So if you’re anything like the cold-detesting Pommie I am, then one of the main reasons you probably came Down Under was to get a good dose of the great Australia weather. Sometimes however, even the most seemingly-certain facts of life can blow up in your face. Yes, that’s right, I’m talking about when that fabled Australia weather lets you down.
Continually surprised by how much it actually does rain in this country, how cold it really does get and the number of grey days I’ve had to endure when all I really wanted to do was go down to the beach, I’ve come up with a list of 10 things to do when the Australia weather lets you down. Hopefully, with a few of these up your sleeve, you’ll have something to occupy yourself when the next day cloudy comes along, meaning you won’t spend the whole time feeling cheated, lied to and generally being miserable!
1. Embrace It
Look, sh*t happens right, so get over it! There’s nothing you can do about the Australia weather, so you might as well make the most of it – believe me, in a few months time you’ll be complaining it’s too hot instead! Embrace the day and laugh at the rain, at least it’s not as cold as back home! When life gives you lemons, make lemonade right?
2. Plan a Road Trip
There’s nothing like a grey day for planning an awesome excursion. Australia is the perfect road trip destination, so why not get out some maps, hop on the internet, or pick some other backpackers’ brains about the best places to go. Look at the weather and see where it’s currently sunny in the country, then make a plan to head there if you like. Planning an exciting road trip is bound to make you happy no matter what the Australia weather is doing!
3. Hit the Shops
A bit of retail therapy is bound to make you feel better on a grey day, so don’t hold back on buying beachy items that are likely to bring the sun out again. Bikinis, sunnies and sarongs are great items to chase the clouds away!
4. Go Swimming
If it’s raining, you’re wet already right, so you might as well keep up the theme. Unless there’s lightening around, then taking a dip in the rain can be great fun. Plus, the water is never as cold as you fear in Australia, the only bit to worry about is when you get out!
5. Check out the Library
Libraries in Australia are pretty damn good as far as libraries go and most have free computers available to use, as well free wi-fi facilities and a great collection of magazines and DVDs. Why not find out where your nearest library is and then spend some time there making use of the many resources, even if it’s only to check the forecast!
6. Get to the Gym
Why not be good to yourself for a change and use a day when the Australia weather lets you down to get to the gym? Most of us put on a few pounds when travelling – generally through having too much of a good time – so why not reel things in a bit and burn some calories instead. If there isn’t a gym where you are, then go out for a run in the rain or follow a simple workout plan at home instead – there’s plenty of ‘do-it-yourself’ examples on the internet you can easily check out and then follow.
7. Call Home
Look, your mum would probably love to hear from you, so use a day when the Australia weather let’s you down to call her. You can’t go to the beach anyway, so you might as well phone home and let them know you’re still alive! Hearing some familiar voices and making your mum’s day is bound to sweep any clouds away!
8. Do Your Washing
So, be honest, when did you last do your laundry? It was over a week or so ago, then a grey day when you can’t do much else in Australia is as good a day as any to get some clean clothes back in your backpack. At least you won’t have to do it again for another month after that!
9. Cook up a Storm
When the Australia weather sucks, why not grab a few mates together and cook up a storm in your hostel or share house. Making an epic mess in the kitchen can be great fun and making group-friendly dishes like tacos or pizzas is a super way to have a laugh and even meet new people. Sharing it all out at the end will make you feel like you’re at home with the fam again … ahhh!
10. Sink a Cold One … or 2!
When in Rome … or Australia for that matter … do as the locals and … have a beer! There’s nothing like a good rainy day for sinking a few cold ones and drowning any sorrows. Plus, if there’s nothing else you can do in the rain, you’ve got a valid excuse for starting at lunchtime, with no need to wait for 5 o’clock!
So there’s my list of the 10 best things to do when the Australia weather lets you down, hopefully they’ll keep you having fun until the sun comes out again.
