What to Do on Holidays When It Never Stops Raining – Mid & North Coast NSW Edition

Let’s face it—when you’ve planned a beach getaway and the skies just won’t clear, it’s easy to feel disappointed. But the good news is the NSW Mid and North Coast have plenty to offer even when the sun's on strike.

Here are some wet weather ideas to keep your holiday fun, relaxing, and maybe even a little adventurous.

Cosy Up in a Local Café or Bookstore

Spend a slow morning in a charming local café or independent bookstore. Many coastal towns like Bellingen, Forster, or Nabiac have hidden gems where you can sip coffee and read while the rain trickles down outside.

Explore Local Art Galleries and Museums

From the Manning Regional Art Gallery in Taree to the Grafton Regional Gallery, there’s no shortage of indoor culture for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Each of these galleries offers a unique glimpse into the vibrant artistic community of the region, showcasing a diverse range of exhibitions that highlight both local and national talent.

Manning Regional Art Gallery

The Manning Regional Art Gallery, located in the heart of Taree, serves as a cultural hub for the Mid North Coast area. This gallery not only features rotating exhibitions of contemporary and traditional art but also hosts workshops, artist talks, and community events that engage the public and foster a deeper appreciation for the arts. Visitors can explore a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. The gallery often collaborates with local artists, providing them with a platform to showcase their work while also enriching the cultural fabric of the community.

Grafton Regional Gallery

Moving north to the Grafton Regional Gallery, this venue is renowned for its commitment to promoting the visual arts and its impressive collection of works. The gallery is particularly famous for its focus on regional artists and its dedication to showcasing the unique cultural heritage of the Clarence Valley. With a range of exhibitions that often include everything from contemporary installations to historical artworks, Grafton Regional Gallery attracts art lovers from all over. The gallery also features a beautiful outdoor sculpture garden, which complements the indoor exhibitions and provides a serene space for reflection and enjoyment of the natural surroundings.

Pamper Yourself

Book a massage, facial, or wellness session. Rainy weather is perfect for slowing down and indulging. Look for local day spas or yoga studios offering drop-in classes or mini retreats.

Hit the Markets (Yes, Some Are Undercover!)

Some markets on the North Coast have covered stalls or operate in community halls—worth checking out, especially for handmade goods and local treats. Here's a Facebook Group that promotes Markets on the Mid North Coast.

Take a Scenic Drive

The rain may have closed the beach, but it's opened the window for lush, misty views. Take a drive through hinterland roads—places like Comboyne Plateau, Dorrigo, or the Tweed Valley are magical in the rain.

Photo The Farmer's Wife

Try a Local Brewery, Distillery, or Winery

Plenty of local producers offer tastings and tours indoors—check out places like Bucket Brewery (Kempsey), Coastal Brewery Co Forster, Cape Byron Distillery, or wineries in Port Macquarie and the Clarence Valley region. The Farmer's Wife Gin Distillery is exceptional.

Visit an Indoor Pool or Aquatic Centre

Many towns have a community aquatic centre—fun for the kids and a great way to burn off energy when you’re stuck indoors. Here's a list of Aquatic centres on the Mid North Coast.

Do a Creative Class

Pottery, painting, jewellery making, or cooking—check local community centres and studios offering rainy-day workshops. You can even book a jewellery class with the publisher of this website (I have a small artisan jewellery business in Tea Gardens).

Support Local Boutiques and Handmade Stores

Rain is a great excuse for a relaxed browse through regional retail. This is the perfect time to explore the local shops and boutiques that might otherwise be overlooked during sunnier days.

Regional retail often showcases a variety of locally made products that reflect the culture and creativity of the area. From artisanal crafts and handmade jewellery to specialty foods and unique clothing, each store has its own character and story to tell.

So next time the clouds gather and the rain begins to fall, seize the opportunity to indulge in a leisurely browse through your local shopping villages. You might just discover something special that you didn’t know you were looking for, all while enjoying the unique atmosphere that only a rainy day can provide.

Enjoy the Sound of Rain

Sometimes, the best thing to do is embrace the slowness—curl up with a journal, enjoy a long bath, or listen to the rain fall on the roof while doing nothing at all.

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Rainy holidays can actually become some of the most memorable—an invitation to slow down, explore differently, and connect with the heart of a region. The NSW North Coast isn’t just about beaches; it’s about the soul of its towns, the creativity of its people, and the warmth behind its misty windows.