If you’re looking for things to do in hot weather, Sydney is a summer city.
Sydney is one of the world’s most liveable cities and there is no time better than summer to enjoy it.
Our city boasts amazing attractions for locals and visitors, and for people of all ages. Many of these activities won’t break the bank.
With the summer holidays coming up, let’s have a look at some of the many things to do in hot weather in Sydney.
Things to do in hot weather Sydney
Indoor activities where you can stay cool in summer
As beautiful as Sydney is, some days are so hot! When the mercury rises, you seek air-conditioned comfort indoors.
Museums
Sydney boasts some fascinating museums. They serve as a brilliant place to stay cool while learning about history and nature.
The Museum of Sydney is located adjacent to the Royal Botanical Gardens. It is rich in local history and culture. This venue was established in the 1980s and is housed in a series of historic buildings and gardens. There’s no better place to get a feel for the Sydney of old.
This summer, kids can check out the interactive transport exhibition at the Sydney Museum. Discover how transportation works in busy cities. Kids will learn amazing facts about Australian journeys and inventions, and meet the people behind them.
The Australian Museum near Hyde Park is the oldest in Australia. It boasts an astounding array of dinosaurs, animals, minerals, and pieces of anthropological interest. Children love the life-like dinosaurs and menagerie of other creatures.
Note: The Australian Museum is closed for renovations over the 2019-2020 school holidays. It will reopen in mid-2020, but keep it in mind for next summer and the winter school holidays.
The Justice & Police Museum, housed right next to the Museum of Sydney, is another intriguing slice of Aussie history.
With a fascinating collection of forensic evidence from crimes of the past and a stunning wall of mugshots from dating from early last century, the Justice and Police Museum is a must for true crime aficionados. Stories of crooks and cops, thugs and judges, locals and drifters, the guilty and the innocent will keep kids fascinated.
Art galleries
Sydney boasts art galleries to rival her museums. Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art, the MCA, boasts a world-class collection of modern masterpieces. Currently, this gallery is showcasing a stunning exhibit of renowned British artist Cornelia Parker’s work. It also has regular, hands-on workshops for kids. Take them to the MCA, then pop to the food court at nearby Circular Key for a delicious ice cream.
The Art Gallery of NSW is home to a stunning array of Australian and international art, both modern and classic. Established in 1871, the collection is ever-growing and there are always touring exhibits on show. Check out the website for information on what’s on during summer.
Just a stone’s throw from Roselands is the Hurstville Museum and Gallery. This tidy little gallery is a community hub celebrating the St George district. It is a favourite with locals and visitors alike and celebrates the district’s history while displaying local art.
For something different, try the White Rabbit Gallery near Central Station. The collection here is one of the world’s largest and most significant collections of Chinese contemporary art. Founded by Kerr and Judith Neilson, it focuses on works produced after 2000. After you have viewed the art, pop to the Tea House next door for a bottomless pot of Chinese tea and some hand made dumplings.
Indoor attractions
Often called Centrepoint Tower, the Sydney Tower is a prominent feature of the city’s skyline. The 304m tall tower is the best possible vantage point to see Sydney and its surroundings.
Short of a helicopter, you won’t get better views of Australia’s most beautiful city than by ascending to the top of the Sydney Tower Eye. 360-degree windows surround the tower enabling you to see a panoramic view of the city and the harbour.
If you’re feeling brave, you can take a walk around the outdoor observation deck.
Kids will love the ‘4D’ experience at the bottom of the tower. Book online to avoid the queues
Sea Life Sydney Aquarium is the best way to experience the ocean while staying on dry land. Situated in the middle of Darling Harbour, it is an ideal day out for the kids while being absorbing enough for any adult to enjoy as well.
Check out the penguins, sharks, stingrays and endless array of fish on display at this family-favourite venue.
Want the feeling of hob-nobbing with the stars? The world-famous Madame Tussaud’s franchise has a base in Darling Harbour. Here, you can see stunning likenesses of stars such as Taylor Swift, Henry Cavill and Chris and Liam Hemsworth as well as the British Royal Family. Take your camera or phone and have some fun posing next to your favourites.
Indoor play centres
Indoor play is always a good way to keep the kids happy and out of the heat. With lots of room to climb, slide and play, the added bonus is the kids will leave feeling exhausted!
Monkey Mania and Chipmunks are two play centres located in Bankstown. In Roselands, Club Kids Playhouse & Cafe is a top-notch facility. Most suburbs have a local play centre in their area, plus a cafe for parents.
Indoor swimming pools
Swimming is one of the best things to do in hot weather. Sydney boasts dozens of indoor swimming pools where you can beat the heat and stay safe from harmful UV rays.
Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre is a world-class facility on Victoria Road in Ryde. Boasting multiple pools, and a water slide as well as spas, saunas and sporting facilities, The RALC is a great place to spend a hot day. They even have child minding facilities!
