Six ways to beat the heat in Sydney

Take a seat in a climate-controlled auditorium, with a box of popcorn in hand and we guarantee you’ll forget about even the most extreme heatwaves outside. The cinema is the perfect place to escape a sweltering day, and Sydney has heaps to choose from. Perhaps you'll have a day of blockbusters at one of the major multiplexes, such as the Event Cinemas on George Street or the Hoyts in the Entertainment Quarter. Or why not enjoy some arthouse chic at Golden Age, Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace or the Ritz Cinema in Randwick.

The Harbour City has an almost symbiotic connection to water, so it's little wonder Sydney is swimming in pools (pun intended). There are several excellent outdoor pools to sample – North Sydney Olympic, Andrew Boy Charlton and MacCallum Pool in Cremorne for example – so you can savour the sun while remaining chill. You can also switch things up with the salty alternative by visiting one of Sydney's ocean pools.

Need to escape an overcrowded, stifling George Street? Take a stroll to the State Library where you can find a quiet corner to nestle into. Brush up on some general knowledge, get lost in a fantasy novel or check out what exhibitions or events are on. Whatever you decide to do, it’s guaranteed to be quiet, peaceful and airconditioned.

Ice skating is usually a wintertime sport but for those in the know, it’s a great way to escape the heat in mid-summer too. Macquarie Ice Rink (found within Macquarie Shopping Centre) is closest to the city, but there are also excellent rinks in  Canterbury and Liverpool too, if you're willing to crank up the AC and take a drive. Then simply strap on your skates and try a double axel or two (or just just hug the ice for quick cool fix).

Struggling for ideas to entertain your kids in the warmer weather? On a hot day the children’s playground at Darling Harbour is a perfect place to cool off as it has water pumps, streams and jets that kids love to play with. Looking elsewhere for splashing fun? Just take the sprogs to Taylor Square and give them a spin through its spurting water feature (but actually, please don't). For bigger thrills and spills, take the family to Raging Waters (formerly Wet 'n' Wild) when the park reopens from October 4, 2020. Don't forget to slip, slop, slap. 

Being filled with precious artefacts and priceless masterpieces, Sydney's galleries and museums have to maintain a carefully controlled temp. The fringe benefit of this is that they're an excellent place to escape the sun, and better yet, most of the top institutions are free to enter. Check out our listings of Sydney's best exhibitions so you can find just the right culture fix to combine with your cool off.