If you’ve been putting off your split system repairs for too long, and have found yourself melting in the summer heat, we’ve put together a list of places to visit to cool off while you wait on that vital repair job.
Hit Bunnings for a new paddling pool
A proud Australian tradition at any time of year, who doesn’t love a trip to Bunnings? Pick up a snag on the way in then head on down to the outdoor section to snag (get it!?) a bargain paddling pool. Too big for a kids pool? Just fill it with ice and keep your tins in there.
IceArenA
What better way to chill all the way down than by surrounding yourself with ice? Get your skates on and take a spin on the ice – day or night – while listening to some great tunes. Test your balance on the small or big ice!
SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre
Avoid sunburn and cool off at this North Adelaide community centre. There’s waterslides, super slides(!) and an inflatable challenge – this indoor pool is the ultimate escape from the heat!
Alternatively, find your nearest public-chlorinated body of water with our guide to Adelaide’s swimming pools.
Head Underground
As anyone from Coober Pedy will tell you, when it’s hot on the surface, it’s cool underground. Lucky for you we’ve done the research and dug up (get it) a list of the underground bars around Adelaide to stay cool through this summer (and through any air-conditioning-free, power outages we may also encounter!).
Explore South Australia’s Myriad Beaches
Henley Square/Henley Beach
Is it too obvious to suggest hitting the beach? C’mon…South Australia has countless amazing beaches, but an obvious – and close-to-the-city choice – is Henley Beach. If it’s busy when you arrive (a high possibility for this popular stretch of sand) grab a bite a pre-swim drink or snack at some of our favourite Henley venues, like Bacchus Bar and Seamores, but go steady.
Port Willunga Beach
Sure it’s not as close as Henley or Brighton, but Port Willunga is certainly a day trip worth taking! Admire the jetty ruins on the shore, check out the caves, snorkel out and see the shipwreck or eat at the restaurant who took the shipwreck’s name – The Star Of Greece. If you feel like some adrenaline, take a jump off of one of Gull’s Rock’s three levels (just make sure to find a local who knows what they’re doing). Hot days can be crowded, but evenings are rarely too busy and, bonus, they’re cooler too.
Maslin Beach
Dreamy Maslins, as it’s known to locals, is flanked by cliff-lined Maslin town in the north and Blanche Point to the south. Unspoilt nature reserves, white sand and safe swimming are the draw-cards for SA’s first nude beach, which is excellent spot for a dip at all hours of the day. Early, enjoy a morning walk and bracing swim; or hit the dunes in the evening for unparalleled sunset views and cool oceans winds, followed by a picnic dinner.
The Beachouse
This very 80’s, UFO-looking building, with curly blue slides reaching out towards the beach, has been a fixture of the much-loved seaside suburb Glenelg for longer than most Adelaide residents can remember. It’s perfectly daggy – not to mention air-conditioned inside – with enough carnival-style rides and games to keep everyone entertained for at least a couple of hours. Let the kids run ragged spending all your parking coins on the claw machines, before they hit the pool to chill out.
The Moseley Beach Club
Sand-adjacent and taking cues from far away, exclusive beach clubs, the Moseley is a hit for its high-end vibes, live acoustic on music weeknights and weekend DJs. Note, it’s only open in Summer though, so you’ll have no luck if you go hunting for it on hot Spring days. The club is free to enter, but if you’re feeling flush, you can splash out on one of 10 premium day beds or 40 sun lounges, each with service directly to your area – luxe.
Adelaide’s Rooftop Bars
It might seem counterintuitive to head to the top of a building, like, towards the sun, but most of the places on our Rooftop Bar Guide are clever enough to have some shade under which you can shelter… and by shelter we mean indulge in some deliciously icy cocktails and a cheese platter.
Head to a Shopping Centre
Air-conditioned, shady, with cool drinks aplenty, indoor shopping centres are the ultimate hideout when the sun’s at its most fierce. Hunt down your nearest one this weekend and take advantage of the air conditioning that won’t hike up your electricity bill.
Art Gallery of South Australia
Since 2018, curator Rhana Devonport has been at the helm of Art Gallery of South Australia, casting her deft hand over the exhibitions in this fabulous sandstone building to create an experience that is equal parts thought provoking and engaging. And yes, it’s not only fabulous, it’s air conditioned.
Head to Holey Moley
Pumping since 2017, the novelty of Holey Moley still hasn’t worn off. Put on your finest golf-attire (or don’t) and rally the caddies for an 18 hole tee-off. If the pressure of winning is getting to you, their heavily embellished fanciful cocktails should cool you off.
Hit The Flicks
Whatever the weather, it’s somehow always freezing at the movies. We probably wouldn’t go so far as to suggest bringing a jacket, but the combination of tall ceilings, tall icy cokes and punishing air-con should definitely take the edge off. Plus, popcorn’s good in any weather.
Temptation Sailing
Channel your inner salty sea dog, while you dolphin spot, sip bubs, and enjoy some harbour views. These guys have a swim with dolphins license, which the kids will love. And wine, which you will love. Cool off and swim with dolphins, what a time.
Shark Cage Diving
For the adrenaline junkies, this is the extreme way to cool off. Sure it’s a bit of a planner, but if you’re happy to cruise down to Port Lincoln, the sharks await. All we have to say is thank goodness for that cage. If you’re feeling frisky, there’s also the opportunity to swim with another ferocious sea dweller – the sea lion.
Eat your way through the central market
From food to fashion, bric-a-brac and crafts, antiques and home-wares, there’s one to suit everyone. The problem is often which one to pick! These markets bring together a curated selection of products from 200+ Australian creatives. Make a day of it with friends and family and enjoy creative workshops, delicious artisan-made food, beverages and live entertainment. You’ll find something for everyone including artwork, homewares, stationery, lighting, skincare, clothing & accessories for adults and kids, all in a relaxed and beautiful setting.
Adelaide Oval RoofClimb at Twilight
While you may warm up slightly on the ol’ climb, RoofClimb at the Adelaide Oval is the perfect way to have a fun day out and catch a breeze. The trained staff at RoofClimb will guide you on your climb to the rooftop whilst you enjoy the sunset over Adelaide and beyond at the unparalleled 360-degree viewpoint.
Enjoy the Summer atmosphere air as you watch the sky come to life as the sun sets over Adelaide’s coastline and discover the city from the iconic rooftop.
Kayak with Dolphins at Port Adelaide
This unique three-hour journey is a great way to explore the many perks of Adelaide’s coastal location while also keeping cool on the water, splashing yourself and your friends for relief from the heat. This guided tour will take you deep into the mangroves and past shipwrecks, all while hopefully spotting a pod of dolphins to paddle beside.
Participants don’t need any prior kayaking experience, and we travel at a comfortable pace, so there are plenty of opportunity for photos. Demonstrations and all equipment will be provided on arrival.
Have we missed something? Email our team at [email protected]
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