How to Spend a Rainy Day in Perth?

While Western Australia is known for its year-round sunlight, the city of Perth in the state's interior becomes a magical world when the clouds roll in. During the rainy season, Perth reveals another side that is just as compelling and full of surprises as its well-known sunny beaches and outdoor activities.

Perth gets a new coat of green and an earthy scent after a rainstorm, making it the perfect time to discover its hidden gems and cosy havens. This blog explores the magic and possibility that rainy days in Perth hold, proving that even a brief downpour may lead to lifelong recollections.

Embrace the Cultural Aspects

Check Out the WA Museum Boola Bardip

The WA Museum Boola Bardip is a must-see if you find yourself in the metropolitan area since it presents Western Australia's rich history in a way that no other museum can. Take a trip to the many displays, such as the Stan Perron WA Treasures show. WA Treasures examines significant artefacts amassed through time by Western Australian cultural organisations and is housed in the majestic, heritage-listed Hackett Hall. Find out the history, personalities, and collectors of everything from the most famous to the most obscure artefacts. You may be more interested in the Origins exhibition, which takes its cues for awe and amazement from the stunning landforms in our state. Rare artefacts, works of art, and multimedia presentations sit alongside academic studies and individual perspectives on our place in the cosmos and on Earth. Wild Life is a family favourite because it allows visitors to experience the many different ecosystems in Western Australia, from the Ningaloo Reef, the Peel-Yalgorup wetlands, the Stirling Ranges, and even the urban landscapes surrounding the Swan River. The museum's main facade becomes the canvas for an immersive experience called Illuminate every night. 

Stop by the Perth Mint

Gold is something that almost everyone covets. One of Perth's most stunning landmarks is the old Perth Mint structure in the East. It was constructed in 1899 and housed the one-ton, $90 million world record coin that can be found in The Guinness Book of World Records. Every day, they offer guided tours. You can see a live gold pour in the original melting house, which dates back to 1899, or you can handle a massive gold bullion bar.

Museum-Hopping with the Kids in Perth

Visits to museums are fun for children of all ages. Visit the excellent Western Australian Museum, Art Gallery of WA, and State Library of Western Australia at the Perth Cultural Centre in Northbridge. It's convenient to get here by bus, train, or automobile. It's easy to kill an entire day there. 

Another free museum in Perth City worth seeing by any Fireman Sam enthusiast is the DEFS Education and Heritage Museum. However, remember that it is only open from Tuesday to Thursday. 

Children can spend an entertaining hour or two at the West Australian Maritime Museum. Among the several ships docked here is the cold war submarine HMAS Ovens. Children above the age of five are welcome on submarine tours. The Shipwreck Galleries are located nearby and are also highly recommended. 

Many museums can be found in Whiteman Park. Take your kid to the Motor Museum of WA, the Revolutions Transport Museum, and the Tractor Museum if they enjoy automobiles and farm equipment. Both the Revolutions Museum and the Tractor Museum suggest a gold coin donation to enter. If the clouds part, you can spend time at the park, too.

The Aviation Heritage Museum of Western Australia is another hidden gem in the state. Youngsters can experience what it might be like to pilot these incredible aircraft for themselves. Helicopters, little planes, and other aerial vehicles abound.

Play Indoor Games and Sports

Have a Round of Golf at X Golf Balcatta

As golf has grown in popularity, many spin-offs of the original game have emerged, including this one. The ability to practise your swing or try out a new course layout without having to brave the elements is a significant perk of indoor golf simulators.

Visit Australia's Optus Stadium

Finding indoor activities for teenagers on a rainy day can be challenging, but if you come from a sports-loving family, this is a fantastic behind-the-scenes tour to plan. You will be able to access areas of the stadium that are usually off-limits to spectators, such as the Victory Lounge and the Coaches' Room, among other things. 

Virtual Reality Hits Victoria Park

Teenagers or preteens who enjoy the online world will have a blast with this exercise, which is ideal for wet days. This is a great way to spend a wet day in Perth, with activities ranging from shooting ranges to whale watching to Apollo 11-style rocket launches. Children above 11 will enjoy the immersive experiences available in their virtual reality world. More than a hundred virtual reality (VR) games and experiences are available, many supporting multiple players.

