What to do in Sydney when it rains - sporting activities

Swim in the heated pool at Cook & Phillip Park

Keep active in bad weather by doing some laps in the Olympic Pool followed by an indulgent soak in the hydrotherapy spa. Kids will love the Rapid River maze and the wave pool, which makes a splash for ten minutes on the hour every hour on weekends and school holidays from noon.

Rained in? Pop into St Mary's Cathedral next door for an ecclesiastical sight-see.

Where? Cook & Phillip Park Aquatic & Fitness Centre, 4 College St, Sydney 2000. (02 9326 0444). 

Where else? Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre, 456 Harris St, Ultimo 2007. (02 9518 7220). Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre, 504 Victoria Rd, Ryde 2112. (02 8878 5111).

Go surfing. Really

Surfing in the rain has its advantages. Those used to carving will find the waves less crowded. And let's face it, you can't get any wetter in the rain. If you're looking to learn, then Surfing Schools like Let's Go Surfing in Bondi andCronulla Surf School still operate classes as normal during downpours.

Rained in? If you don't want to face the potential of torrential, then check out the IMAX Theatre in Darling Harbour instead for Kelly Slater's Ultimate Wave Tahiti 3D.

Where? Let's Go Surfing, 178 Ramsgate Ave, North Bondi 2026. (02 9365 1800).

Where else? Cronulla Surf School, 8 Cronulla St, Cronulla 2230. (02 9544 0895).

Take a burlates class

So you think you can dance, but can you shake your tush like Rachel St James, the creator of ‘burlates' and star of Sydney's burlesque scene? A kinky combination of burlesque and pilates, burlates is one for the girls. It's a great cure for cabin fever when you feel the need to exercise but don't fancy hitting the treadmill.

Rained in? Hit the Sydney Comedy Store for more laughs. 207/122 Lang Rd, Moore Park 2021. (02 9357 1419).

Where? TBC Gym, Shop 2205A, Entertainment Quarter, 122 Lang Rd, Moore Park 2021. (02 9357 7416).

Where else? Take a more traditional dance class at Sydney Dance Company, The Wharf, Pier 4, Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay 2000. (02 9258 4818).

Become a circus star at Sydney's Trapeze School

Still yearning to run away and join the circus? There's a place for you aspiring aerialists and closeted clowns - Sydney's Trapeze School. Experience the adrenaline, swinging eight metres above ground before being caught mid-air. You can also learning circus arts such as juggling. 

Rained in? Climb the rocks next door at the Sydney Indoor Climbing Gym.

Where? Sydney Trapeze School, Building 2K, 1-7 Unwins Bridge Rd, St Peters 2044. (02 9557 9668). 

Skate at Macquarie Ice Rink

A Sydney institution, the indoor rink has been open for nearly three decades, hosting birthday parties, hockey games and even the 1991 World Short Track Speed Skating Championships. Skating sessions go for two hours and cost $20 for an adult, with skate rental included in the price. 

Rained In? Head up to the food court for something to warm you up and get a seat overlooking the rink to watch people lose their balance.

Where? Macquarie Ice Rink, Macquarie Centre, Cnr Waterloo & Herring Rds, North Ryde 2113. (02 9888 1100). 

Where else? Sydney Ice Arena, 11 Solent Circuit, Baulkham Hills 2153. (02 9659 5557); Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink, Phillips Ave, Canterbury 2193. (02 9789 4044). 

More saviours for a rainy day

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