10 Sand-Free Places To Cool Off This Summer

There are plenty of places to go when the pavement is melting and the beach is too crowded and/or sandy.

1. An Art Gallery Or Museum

Art Gallery of NSW / Via artgallery.nsw.gov.au

Galleries are an often under-rated location to cool off in the summer. Enjoying culture is much more enjoyable in air-conditioning. Bonus: they tend to be free of crowds.

2. Ice Skating Rink

Macquarie Ice Rink / Via macquarieicerink.com.au

Pack your socks and spend some time on the ice. Bonus: this is both entertainment AND exercise.

3. Underground

Jenolan Caves / Via jenolancaves.org.au

Head to the caves, where it stays cool throughout summer. Bonus: you get to dig out your winter clothes

4. The Aquarium

Melbourne Aquarium / Via whitepages.com.au

Summer is the perfect time for this aquatic destination. Bonus: penguins.

5. The Library

State Library Of Victoria / Via slv.vic.gov.au

The library is not just about books anymore; you can find CDs, DVDs, magazines and comics, attend talks, see exhibitions and use the free WiFi. Bonus: state libraries are worth visiting for the architecture alone.

6. A Swimming Hole

Via nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

Head to the bush and find a natural swimming hole. Bonus: some of the best can only be reached on foot, so you get some exercise and can avoid crowds

7. Ocean pools

Randwick City Council / Via randwick.nsw.gov.au

Here, you get the benefits of salty water and an ocean breeze without getting covered in sand. Bonus: many of the baths are free.

8. The cinema

Via dendy.com.au

Going to the movies when it is hot is a no-brainer. Bonus: if you choose an indie release you will get the best seats and have to share the space with as few people as possible.

9. The Supermarket (And Liquor Store)

Via commons.wikimedia.org

You can buy ice cream and other food that requires no cooking in glorious air conditioning. Bonus: you can spend time reading the labels (spend as much time as you can in the freezer aisles).

10. Your Bathtub

Via commons.wikimedia.org

This option is best kept for desperately hot days when you can't possibly leave the house. Ice baths are not solely for athletes or party-booze. Bonus: You could share your bath with the booze.