Stay cool and have a sublime summer in Melbourne with our five top tips for wellbeing.
1. Be prepared
Stay indoors during extreme heat whenever possible and avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun’s peak hours.
Keep yourself cool by applying wet towels on your neck and shoulders, putting your feet in cool water and taking showers.
Keep your home cool by keeping blinds and curtains closed during the day, using an air conditioner if you have one, and opening windows when there is a cool breeze.
If you have to be out in the sun, wear sunscreen (at least SPF 30+), a hat, and lightweight, light-coloured, loose clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible.
Read more top tips for keeping cool in our Summer Sense guide.
2. Seek the cool
If it’s too hot where you live, consider going to an air-conditioned shopping centre, library or movie theatre. Or take a dip at one of our recreation centres.
Here’s a map of cool places around the city. For more inspiration, visit What’s On Melbourne’s recent blog: Melbourne’s cool pools.
3. Stay hydrated
Carry a water bottle and refill at one of our 60 hydration stations at key sites including Swanston Street, Bourke Street Mall and the Tan Track.
Check out our interactive drinking fountains map or download the free smartphone app Choose Tap to find nearby water station locations when you’re on the go.
4. Look after each other
Dehydration happens quickly in extreme heat and this can be especially dangerous for older people and infants.
So check on your family, friends, and neighbours, don’t leave kids in cars, and ensure pets have access to cool spaces and plenty of water.
During extreme heat, we offer people sleeping rough access to free pool passes and movie tickets, and work with partners to provide more cool spaces, as part of our Heatwave Response Plan.
If you are concerned about someone sleeping rough, you can let us know by using this online tool. Remember – if it is an emergency, call 000.
5. Have fun
Once you’re prepared for hot weather, there’s no shortage of things to see and do around Melbourne this summer, from poolside events at our recreation centres to all kinds of gelato.
Find out more about what’s happening this summer over at What’s On Melbourne.
