How to escape the heat in Melbourne

Strap on your skates and hit up one of these ice rinks around Melbourne where you can slide across the ice to some refreshing beats.

Catch a flick at one of Melbourne's best cinemas and take total advantage of their cool, air-conditioned rooms. Plus, who could pass up a choc top on a scorcher like this?

This grand modernist building on St Kilda Road lays claim to Australia's oldest and most popular art museum, the NGV. That title has been won thanks to the gallery's top-notch and diverse permanent collection, its fantastic visiting collections and an ongoing series of additional events aimed at locals and tourists alike. All visitors to the NGV must pass the water wall upon entry, and yes, it is hard to resist touching it on a super hot day.

Take in bay views while you swim in St Kilda's famous seawater pool. The natural powers of sea water will help you cool down and re-energise.

Your house might not have air conditioning but your car probably does. Fill up your tank and go for a four-wheeled adventure in air-conditioned comfort. Wherever you're headed make sure to take plenty of water and keep an eye on fire warnings in the area. 

Whether you got a new book for Christmas or are looking for something different to read, heading to your local library will keep you out of the heat. You could even bring your laptop and catch up on some work, listen to music or (if you’re heading to the State Library) take a tour.

There’s nothing quite like an air-conditioned cinema in the middle of summer. IMAX Melbourne not only keeps its cinemas cool and dark, but it also has a knack for picking films that transport you to a completely different time and space.

Calling all kids, parents, and kids-at-heart: did you know that there is a huge theme park less than an hour's drive north from Melbourne? Well, you do now. Funfields, located in Whittlesea, opened in 1985 and has since become one of Melbourne's best-loved attractions. Your entry ticket gets you access to 22 rides, plus a water play area for kids and barbecue area.

For an hour or so you can pretend you’re somewhere else entirely at one of Melbourne’s escape rooms. Plus you’ll to solve puzzles. Unfortunately even if you fail to escape in time you’ll have to leave the room.

Have you heard that plunging your body into sub-Arctic temperatures is the coolest new health trend? It's also excellent for a super hot day. You can try it at Alchemy's state-of-the-art freezer (ahem, cryotherapy chamber) in South Yarra.