As well as a huge 50m outdoor pool, the Roselands Leisure and Aquatic Centre features a 25m, heated indoor pool and indoor toddler pool. Entry costs just $11 a head at full price and gives you full access to all facilities. This is a perfect option for the hot weather. This pool also provides a number of school holiday activities and adult programmes to boot.
Just nearby, the Hurstville Aquatic Leisure Centre is another good choice to beat the heat. With multiple pools and full gym facilities, the HALC is ideal for the whole family.
Cinema
Going to the movies is an easy option to stay cool for a few hours on a hot day. With dozens of summer blockbusters to choose from, there’s really no reason not to check out a movie or two this summer.
Addams Family, Jumanji: The Next Level and Playmobil: The Movie are ideal for school kids this summer. Older children and adults are lining up for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
Like indoor play centres, almost every Sydney suburb has a cinema close by.
Go shopping
Keep cool and busy on a hot day by hitting the shops. The Bankstown Mall, the Roselands Shopping Centre and the Broadway Plaza are all climate controlled havens for hot days.
Save your shopping trip for after Christmas and see if you can grab some bargains.
Clubs
Your friendly club is a great place to go for a cool drink on a hot day and even better for an evening after a long day out.
Why not pop on over to the Lantern Club in Roselands for a drink in the evening after a hot day out, to cool off and relax? We have a selection of dining options plus we host regular events including Bingo. You can also enter our Car + Cash draw, which is drawn on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Things to do in hot weather Sydney: Enjoy the summer weather and get outdoors
Sometimes the best way to deal with the heat is just to get out in it. Happily, when it comes to things to do in hot weather, Sydney has plenty of outdoor options.
Visit the beach
The beach has long been a popular Aussie pastime and this summer will be no exception. Sydney and its surrounds are home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world. It’s almost a crime to neglect them in the warmer weather!
Less than five km from Hurstville, you will find the stunning Lady Robinson’s Beach. With amazing views of Botany Bay, this stretch of coast is made up of multiple, small suburban beaches. In general, the entire stretch is well protected and a great place for paddling and sunbathing. Just be aware that the area is not patrolled by surf lifesavers.
For a unique beach experience, check out Jewfish Bay Baths. This river beach, nestled on the banks of the Georges River, just south-east of Hurstville, is unlike any other.
The historic baths here have been used by the Oatley District Amateur Swimming Club from as far back as the 1920s. Being inland also means there is national parkland and an amazing adventure playground right nearby. These baths are well worth the visit for anyone looking for a unique summer excursion.
For surfers, Cronulla Beach is the perfect option. The famous beach is regularly patrolled by surf lifesavers and has plenty of amenities including wheelchair access. The area, in general, is bustling and lively and makes for a busy beach day. Just remember your sun protection and beach safety rules: slip, slop, slap and wrap and swim between the flags.
With an endless coastline, you can’t go wrong with a trip to the beach. Head north to the iconic Manly, plan an extended day trip to ‘Palmie’ aka Palm Beach or visit iconic Bondi.
Animal attractions
Zoos and wildlife parks are always a fun family outing and the warmer weather is a great time to enjoy them. In Sydney, we are lucky to have Taronga Zoo, one of the best and most picturesque zoos in the world. No other zoo can boast lions, tigers, zebras and a view of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge! Buy tickets online ahead of time, or pick them up as you enter.
A secret tip for Taronga Zoo is to come a little later in the day. The crowds tend to show up early. You will still have time to see all the animals from late morning or evening lunchtime. Over Christmas, it makes sense to call ahead. There are days when the zoo is full and won’t accept any more visitors.
Conveniently situated in Blacktown, Featherdale Wildlife Park is one of the best places in Sydney to see native animals. Open since 1972, the park has grown into a beloved local attraction. Focused exclusively on native animals Featherdale has over 1,700 animals including the largest captive population of koalas in NSW. Their website has all the information you will need to plan a day out.
Great for a day trip, just 40mins south of Sydney is Symbio Wildlife Park. This is not only an amazing place to see native and international species, they have also just opened their Splash Park. This means there is a spot to cool down after wandering around to see the animals.
Raging Waters
If you want to get wet but the beach is too sandy and the pool is too boring, Raging Waters is the place. Centrally located in Prospect, Raging Waters has Australia’s biggest wave pool, over a dozen rides and slides and even more to keep the whole family entertained. Easily one of the most fun things to do in hot weather in Sydney, It’s simple to buy tickets online and to plan a fun-filled day via their website.
Special events
If you are around Roselands make sure you check out some of the local events near you this summer. From meeting Santa to fresh food markets check out everything Roselands has to offer.
Most suburbs cater to visitors and holiday-makers in summer. Check your local council website for more information.
If you’re looking for something different, book a ticket to the Mov’in Bed Outdoor Bed Cinema at Moore Park. This offers the chance to see new releases and classic cinematic moments on the big screen from the comfort of an outdoor bed. Visit https://movinbed.com for session times and prices.
There is no shortage of things to do in hot weather in Sydney. Don’t forget to pay a visit to Lantern Club in Roselands.
With air conditioning and a range of dining options, we are the ideal venue for relaxing and spending time with friends.