Family Fun Day at the Glowing Rooms

Where can you go with the family that will leave you all positively 'glowing'? Over 800 square metres of hand-painted artwork come to life at Australia's first 3D Mini Golf Experience, Glowing Rooms, in Fremantle. Experience the wonder of the cosmos as seen through the eyes of an astronaut. In the mystical Atlantis, you could dive with hammerhead sharks, turtles, and octopuses. Watch for King Neptune and the sunken ship full of gold.

Rockingham's Famous Mug and Brush

This one-of-a-kind indoor playground for the family's youngest members features a creative twist and is perfect for toddlers (and rainy day activities for 2, 3, and 4-year-olds). After wearing themselves out on the slides and climbing structures included among the playground equipment, it is recommended that parents schedule some time for their children to engage in some art and craft activities. These are the best indoor activities for kids on a rainy day!

Shake It Up On The Ice

If you need a beanie and gloves to go outside, keep them on and enjoy a skate at one of Perth's ice rinks, followed by a hot chocolate (of course). Great times can be had midweek at Cockburn Ice Arena during their 'Cheapskate' sessions, held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. If the prospect of wiping out on the ice is too much, you can always channel your inner disco skating queen at a roller rink.

Take Some Time for Self-Care and Nourishment

Experience the Rich History and Delicious Cuisine of Fremantle

To Fremantle, I presume. Do not miss out on FOMO Freo! FOMO is located in the middle of Walyalup Koort and is a hub for the city's artistic, architectural, cultural, retail, culinary, and experience sectors. There is plenty to choose from if you consider yourself a foodie. For authentic Japanese fare, try the burgers at Varsity or the Yakitori and Otsumami at Eda Izakaya. Visit Yin Yang Wok & Soup bar if a hot bowl of laksa sounds more appealing. Korean barbeque is available, and some of the best Indian and Indonesian food you'll ever taste.

Visit the Voyager Estate Winery in Wilyabrup

This is perfect for a lazy Sunday indoors! Some of the time would be spent exploring the vineyards, but the trip's highlight would be a 4- or 7-course meal and wine tasting in the Winery's spectacular Barrel Hall. Having friends around for a culinary spectacular is a terrific way to spend a rainy day. The lowest price point is $155.

Restaurant and Nightlife Pub Crawl 

This activity is perfect for a rainy day if you're an adult who enjoys eating, drinking, and exploring new places. On this walking tour, you'll visit some of the top spots for food and drink in and around Perth's downtown area. Do something exciting as a grownup on a rainy day; bring a camera and an umbrella for the walks in between.

Enjoy a Hearty Meal This Season

When the rain starts pouring, your mind can't help but crave comforting soups like pho, ramen, or laksa. But worry not, we've got you covered in every possible manner. If you're in Perth and in the mood for pho, your top choices include Viet Hoa or any of the other "un-pho-gettable" restaurants listed. 

Escape to a Hidden Bar

Finding a cosy nook to spend the day in and listening to the rain is everyone's go-to rainy-day activity. We like to warm up with a few drinks and a quiet evening in one of Perth's basement bars on nights like this. 

Treat Yourself To A Massage

The rain may be welcome, but not for the farmers; we celebrate it because it validates our insatiable desire for massage. Hideout at one of Perth's best massage parlours and let skilled hands wash your cares away like the rain does the ants outside.

Retail Therapy on a Rainy Day

Get Your Shopping Fix at the Karrinyup Shopping Centre

Do yourself a favour and spend a day (or two) at Karrinyup Shopping Centre with the kids if you haven't been there recently. After three years and $800 million in renovations, the centre reopened in 2022, looking twice as large as before. Spending a whole day here would still leave you wanting more.

