Contrary to popular belief, Sydney is not in an eternal state of summer. It can get rainy, windy and cold and suddenly your favourite rooftop bar is closed because of the bad weather. In a city where one’s social life can tend to revolve around the beach, the harbour or beer gardens, it can be tricky to find things to do in Sydney when the weather isn’t so good. Never fear, there are plenty of things to keep the cabin fever at bay on a rainy day, a rainy night or whenever you need to get out of the house.

A rainy day – If you’re feeling cultured, the Art Gallery of NSW hosts Australia’s most prestigious portraiture award, the Archibald Prize, from April 16 until June 26. It showcases around 40 of the best portraits from around the country and draws a huge crowd every year. But if you require a little more physicality in your rainy day, try Strike Bowling in Darling Harbour or go indoor rock climbing at ClimbFit in St Leonards. Alternatively, you could catch a flick at Sydney’s trendy Chauvel Cinema on Oxford St or the Verona just down the road. Both are licensed so you can have that bottle of red while watching the big screen.

A rainy night – There’s nothing worse than a night on the town when it’s pouring with rain – there are no cabs and the light summery jacket you’re wearing doesn’t seem to be keeping you warm. That’s why it’s best to find shelter from the rain and stay there.  Sydney Comedy Festival is being held at venues all around the city from April 11 until May 8 so try and catch some of the international acts on offer, like Danny Bhoy and Nina Conti. Out-of-the-rain watering holes include the Beresford Hotel, Surry Hills or Grasshopper bar in the CBD. For an ultra-hip bar that has an underground feel to it, pop into Shady Pines in Darlinghurst. Accommodation options are a dime a dozen in the area if you’re feeling a little worse for wear and can’t bear the agonising wait for a taxi.

It’s been raining for days and nights - There are always the reliable indoor options like the world-famous Sydney Aquarium or the Museum of Contemporary Art in the Rocks but after days of rain, the idea of any sort of roof over your head can be a little too much to bear. So why not take on the rain? Buy a pair of gumboots, a raincoat and an umbrella from one of the hundreds of stores at Westfield Bondi Junction and puddle-jump to your heart’s content.

There are always things going on in Sydney – rain, hail or shine. All you need to do is pop open that umbrella, pray that the bus is running on time and go and see what Sydney can offer, despite the wintry weather.

Sydney’s Royal Easter Show is the Australia’s largest national event, combining entertainment, agriculture, food and fashion into two jam-packed weeks. From roosters to rollercoasters and cows to Cadbury, the Show offers something for everyone. Whether you’re young, old, a family, a couple, or taking on Sydney solo – make a day of it and head out to the Showground for a day you’ll never forget….

The Easter Show caters for people of all ages and interests. There are a number of ways you can tackle the show but the most important thing is to make a rough plan so you don’t miss out on anything!

-Transport. Getting to and from the show is easy! Sydney Showground is located in the Olympic Park at Homebush and is serviced by bus, train, ferry and taxis. There are also parking stations if you choose to drive. If you’re an out-of-towner and wondering about accommodation – Surry Hills and Darlinghurst and are both located within walking distance of Central Station, which has direct train services out to Olympic Park.

- For the kids. If you’re heading to the show with kids, make sure you don’t miss out on the Dairy Farmers Milking Barn, where farmers will show you how they milk their cows.  You can also catch a sheep shearing demonstration and visit your favourite breeds of cats and dogs in the Domestic Animal pavilions. Why not grab some fish and chips to eat outside in Cathy Freeman Park before heading into the Kids Carnival for the afternoon to have a pony ride or a heart-racing drop on the Free Fall.  Finish off the day with a trip around the Showbag Pavilion and watch their eyes light up!

- For the adults. There’s plenty to do for adults wishing to enjoy the best the Show has to offer. Start the day with a freshly ground espresso coffee from Café Alfresco before taking a tour around the foodie’s paradise – the Woolworths Fresh Food Dome. Once you’ve tasted everything on offer, chill out and watch the famous WoodChop.  It would be rude not to have a drink, so why not grab one from one of the bars in the arena or head to the Tyrells Wine Bar for a cheeky tipple. Head back to the Main Arena to catch the Precision Driving Team and a wild horse riding performance. And as always, your Easter Show night will end with a bang…

With so much to see and do, one day at the Show might not be enough!  It’s worth coming down to Sydney for the experience of the Show and with 900,000 people expected to attend the show, it’s worth making a trip of it and booking a hotel. Darlinghurst, Surry Hills and the city have plenty of accommodation options that will place right next to public transport networks as well as being in the midst of all the action.