You might think hot weather doesn’t affect you – but for many the dry heat of an Adelaide summer is a new experience. Having recently broken its own 80-year heat record, we thought it was timely to share our six top tips for staying cool.
Beautiful beaches
In South Australia you are spoiled with plenty of easy to reach beaches. Glenelg, Adelaide’s main metropolitan beach, is just a 15-minute drive from Flinders Bedford Park campus. Additionally the temperature is usually quite a few degrees cooler at the coast and beaches than the inner city or suburbs. Other popular and accessible metropolitan beaches include Brighton, Henley, Grange and Semaphore.
With an enviable Mediterranean climate, Adelaide average summer (December to February) temperatures are around 29°C, interspersed with heat spells of 39°C+.
It’s important to be very aware of the water conditions. You need to be a competent swimmer and only swim on patrolled beaches, between the flags (learn more here). Surf Life Saving Australia provide this literally lifesaving service – discover more about beach safety via their website here.
Hit the local pool
Adelaide has a variety of public swimming pools, in the city and suburbs. Safer than swimming at the beach with staff on duty, these provide immediate respite from the heat, for a small fee. You can even take swimming lessons – a life skill recommended for living in Australia.
City
Adelaide Aquatic Centre – Fitzroy Terrace & Jeffcott Road, Adelaide
Suburban
SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre – 443 Morphett Road, Oaklands Park
Marion Outdoor Pool – 935 Oaklands Road (Cnr of Hendrie Street) Park Holme
George Bolton Swimming Centre – Cnr Greenhill Road & Howard Terrace, Hazelwood Park
Unley Swimming Centre – Ethel Street, Forestville
Norwood Swimming Centre – 32 Phillips Street, Kensington
Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre – 194 OG Road, Felixstow
Cool down on campus
Flinders Library
A quiet spot for reading, studying and escaping the heat – the library is a sanctuary all-year round. Ground floor open 24 hours. Location: Bedford Park
FUSA – Flinders University Student Association
Come into the friendly and welcoming environment of FUSA. With comfortable chairs, workstations and computers – settle in the air-conditioning and relax. Level 0-1 of The Hub open 24 hours.
Location: Level 1 of The Hub, Bedford Park
Flinders University Art Museum
A visit to the onsite Flinders Art Museum is a must, regardless of the weather. Spend an hour or two in here and discover the latest exhibitions and history of the University.
Location: Social Sciences North, Bedford Park
The Tavern
Grab an icy cold beverage and burger from the Burger Theory crew at the Tav to sort out your lunch time. Take in the views and sunshine – minus the heat.
Location: level 1 of The Hub, Bedford Park
Alere Restaurant
Award-winning Alere Restaurant is your ticket to a blissful escape. With stunning views of the coast, grab an iced coffee and a bite to eat, alone or with friends.
Location: level 2 of The Hub, Bedford Park
A trip to the mall
Top tip: Shopping centres and malls are always air-conditioned. Spend a few hours in these to beat the worst of the heat during the afternoon or evening. Don’t mind splashing some cash? Make an evening of it with friends and have a meal at a restaurant, before catching a movie. Alternatively, bring your homework and set up in the food court. Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning.
City
The Myer Centre Adelaide – 14-38 Rundle Mall, Adelaide
Adelaide Central Plaza – 100 Rundle Mall, Adelaide
Suburban
Westfield Marion – 297 Diagonal Road, Oaklands Park
Castle Plaza Shopping Centre – 992 South Road, Edwardstown
Arndale Shopping Centre – 470 Torrens Road, Kilkenny
Westfield Tea Tree Plaza – 976 North East Road, Modbury
Get cultured
Looking for a cultured, cool and quiet experience? Try the Art Gallery of South Australia and the South Australian Museum. Situated next to each other on Adelaide’s North Terrace, this is a wonderful way to spend a hot summer day. Both offer free entry, (there may be some charge for special exhibitions) and are open 10am – 5pm daily. Easily accessible by bus tram or train, lose yourself in Adelaide’s cultural precinct.
Chill out at home
No air-conditioning in your home or room? No problem, these top tricks will help you beat the heat in an Adelaide summer so you can wake refreshed for tutorials and lectures.
· Keeping windows, blinds and curtains closed will reduce the amount of residual heat. Keep your bedroom as dark as possible to reduce the temperature in your room by several degrees.
· A cheap pedestal fan with a big bowl of ice in front of it = instant cooling to help you fall asleep.
· A blow up wading pool at home is an easy and immediate resource to have to hand – but do keep it out of the sun.
· Keeping your neck and feet cool can help lower your overall temperature. Soak a tea towel and pop it in the freezer before bedtime and drape over your neck, head or feet.
· Open doors and windows at night to let the cooler air sweep through your home. Make sure you have locked screen doors or windows for security – and insect prevention.