They provide over three hundred dining, drinking, shopping, and playing options. Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq has classic and modern arcade games, while Strike Bowling offers more than ten-pin bowling. They also provide laser tag, escape rooms, and two karaoke rooms. Alternatively, you may visit HOYTS Lux for the pinnacle of movie-watching and dining. The first theatre in Western Australia to offer DBOX cinema is HOYTS Karrinyup. You may enjoy an award-winning motion system without leaving your seat, transporting you into the film like never before. The seats tilt, rotate, and move up and down in time with the action on the screen. Window shopping and a leisurely lunch at one of the many cafes is more your speed. Infinite variety exists. They even offer valet parking service!

Try Some New Records

Although going record shopping is always an enjoyable experience, there is a uniquely romantic charm to doing so amidst a gentle downpour. If you find yourself in the Northbridge/Perth City region, make sure to drop by Noise Pollution, Safari's Record Shack, and Dada Records. On the other hand, if you're specifically looking for vinyl records, don't miss out on visiting Rhubarb Records in Victoria Park, Diabolik in Mt. Hawthorn, and Urban Records in Leederville.

If you happen to be in Mount Lawley, you can start your day by exploring the record collection at Rhubarb Records and then treat yourself to a visit at the new Local & Aesthetic café. This café not only offers delicious food but also boasts an art gallery, making it a delightful double experience that is sure to leave you satisfied.

Stock Up On Books At The Local Bookstore

Discovering the right book can be a time-consuming task, but when it's raining outside, you have ample time to spare. Perth houses several excellent bookstores worth exploring, such as Crow Books situated in Vic Park, Planet Books located in Beaufort, and Northside Books nestled in Northbridge. Nevertheless, the city boasts numerous other bookshops that are equally worth your attention.

Conclusion

Exploring Perth's hidden jewels and cosy havens during a rainy day is a magical experience. The WA Museum Boola Bardip, deep within the city, offers an interesting perspective on Western Australia's past. Museum Boola Bardip features unique artefacts and multimedia exhibits, while Wild Life introduces guests to Western Australia's varying ecosystems. Built in 1899, the Perth Mint is home to the $90 million, one-ton coin that holds the world record price.

The Western Australian Museum, Art Gallery of WA, and State Library of Western Australia are all conveniently located in the same building in Northbridge, making it easy to take the kid's museum hopping in Perth. The West Australian Maritime Museum has submarine excursions for kids over the age of five, and the DEFS Education and Heritage Museum is also worth a visit. Automobile and farm equipment fans should also check out the Tractor Museum, Revolutions Transport Museum, and Motor Museum of WA.

X Golf Balcatta provides indoor golf simulators, demonstrating the widespread interest in both golf and other indoor sports. Teenagers in Australia can choose from a variety of indoor activities at Optus Stadium or participate in virtual reality at Victoria Park. Rockingham's Famous Mug and Brush is an indoor playground for youngsters, while Fremantle's Glowing Rooms features more than 800 square metres of hand-painted artwork.

Fremantle is home to several skating rinks and restaurants serving cuisines from around the world, such as traditional Japanese at Varsity, Yakitori and Otsumami at Eda Izakaya, Chinese at Yin Yang Wok & Soup bar, Korean BBQ, Indian, and Indonesian. Finally, if you're looking for something special to do on a wet day, the Voyager Estate Winery in Wilyabrup is the place to go. You can spend a rainy day shopping at the Karrinyup Shopping Centre, getting a massage at a massage parlour, eating a hearty meal at a secret bar, or perusing new records at record stores like Noise Pollution, Safari's Record Shack, and Dada Records. Visit Rhubarb Records in Victoria Park, Diabolik in Mt. Hawthorn, or Urban Records in Leederville for a romantic outing. Crow Books in Vic Park, Planet Books in Beaufort, and Northside Books in Northbridge are just a few of the area bookshops worth checking out if you're in the mood for some serious reading material. If you're looking for something to do on a rainy day, check out one of these bookstores.

