time. With an extensive menu to choose from, think chicken wings, burgers and even Mexican food, OZ tenpin bowling has something for everyone.
You can bowl seven days a week with the lanes open until 10pm there’s always time to squeeze in a game or two of tenpin.
No bookings necessary, just show up, lace up those shows and get bowling.
OZ tenpin bowling is located at 49 Reynolds Road in Belmont
Try your luck with a horror escape room at Containophobia
If you’re after something to get the adrenaline pumping Containophobia is for you.
If a run of the mill escape room just doesn’t do it for you, then Containophobia is the one to try. Think 70 minutes of scrambling to solve elaborate puzzles, riddles and games. Mayhem Manor, a possessed mansion is the setting for the escape room. Trapped in a haunted mansion you must solve the puzzles, rescue your friend and escape in time (or risk being trapped forever, no biggie). The escape room is 18+ and is sure to get your heart pumping.
Containophobia is open 7 days from 9am til late. Head to the website here to book if you dare.
Containophobia is located at 22 Chipperfield Drive, Moolap
Check out the exhibitions at the Geelong Gallery
Geelong Gallery is the perfect place to spend a rainy day in the city. The galley has over 6,000 works in its collection meaning there’s more than enough to look at on a rainy day. The gallery is home to a number of iconic Australian pieces, as well as permanent collections of colonial paintings and early imagery of Geelong and surroundings.
With permanent collections and changing exhibitions, there is always something for everybody at the Geelong Gallery. Check out the website here for the full list of current and upcoming exhibitions.
You can find Geelong Gallery at 55 Little Malop Street, Geelong.
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Adrenaline junkies unite at indoor rock climbing
If you’re a fan of rock climbing, or just like a bit of an adrenaline rush, this one’s for you. The Rock Adventure Centre in Geelong. There’s a huge variety of indoor climbs to try, for all levels whether you’re a newbie or an expert. The Rock Adventure Centre has over 100 climbs across 25 walls to try out. The climbs are changed often so there will always be something new to try if you’re a regular. The walls are up to 12 metres high, and there’s an extensive bouldering and training section within the centre.
The Rock Adventure Centre caters to all ages and all rock-climbing ability levels making it the perfect place to go and try out a new skill on a rainy day. The centre is open from 4-pm-9.30pm most weekdays, with day climbing sessions available Saturday and Sunday.
You can find The Rock Adventure Centre at 403 Pakington Street, Geelong.
Curlewis Driving Range
Whether you’re with a date or the fam, the Curlewis Driving Range is perfect for anyone on a rainy day! Take it as seriously or as casually as you like – I’m terrible at it but on the rare occasion my golf ball does score some air time, I feel blissfully accomplished!
Just generally a chill day to relax, and have a nice, casual hang out with your favourite people undercover while hitting some golf balls and grabbing a beer and some food (recommend going for their Burger, Bev & Balls deal!)
They also have a great mini golf course which is sure to be the perfect icebreaker and lighten up even the most serious of golf bros for when the rain stops.
The driving range is located at 1201 Portarlington Rd, Curlewis.
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Rollerway
While most of us remember Rollerway for the classic 2000’s bangers hyped up on sugar at a primary school birthday party, but I’m here to tell you that for better or for worse nothing except the music has changed. Yes, it still has the iconic games. Yes, it still has semi-pro skaters who make you question the laws of physics. Yes, you will be absolutely drenched in sweat afterward, because while Rollerway has not changed, your fitness levels sure have!
If you’re wanting to reconnect with your inner child or wanting to experience a shared slice of childhood with someone special this is such a go-to on a rainy day. The nostalgia alone is fun enough but mixed in with the rising trend of rollerskating (come on, tell me you’ve seen those TikToks) Rollerway makes for an unconventional but fun day out.
Rollerway Newtown is located at 6-8 Lambert Ave, Newtown
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Treat yourself to a night away from home
We’ve spent the most part of the past few years dreaming of a weekend away from home and away from this desk, so why not make the most of the holidays and book a cheeky night away.
If you were ever looking for a chance to discover something new – even in your own backyard – now’s the time… because you can still enjoy a night away in another town when it’s pouring rain.
Visit Geelong and Bellarine have listed a range of local accommodation options to suit every lifestyle and budget which you can check out here. Alternatively, check out sites like Booking.com, Airbnb, Stayz, Last Minute and Riparide to discover something new.
