Rainy Day Ideas in Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie has enough indoor and undercover attractions that a wet day doesn't have to be a wasted one. Think gallery-hopping, shopping, eating, movies, bowling, X-golfing, strawberry-picking, rainforest wandering and more.

Best Rainy Day Activities in Port Macquarie: Quick Reference

• The Glasshouse: Theatre, gallery, Behind the Scenes Tours, Craft and Cocktails sessions, Visitor Info Centre, Kids crafts (school hols).

• X-Golf Port Macquarie: Indoor golf simulators, full bar and menu

• Port Macquarie Museum: Interactive history displays, convict origins to today.

• Sea Acres Rainforest Centre: 1.3km boardwalk (still lovely in light rain), visitor centre, gift shop, and the Rainforest Cafe

• Florence Jones Cheese and Wine: Wine & cheese tastings, river views

• Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberry Farm: Fully undercover pick-your-own strawberries, cafe and farm shop on site

• Majestic Cinemas Port Macquarie- latest big screen releases, Funland opposite.

• Retail Therapy - Port Central, Clarence St, Horton St and Murray St for boutique finds. Hello Koalas Gallery & Gift Shop & The Glasshouse gift shop.

• Cassegrain Wines- cellar door & restaurant

Best Cultural Experience: The Glasshouse

Port Macquarie's Glasshouse on Clarence Street is the town's cultural hub and easily the best rainy-day option for arts and culture. The Regional Gallery has rotating exhibitions. The state-of-the-art theatre hosts everything from international touring acts to locally produced shows throughout the year. The Visitor Information Centre inside is the best place to start any visit to the region. Year-round workshops for adults include the very popular Craft and Cocktails sessions. School holiday programs run hands-on activities for kids, including backstage tours of the theatre. Clarence Street, Port Macquarie. glasshouse.org.au

Best Rainy Day for History Lovers & Curious Minds: Port Macquarie Museum

The multi-award winning Port Macquarie Museum covers the region's history from convict origins through to modern day. Interactive displays, themed galleries, and a multi-award-winning presentation make this genuinely engaging rather than a typical regional museum. Recommended for curious minds of all ages. Look for the heritage red building in the heart of town at 22 Clarence St, Port Macquarie. Open Mon-Sat.

Best Unexpected Rainy Day Experience: Sea Acres Rainforest

The 1.3km elevated boardwalk at Sea Acres Rainforest Centre is actually outstanding in the rain. The coastal rainforest sounds completely different when it's wet and the canopy overhead means you stay reasonably dry. At the end of the walk is the Rainforest Cafe, which is warm, lovely and surrounded by tall palms. Only 5 minutes from the CBD at 159 Pacific Drive. Boardwalk tickets available at the centre, ranger-guided tours bookable in advance.

Best Indoor Activity for Groups: X-Golf Port Macquarie

X-Golf Port Macquarie brings state-of-the-art golf simulators indoors with world-famous courses to play, a full bar and complete menu, and air conditioning. Great for all ages and skill levels and one of those activities that everyone enjoys more than they expected. A great wet-weather (or any weather) option for a family or group.

Best Rainy Afternoon for Wine & Cheese Lovers: Florence Jones

Pull up at Florence Jones on Clarence Street, let Bronny or Suzanne walk you through a cheese board and bottle selection, and settle in for the afternoon watching the Hastings River through the window. This is Port Mac's best wine and cheese bar and a rainy afternoon is a great time to visit. Shop 4/74 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie. Open Wed to Thu 3pm to 8pm, Fri to Sat 12pm to 8pm, Sun 12pm to 6pm. florencejones.com.au

Best Undercover Family Option: Ricardoes Tomatoes & -Strawberry Farm

The entire pick-your-own-strawberries area at Ricardoes is undercover, which makes it the perfect wet-weather family option. Free entry from 7am, farm tours every weekday at 11am, and Cafe Red (serving up delicious meals and treats) on site. An easy ten minute drive north of Port Mac.