10 ways to beat the heat in Canberra
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With today predicted to reach a peak of 40 degrees, you might be wondering where you can seek some respite from a scorcher of a day.
Here are 10 ways to escape the heat in Canberra.
Seek out Canberra’s coolest icy treats
Pun intended.
Located right in the heart of the city, get the scoop on the seven ice-creameries that are serving cold treats, all within walking distance of each other. Yes, really!
Not near Civic? Never fear. You’ll find plenty of cool treats across the city. Here’s your ultimate guide to icy, sweet refreshments to help you get through the summer’s soaring temperatures.
Various locations | hercanberra.com.au
Catch a flick
Head to the movies to enjoy the benefits of a working aircon, snacks and a good flick all in one place.
Need some suggestions? Near the city you can find Palace Electric Cinema (in NewActon) or Dendy Cinemas (Canberra Centre), while in the suburbs, Limelight (Tuggeranong) and Hoyts (Woden, Belconnen) offer respite from the heat.
If you want to level up your experience, the Australian National Botanic Gardens is hosting Sunset Cinema across summer…but as an alfresco cinema, it may not be exactly refreshing on hot summer nights.
Various locations
Visit a beer garden
Because nothing tastes better on a hot day than an icy cold beer.
Here are 15+ local beer gardens to help you cool down in Canberra this summer. Perfect for a casual Friday night catch-up or a Sunday sesh, raise a glass to a refreshing drink.
Various locations | hercanberra.com.au
Play inside
When it’s too hot to send the kids outside, indoor activities will become your new best friend. Luckily, there are plenty of options in Canberra.
Depending on what kind of activity you’re looking for – from laser tag to bowling, play areas and more – this guide has 20+ suggestions for all ages.
Have young kids and would prefer to play in a space curated just for them? Here are six places for them to play indoors this summer.
Seek respite in the Rainforest Gully
This is possibly the coolest place to escape the heat – literally.
Head along to the Australian National Botanic Garden to soak in the beauty and the daily mistings. It’s open from 8.30 am until 5 pm daily.
National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Acton | parksaustralia.gov.au
Explore the national institutions
Name a better combination than air conditioning and culture? On a hot day, take some time to visit the National Gallery of Australia, Questacon, National Film and Sound Archive, National Museum of Australia, Australian War Memorial, Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) at Old Parliament House, Australian Parliament House, National Archives of Australia, Royal Australian Mint, National Portrait Gallery, National Capital Authority and National Library of Australia to immerse yourself in some of the country’s most precious, interesting and thought-provoking collections.
With something for every kind of culture vulture, you can spend hours exploring without seeing the sun.
Various locations
Take a dip
There’s nothing like going for a swim on a hot day. Here are 10 of our favourite swimming spots in Canberra – from local pools to lakes. Just make sure to double-check the water quality advice and the conditions before dipping your toes.
Various locations
Make the most of free water play playgrounds
Looking for somewhere for the kids to cool off? Ranging from splash play to water pumps, there are plenty of free water play playgrounds where they can make a splash.
Here’s your guide to 15+ options in Canberra and the surrounding region.
Various locations
Book yourself in for a cold plunge
The perfect alternative to hitting the pool and fighting the crowds, not only will a cold plunge cool you down (and very quickly at that) but it’s also proven to have numerous health benefits, giving you the perfect excuse to splurge on a session.
Here’s a list of cold plunges in Canberra for when you need to cool down. You can thank us later.
Various locations
