The round-up: hot tips to stay cool during the heatwave
In case you’ve been living under a rock, this weekend is going to be a scorcher. We’re talking 35 degree-plus days – you know, those temps where the bitumen roads get so hot you can actually fry an egg on them (it’s tempting, but totally unhygienic). If you’re lucky enough to have air-conditioning at home, then good on YOU. If not, then don’t get all hot-headed about it, because here’s two fun facts – it can get kind of boring in the confines of your own abode, and there are only so many episodes of Suits you can watch. So, let’s beat the heat and get out, pals! Here’s a list of cool things to do when there is a giant mass of hot air looming over the Gold Coast.
Hit the water
If there was a book called Staying Cool in Summer for Dummies, the first page would probably read: go to the beach. However, unless you’ve got your own private slice of paradise, there’s a high chance that most of the Gold Coast could have the same idea. You can ditch the hot sand and head to the Broadwater Parklands and have some fun on the Aquasplash – it’s a giant inflatable water park in the enclosed area of the Broadwater and it’s WAY fun. If you’ve got some Christmas cheer to work off, then you can cut some laps or spring off the boards of the Southport Aquatic Centre to cool your loins. If you’re digging the outdoor water vibe, then jump in the car, crank the air-con and go chase some waterfalls, ‘yo.
Go to the ice-skating rink
Ice skating on the Gold Coast – go figure (that totally just came out). If you didn’t know, Iceland has been in Bundall for a gazillion years and it’s the ultimate summer day retreat. Walk through the doors and you’re hit with that wave of ice-cold air – trust us, it’s pure bliss. Get your skates on, keep one hand on the barrier if you must, and start slashing the ice. Or, just pay the entry, grab a Twix from the chocolate machine and sit in the stands and watch everyone else (boring, but at least you’ll be nice and frosty).
Sip cocktails outdoors to stay hydrated
Hot day, cold drinks. This one’s a no-brainer. When the Gold Coast turns into a furnace, it’s pretty much a ticket to get the party pants on and sip on a few cold ones. Pace yourself self though folks, it’s easy to get over-excited in the sunshine. We’re all for keeping hydrated on these hot days, so get yourself to an outdoor bar and stay cool, dudes. It doesn’t matter if you’re into cocktails or frosé, ciders or tinnies – there are plenty of alfresco watering holes to suit. You can have a food truck feed and cold beer in the sea breeze on the rooftop of Miami Shark Bar on Friday at the Rooftop Food Truck Party, and if you’re into the equine vibe, the Jeep Magic Millions race day is on this Saturday – which is basically one big giant outdoor bar. Unless you’re a member, then you’ll be upstairs in air-conditioned comfort (can we be friends?).
Lick cold things and slurp icy delights
When all else fails – eat. Ice-cream, gelato, smoothies, thick-shakes – you know where we’re going with this. There are a bunch of super-cool new havens to get yourself acquainted with this summer, like Yum Gelato, Cowch Dessert & Cocktail Bar, My Gelato, or you can even get a lick of the good stuff from Rivea Italian‘s alfresco gelato stand. If you’re the type that likes to stalk the food trucks (we’ll put our hands up there), then lurk around the cool ones like Minus32 and Boss Bites when the city is melting. Ice-cream is the way to our hearts, so we’ll take any excuse for a sesh on the creamy goodness.
Play indoor ball sports
So, we know golf isn’t for everyone – but when you’re hanging around home lying on the tiles like a puppy for some reprieve from the heat, you’ll thank us for this suggestion. Places like Slice Virtual Golf are not only air-conditioned but they also serve pizza, hot dogs and beer. Sold? And here’s the winner – you don’t even have to wear a polo shirt. Also, we’re not exactly seasoned bowlers here, but if you haven’t been ten-pin bowling for like a decade, then you should also get your sweaty self into the air-conditioned comfort of your local alley.
Go up the creek (with a paddle)
Currumbin and Tallebudgera Creeks are all-time during a heatwave. Our hot tip is to go early to not only beat the heat but to get a goddamn parking spot – once you’re there just find a shady place, pop some zinc on the schnoz, hire a stand-up paddle board (easily and cheaply done at both locations) and go up-creek. If you’re not a regular at these spots, you should know that there is a killer ice-cream bar underneath The Boatshed in Currumbin, and if you’re a Talle Creek dweller, then Paddock’s new little sister will whip you up a ice-cold acai bowl that you can enjoy before going for a float.
Head for Currumbin Valley
For starters, it’s generally a few degrees cooler in the valley – just enough to keep the sweat patches at bay. Take a drive (with the AC on high) and head out to the Currumbin Rock Pools for a dip. Or, keep driving out to the end of the valley past Camp Eden and you’ll find yourself in the national park – it’s a giant rainforest out there. Pop the Nike’s on and walk along the track to the Cougal Cascades for a sneaky swim and a reprieve from the hot, hot sun. On the way back, head up Towewin Road to Freeman’s Organic Farm for a cold drink with an amazing view.
