What to do in Sydney when it rains - tours and outdoor activities

Go whale watching

From May until August, frisky humpback whales swim past the Sydney coastline on their way north to mate and give birth. These majestic creatures can be seen on one of the covered boat tours that run out of the harbour daily, including the Bass & Flinders Whale Watching Tour that lasts two hours and is $25-$85.

Rained in? When you get back to the Quay you can shelter inside Customs House Library and read the papers from around the world. 31 Alfred St, Circular Quay 2000 (02 9242 8551).

Where? Departing East Circular Quay 2000. (02 9583 1199).

Where else? Both South and North Heads can yield sightings and there are coin-operated binoculars at the North Head reserve, near Manly.

Take the ferry to Taronga Zoo 

Taronga in the rain? You better believe it. The zoo is open rain or shine and there'll be way fewer punters obscuring your view of those cute baby elephants, Luk Chai and Pathi Harn, who love swimming in the rain. And honestly, the ferry trip with the heavens pummelling the ocean below you is an amazing experience. If it's sunny and just cold, the lower angle of the winter sun creates light sparkles on the water, so you can enjoy the twinkle effect in the daytime.

Rained in? Head down to road to Bathers' Pavilion, Balmoral Beach and enjoy a hot lunch by the water. 4 The Esplanade, Mosman 2088. (02 9969 5055). 

Where? Taronga Zoo, Leave from Circular Quay, Wharf 2. (02 9969 2777). ZooPass (including return ferry): Adult $49.50; child $24.50.  

Where else? Dive into the sea without getting wet. Check out Darling Harbour's marine life at the Sydney Aquarium. Aquarium Pier, Kent or Market St, Darling Harbour 2000. (02 8251 7800).

Get a (half) life on the Lucas Heights Nuclear Reactor tour

Whether you're pro or anti-nuclear, it's important to know how it all works. Lucas Heights houses Australia's only research and medical nuclear reactor, OPAL. There are fascinating two-hour tours hosted by men and women of science. The reactor is submerged in a deep pool of water, which gives it an eerie blue, radioactive glow; this sight alone is worth the rigorous security checks. 

Rained in? There's free tea and bikkies at the end of the tour. When they run out, check out the ANSTO café. 

Where? Lucas Heights Nuclear Reactor, New Illawarra Rd, Lucas Heights 2234. Shuttle bus available from Sutherland Station. Tours must be booked on enquiries@ansto.gov.au or 02 9717 3111.

Where else? Science geeks will also dig the Museum of Human Disease, Samuels Building, University of NSW, Kensington 2052 (02 9385 1522).

Celebrate Yulefest in the Blueys

Stick on your ugg boots, rug up and get a taste of northern hemisphere winter during Yulefest in the Blue Mountains throughout June and July, when every day is Christmas Day! Many guesthouses and pubs do turkey dinners with all the trimmings, log fires, mulled wine and seriously bad Christmas cardigans. The rain might even turn into snow. 

Where? Check out www.bluemts.com.au and also www.yulefest.com for details.

More saviours for a rainy day

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