23 Fun Things to Do in Cairns When it is Raining |

Are you looking for something fun to do when it is raining in Cairns?

Located in the north Queensland tropics, Cairns has rainfall approximately 154 days a year.

Most of Cairns’ rainy weather occurs from January to March, with the rainy season taking place from November to March. The winter season is the dry season in Cairns, though rainfall is still possible.

If you visit during the summer, there is a great chance of seeing rain, and no matter when you visit Cairns, or for those who live in Cairns, it is best to have backup plans of things to do in Cairns when it is raining.

Locals know that rain stops quickly, and people tend to continue with their planned activities when in Cairns, but for those days when it is pouring and you just don’t want to get wet, enjoy this list of the best things to do in Cairns when it is raining.

Free Things to Do in Cairns When it is Raining

Most activities take place outdoors in Cairns, rain or shine, but for those who wish to stay indoors during the rain, here are some of the best options.

Explore the Cairns Art Gallery

Cairns Art Gallery features 3 floors of local, contemporary, and Aboriginal Australian art.

There is a small kids’ corner at Cairns Art Gallery with interactive activities and paid workshops for both kids and adults.

Cairns Art Gallery has a cafe and a museum shop.

Explore the Art Gallery at Tanks Art Center

With an art gallery open daily, films, concerts, and workshops, there is something for everyone at Tanks Art Center.

Entry to the gallery is free, and prices and times vary for events, so check their website for more information.

Admire the Art at Northsite Contemporary Arts

Northsite Contemporary Arts offers free entry to its fine art gallery. The gallery includes a shop featuring items from Far North Queensland.

Browse the Stalls at Rusty’s Market

Over 180 stalls make up Rusty’s Market, an indoor market open Friday to Sunday.

Many of the stalls focus on food, from exotic fruits to vegetables, bread, and seafood, to international food and drink stalls. Clothes, jewelry, and many other types of items are available to browse and purchase each weekend.

Browse the Cairns Night Markets

Cairns Night Markets open at 4:30 daily with over 70 retail stalls plus a wide variety of food options.

More Things to Do in Cairns When it is Raining

Sometimes it is worth saving your money for a rainy day. There are a lot of rainy days in Cairns, and hopefully, these ideas suit your budget.

Learn About Cairns at Cairns Museum

The Cairns Museum focuses on the history and present life of Cairns.

Free museum activities are available for children, such as scavenger hunts, an activity table, and an audio tour.

Be Adventurous at Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome

Both a wildlife park and an adventure center, Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome is fun for all ages.

Kids 6+ can participate in the Zoom activities, which include a high ropes course, climbing wall, and ziplining.

If it isn’t raining, even the outside of the dome can be climbed.

Even more fun, these activities are in a wildlife sanctuary. Koalas, cockatoos, and crocodiles can be seen at Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome.

Animal shows and pictures with animals take place throughout the day.

Look Under The Sea at Cairns Aquarium

Home to more than 16,000 plants and animals and 10 ecosystems, the Cairns Aquarium offers both day and evening tours and experiences.

Visitors to the Cairns Aquarium can take a tour of the turtle hospital, stick a hand in the marine touch pool, and even dive with sharks in the Cairns Aquarium Reef Tank.

Dundee Cafe and Restaurant, located inside the aquarium, features the largest saltwater tank in Australia.

See a Show at Cairns Performing Arts Center (CPAC) Theatre

See what is playing at CPAC.

Events range from live music to dance, and comedy to theatre, and there is definitely a show for everyone at Cairns Performing Arts Center.

Enjoy High Tea

Cairns offers many versions of high tea.

Head to Pullman International for their signature high tea on the weekends. A children’s high tea menu is also available at Pullman International.

For those who wish to enjoy high tea during the week, The Candy Cafe offers high tea daily. Champagne can be added to the endless tea & coffee high tea.

Spend the Day Playing at Time Zone

Buy a card with a time limit or dollar amount and enjoy the arcade games at Time Zone.

Time Zone also has bumper cars.

Go Lawn Bowling

If it isn’t raining too hard, West Cairns Bowls Club and Marlin Coast Bowls Club have roofs over their lawn bowling so that the weather doesn’t affect the game.

Try Your Luck at the Casino

The Reef Hotel Casino has a wide variety of table games and machines. Live entertainment is also offered, plus many choices of bars and restaurants.

Knock Down The Pins at 10-Pin Bowling

Go Bowling offers 10-pin bowling daily.

Check their website for deals and information on a free bowling lesson.

Play Laser Tag

There are a few options for laser tag in Cairns.

Shoot lasers at your friends at Laser Fun, head into the laser tag arena at Cairns Kart Hire, or play unlimited laser tag at Games Station.

Solve Puzzles and Escape an Escape Room

Race against the clock as you solve clues on an interactive mission to escape from a “locked” room at Escape Academy, Cairns Riddle Room, or Cairns Kart Hire.

Let the Kids Run Out Their Energy at Inflatable Kingdom

Don’t forget your socks at the Inflatable Kingdom. Spectators are free, and kids can bounce, slide, and climb out their rainy-day energy.

Go Rollerskating

Cairns Skating Center is Australia’s 2nd largest roller skating rink. Everyone 3+ can skate around the rink.

Ice Skate

Pretend it is cold outside and put on some ice skates at Cairns Ice Skating Rink. Ice skating is recommended for ages 4+, and the rink does have skate aids for hire.

Drink the Day Away

Join Cairns Brewery Tours for a brewery, pub, and distillery tour. A shorter walking tour is also available.

If you would rather go out at night, join the Cairns Pub and Club Tour.

Head to the Tablelands for a Food and Drinks Tour

Spend the day being driven to a fruit orchard, boutique winery, coffee plantation, brewery, and dairy farm on the Cairns Tablelands Boutique Tasting Tour.

Things to do Near Cairns When it’s Raining

While there is plenty to do in Cairns when it is raining, there is even more within an hour or two of Cairns. For those who wish to explore the best indoor things to do near Cairns, here is our list.

Make Your Own Art at Janbal Gallery

Specializing in Aboriginal Art, the Janbal Gallery offers 1.5-hour workshops for adults and children. Painters can choose between a canvas and a boomerang and will learn Aboriginal painting techniques as well as some of the stories and meanings behind Aboriginal art.

Go Wine Tasting

There are a few wineries near Cairns that specialize in fruit wines.

Shannonvale Tropical Fruit Winery, Murdering Point Winery, and Golden Drop Winery are just a few of the local wineries that offer fruit wine tastings near Cairns.

Road Trips from Cairns

Looking for more ideas of things to do near Cairns? Here are a few ideas.

23 Fun Things to Do in Cairns When it is Raining