There’s nothing worse than trying to find something fun to do together with your dog in Sydney when it clouds over and pours rain, or it’s too hot to contemplate doing anything outside air-conditioned comfort. To help you out, I’ve put together some great indoor activities for dogs that I’ve recently checked out, when you dread the thought of more muddy days at the park.
#1 Baba G’s Grooming, Day Care & Cafe
BabaG’s is a fabulous destination for dogs in the Inner City suburb of St Peters. Named after the owner beloved Afghan Hound (Baba Ganoush or BabaG for short), it’s a highly-rated grooming salon for dogs, but it also offers doggie day care and is a dog-friendly cafe.
When a rainy day is forecast, make a booking for a groom or a daycare session for your dog. The business is set up so that you can see your dog being groomed, but they don’t see you. Dog care options range from half and full day sessions to just quick one-hour long sessions – perfect for getting over a case of the zoomies and socialising with the other dogs.
Alternatively, just grab something at the cafe just inside the entrance and enjoy it at the communal table with your dog by your side. There’s a full range of coffees and other hot drinks for humans (I highly rated by chai tea), as well as a delicious range of pastries and light meals.
Dogs have their own menu, plus there’s even more tasty treats to choose from at the counter, including doglato. Naturally there’s also puppacinos! Just keep your dog leashed in the cafe area.
#2 The Cannery Markets
During rainy weather indoor shopping centres get packed, but most shopping centres don’t allow pets inside, only service dogs. However, there are a handful of pet-friendly shopping centres in Australia, including some in Sydney.
One of the best shopping centres to visit with your dog on a rainy day is The Cannery in Rosebery. At this shopping centre dog etiquette rules are clearly posted at each entrance, simply asking for pets to be kept on a leash, cleaned up afterwards and barking to be kept to a minimum. Dogs also shouldn’t enter inside cafes or sit at tables.
Previously The Cannery Markets were held on the first Saturday and Sunday of each month. A wide range of stalls would set up inside the centre, with a listing of the latest stalls online and some pet-related stalls each month. The markets seem to be on hiatus – double check the website for any dates. You’ll also find a PetBarn outlet inside the shopping centre.
#3 Mira Mira Studios Photo Shoot
For a special treat for yourself and your pup, making a booking for a photo shoot at Mira Mira Studios. This self-photo studio is located in inner city Alexandria and is the perfect spot for creating beautiful photographic mementoes, regardless of the weather outside.
During your booking you’ll have exclusive access to two small curtained rooms, one with a black backdrop, the other with a white backdrop, plus a selection of props. Then take as many photos as you want – you’re in control of the remote for the camera and there’s no one else to distract your pet! You’ll have access to all the photos you take for no extra fee.
If visiting on a rainy day, make sure your pet’s paws are clean and dry before entering, plus take along a clean pair of shoes for yourself to wear in the photo studios. Alternatively, during their special Pet Weeks they use a protective cover for the backdrops to guard against pet paws. I’ve also visited the studio on a hot day and can assure you it’s wonderfully chilled inside.
#4 Forrester’s Roast and Pawkie
A rainy Sunday afternoon in winter is the perfect time to head to the pub, especially a dog-friendly pub where your dog is allowed to curl up inside with you. One of the best pubs to visit in Sydney on rainy days is Forrester’s , an old school pub in Surry Hills where dogs are welcome to join you in the main bar, not just the beer garden.
No matter what day of the week you visit, you can order the “Big Yorkie”, the pub’s signature dish. It’s a gigantic Yorkshire pudding filled with their roast of the week, roast potatoes, peas and carrots and is available daily until sold out.
If you visit on Tuesday evenings for Yappy Hour between 6pm and 8pm your dog can even receive their own “pawkie”, free with every meal purchased. It’s a miniature version of their famous Yorkshire pudding just for dogs, served with gravy and kibble. Sometimes Hop Nation dog beer is also available.
Inside Forrester’s it’s hard to miss the “Dog Wall of Fame”, with photos of the many dogs who have visited the venue over the years. Ask to have your dog added to the wall!
#5 One Drop Brewing
Sydney is also home to many microbreweries that welcome dogs to join you inside for a tasting and perhaps a bit to eat, a perfect activity for rainy days any time of year. One of my favourite breweries in Sydney that most definitely allows dogs inside is One Drop Brewing Co in Botany.
Located in an industrial estate near the airport, choose between sitting inside near the bar or in the beer garden out the back (if the weather is fine). Tasting paddles are available, selecting from their wide ranging and ever changing list of beers on tap. One of their specialities are their fruit-filled sour beers, with cocktails, wines, spirits and non-alcoholic options also available.
Open from Wednesday to Sunday each week, most days a food truck is set up out the back. Depending on the week you may be able to order Texas BBQ or Mexican tacos to enjoy alongside your beers.
#6 Woolloomooloo Bar
Breweries and old school pubs aren’t the only options for enjoying a drink or two on a rainy day with your dog by your side. For something more upmarket, head to Bar Woolloomooloo, located inside the Ovolo hotel on the waterfront at Woolloomooloo.
Located in the cavernous interior of the historic wharf building, dogs are allowed to join you in any of the areas surrounding the main bar. The large bar is charmingly lit with fairy lights, and feels a world away from the dreary rain outside.
Choose from an extensive list of cocktails, Australian wines and beers from the bar menu. A range of bar bites, both small and big, are available to order, along with specials that change throughout the year.
You May Also Like
- Best Dog-Friendly Days Out Around Sydney
- Best Dog-Friendly Pubs in Sydney
- Are Dogs Allowed in Shopping Centres in Australia?
About the Author
Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.