Summer Survival Guide

Summer in Australia is hot, hot, hot, but there are ways to breeze through summer scorchers.

Have you ever been so hot you wanted to sit in the fridge? Do the next best thing and catch a movie – or three. Cinemas replicate a fridge environment very well – even on a 40 degree day you might need a cardie. Defrost in the evening at an open-air cinema.

Head south. Global warming has taken its toll on our weather patterns but Hobart’s still the place to be in the middle of summer. Indulge at Taste of Tasmania, be a culture-vulture at the Hobart Summer Festival, or see the boats come in at the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

Rise and shine early, bake a lovely pie (maybe peach or plum) and pop it in the fridge. In the evening serve it on your patio or balcony with a dollop of ice-cream while you star-gaze.

Get your culture al-fresco. Outdoor opera, ballet and theatre pop up everywhere over summer and it’s a great way to wind down at the end of a hot or busy day.

Cool off with a cool one. Let a sunny day drift into a balmy evening at your favourite beer garden.

Strap on some little white boots and hit the ice. Whizzing around an ice-rink on a hot day is magic. And the bonus is that you also get exercise – not to mention a good laugh when your friends end up in icy pools of water.

Brave the red-backs in the shed, drag out the beach umbrella and hit the beach (or the pool) – it’s the Aussie thing to do. Pack a picnic or buy some food along the way. Don’t forget the sunscreen – and the kids.

Have a snag attack: crank up the barby and burn baby burn.

Let loose at one of the many summer festivals around like Big Day Out. Take lots of water and bop til you melt.

You’d be crazy to kick a ball around in the middle of the day, so leave it to the pro’s and get pumped from the comfort of your favourite chair. While away summer with The Australian Open, The Hopman Cup and lots (and lots and lots) of cricket on the box. Don’t forget to stretch regularly – and after tea, have a bowl in the backyard with your mates.

So don’t sweat it this summer; get out and beat the heat.

Judith Hatton

0 comment

• add yours
• read