What weird weather we’ve been having for this time of year! All week, on and off rain, then glimpses of sunshine. It’s not even the wet season! As I was advising guests what to do in the rainy weather this week, it really hit home that Noosa and surrounds is all set up for outdoor fun. So it got me thinking, it was time for a blog dedicated to rainy day activities. And yes, those of you who are regular readers might recognise some of these activities…...I’m just hoping to inspire you again.
Sunshine Plaza
154/164 Horton Parade Maroochydore
30 mins drive south of Noosa
If you need retail therapy to get you through a rainy day, then leave Noosa Civic behind and head south for the biggest shopping center in the area; Sunshine Plaza in Maroochydore. It was renovated and expanded nearly two years ago, and it’s so huge now that I always need to make a careful note of where I’ve parked! I love the indoor/outdoor vibe with its large windows overlooking the river. The river actually passes under the center in one section, and you can hire paddle boats or watch the others paddling from inside. Also outside, next to the shopping centre, is a ropes course where you can challenge yourself and test your fear of heights. The playground is now open again for the kids too. And why not have a bite to eat at one of the alfresco cafes/restaurants, which are all outside and under cover. You really can spend all day here, indoors and outdoors as the weather permits. Just remember the parking in the undercover car parks is only free for the first 3 hours.
The Ginger Factory
50 Pioneer Rd Yandina
20 mins drive south of Noosa
Yes, I’ve mentioned The Ginger Factory before, but that’s because it’s such a great place no matter what the weather is like. However, to be honest, I do find myself heading there most rainy days as the playground, along with the large eatery area is undercover. It’s free to enter and wander around. My kids just love making the DIY gingerbread men, butterfly or train shapes. But to make more of a day of it, get a dual ticket for the train and boat ride, which are both undercover, or pay for a factory tour and tasting for the full Ginger Factory experience. Make sure to pack an umbrella and take a wander through the rainforest and pop into the ‘village’ shops, as well.
Noosa Leisure Soft Play
9 Wallace Drive Noosaville
If you have preschool-aged kids to entertain, then this is THE PLACE for you. It’s only $5 per child but you must book in, so call 5329 6550 before heading down.
Sessions are:
Monday to Friday: 8-10am, 10:30-12:30pm, 1pm – 5pm
Weekends: only the morning sessions ( Saturday 8-10am, 10:30-12:30pm and Sunday only 8-10am)
It’s only a small room but there is lots to do and enough to release that energy before nap time. After Soft Play, if your little ones still need entertaining, you can always go across the road to the library, which has a great kid’s section where you can read and play games with them. It even has a giant checkerboard in the covered outdoor area.
Pixels Arcade
Upstairs, 18 Hastings St, Noosa Heads
Any age will be entertained here with the wide range of arcade games. Upstairs, there is a dedicated section for gaming to your heart’s content. Not only that but there are prizes to be won, food to be eaten and at night it becomes a cocktail bar with ‘table’ service, so your drinks can be brought to you at any of the gaming stations. All indoors, located above the food court in Hastings Street, it’s a perfect place to spend a rainy day. As it’s on Hastings Street, it’s perfectly located for you to do some shopping afterwards. Local’s tip: bring an umbrella for the gaps between the verandahs on Hastings Street.
SEA LIFE
Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba
40 mins drive south of Noosa
Naturally, this is very popular on any kind of weather day but I prefer it on a rainy day when I want to entertain both the kids and myself. There are great interactive sections and, of course, it’s very educational if you stop to read all the information. If you just want to enjoy all the amazing sea creatures, though, there is plenty to entertain, and now there are penguins to see too! The seal show is back on again, and is always a highlight, so make sure you make it to one of the two daily sessions. SEA LIFE also has a soft play area for the kids to release just that little bit more energy before getting in the car again. To make more of a day out, take the opportunity to wander around the Mooloolaba wharf with it’s amazing cafés and unique shops, which are mostly undercover.
Noosa Cinema
29 Sunshine Beach Rd, Noosa
This is a newly renovated, yet small complex. It’s so handy to have a cinema in the heart of Noosa, though. Park at the rear for longer parking spots and walk straight in so as not to get too wet. It’s best to book your tickets online, so you’re not disappointed. This is a super popular place in Noosa Junction, especially on rainy days!
More inspiration is Big Boing (trampoline place), Chipmunks play center, Rush Adventureland, Playground at McDonalds.
Outdoors and embrace the rain
Buderim Falls
Quorn Close, Buderim
30 mins drive south of Noosa
Yes, it’s outdoors so wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy, and don’t forget an umbrella. Embrace the rain because there really is no better time to go waterfall spotting than when they are flowing the most.
Surfing
Best Beach Noosa of course
You’re already wet anyway, so go on, get out there like a pro and catch those amazing waves that only stormy weather can deliver.
Now you’re all inspired for fun-filled rainy days, you really will appreciate sunny days and relaxing at the beach or by the poolside. As mentioned last time, it’s best to book direct and save and remember, we are in the low season now, which means huge savings!