Content Summary

• Perth's rainy season reveals a magical and surprising side of the city.
• Discover hidden gems and cosy havens on rainy days in Perth.
• The WA Museum Boola Bardip offers a fascinating insight into Western Australia's history.
• The Origins exhibition at the museum showcases awe-inspiring landforms of the state.
• Visit the Perth Mint and witness a live gold pour in the original melting house.
• Museums like the Western Australian Museum and Art Gallery of WA are perfect for family fun days.
• The DEFS Education and Heritage Museum is a must-see for Fireman Sam enthusiasts.
• Kids can explore ships like the cold war submarine HMAS Ovens at the West Australian Maritime Museum.
• Whiteman Park houses numerous museums like the Motor Museum of WA and the Tractor Museum.
• The Aviation Heritage Museum offers interactive experiences with aerial vehicles for youngsters.
• X Golf Balcatta provides indoor golf simulators for practicing swings without braving the rain.
• Take a behind-the-scenes tour of Optus Stadium for sports-loving families.
• Virtual Reality Hits Victoria Park offers immersive experiences for teenagers and preteens.
• Glowing Rooms in Fremantle provide a 3D Mini Golf Experience for family fun.
• Mug and Brush in Rockingham offer an indoor playground and art activities for toddlers.
• Enjoy ice skating at Perth's ice rinks, followed by a warm hot chocolate.
• Explore the rich history and delicious cuisine of Fremantle's FOMO Freo.
• Voyager Estate Winery in Wilyabrup is perfect for lazy Sundays indoors with wine tastings.
• Restaurant and nightlife pub crawls offer exciting experiences in and around Perth's downtown area.
• Indulge in comforting soups like pho, ramen, or laksa on rainy days.
• Cozy up in hidden bars and enjoy a relaxing evening listening to the rain.
• Treat yourself to a massage at one of Perth's best massage parlours.
• Spend a rainy day shopping at the Karrinyup Shopping Centre with over 300 options.
• Enjoy classic and modern arcade games at Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq or try karaoke rooms.
• Shop for vinyl records at Noise Pollution, Safari's Record Shack, and Dada Records in Northbridge.
• Discover books at Crow Books, Planet Books, and Northside Books in Perth.
• Rhubarb Records in Victoria Park and Local & Aesthetic café offer a delightful double experience.
• Perth boasts several other excellent bookstores worth exploring.
• Experience the earthy scent and green landscape of Perth after a rainstorm.
• Embrace Perth's cultural aspects by visiting museums and historical sites.
• The WA Museum Boola Bardip presents a unique display of Western Australia's treasures.
• Explore the Origins exhibition and discover rare artifacts and stunning artwork.
• Wild Life at the museum offers a family-friendly experience of Western Australia's ecosystems.
• Witness the nightly immersive experience "Illuminate" on the museum's main facade.
• Discover the historic Perth Mint and see a live gold pour.
• Spend an entire day visiting museums like the Western Australian Museum, Art Gallery of WA, and State Library of Western Australia.
• Visit the DEFS Education and Heritage Museum for Fireman Sam enthusiasts.
• Enjoy submarine tours and visit the Shipwreck Galleries at the West Australian Maritime Museum.
• Whiteman Park houses fascinating museums like the Motor Museum of WA and the Tractor Museum.
• The Aviation Heritage Museum provides hands-on experiences with aerial vehicles for children.
• Indoor golf simulators at X Golf Balcatta allow practicing swings without being affected by the rain.
• Optus Stadium offers behind-the-scenes tours for sports-loving families.
• Virtual Reality Hits Victoria Park provides immersive experiences for teenagers and preteens.
• Glowing Rooms in Fremantle offer a magical 3D Mini Golf Experience for family fun.
• Mug and Brush in Rockingham provide an indoor playground and art activities for toddlers.
• Enjoy ice skating at Perth's ice rinks and warm up with a hot chocolate.
• FOMO Freo in Fremantle is a hub for cultural, retail, and culinary experiences.
• Voyager Estate Winery in Wilyabrup offers a perfect indoor culinary experience.
• Join a restaurant and nightlife pub crawl to explore new places for food and drinks in Perth.
• Cozy up in hidden bars and enjoy the soothing sound of rain while sipping on drinks.