Sydney weather: Where to cool down during hot temperatures
Too hot to think about keeping cool? NewsLocal has you covered. Our team has come up with the best things to do around western Sydney to keep you from sweating as temperatures rise.
- Western Sydney pet owners warned to look for heat stress
- New developments a big factor in higher temperatures
As temperatures rise in Sydney’s west this week, thousands of residents — and their pets — will be looking for ways to beat the heat and cool down.
Instead of leaving it until the last minute, NewsLocal has compiled a list of the top activities to do or places to visit to escape sweltering conditions.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecast temperatures to rise to 40C in Penrith today, reaching a maximum of 45C tomorrow.
Temperatures in Blacktown will range in the high 30s today as well, before rising to 42C tomorrow.
Campbelltown and Camden will also experience maximum temperatures of 42C tomorrow, followed by Canterbury and Liverpool with 41C, and Parramatta with 40C.
How to beat the heat this week
1. Water Wonderland, Bradbury Oval
Cool down and let your inner child run wild with a trip to Bradbury Oval.
Thanks tot he efforts of Campbelltown City Council, it is playing host to a Water Wonderland until January 28.
A variety of inflatable water slides and activities have erected for residents and visitors of all ages to enjoy.
The atmosphere is fun and carnival-like, and food stalls are on site too.
Unfortunately, pets are unable to attend
Where: Bradbury Oval at The Parkway, Bradbury
When: 10am-5pm every day until January 28
Cost: Ticket prices range from $25 for one person (buying online) to $120 for five people (buying online)
For more information: www.campbelltown.nsw.gov.au
2. Curry Reserve Water Play Space, Elderslie
The Curry Reserve Water Play Space has been busy non-stop since opening on December 1.
It is a great play to take the kids, with shading, grassed areas and trees to sit under, and a range of new cooling equipment to play in.
The facility is the third major recreation facility Camden Council has delivered since late last year, following the opening of youth play spaces at Harrington Park Lake and Sedgewick Reserve, Currans Hill.
Where: Curry Reserve, Camden Valley Way, Elderslie
When: All hours Monday to Sunday
Cost: Free
For more information: www.camden.nsw.gov.au
3. Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink, Canterbury
Instead of reaching for your togs, opt for ice skates and put your best foot forward at the Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink.
It is fairly chilly in there so you will have to bring a coat too, but it is a great place for the whole family to enjoy.
If you do not have the appropriate footware to give ice skating a go, you can rent out a pair over the counter.
There is also a heated canteen for if and when you need a break from the chilly conditions, as well as free carparking, coin operated lockers, disabled access and seating for up to 300 patrons.
Where: Phillips Avenue, Canterbury
When: School holiday lesson times are from 9.30-10.15am on Monday to Friday, free skating from 10.15am-12.15pm Monday to Friday, disco sessions from 12.30pm-2.30pm Monday to Friday, as well as 8-10.30pm on Friday too. Free skating on the weekends is held from 2.30-4.30pm on Saturday and 1.15pm-3.15pm on Sunday.
Cost: Prices range from $14 for under 5-year-olds to $24 for 13 years and over. You can also get a family pass for $75.
For more information: www.canterburyolympicicerink.org.au
4. ZONE Bowling and Laser Skirmish, Blacktown
End the week on a high by beating your previous score at ZONE BOWLING or Laser Skirmish at Blacktown.
Either activity will keep the whole family occupied for hours at a time.
Both games will get your legs moving and heart pumping, which is always good for your body.
There is also an arcade with games and prizes for if the kids get restless, and a range of sweet and savory treats to choose from.
Where: Shop 4011 Westpoint, 17 Patrick Street, Blacktown
When: 9am-10pm Monday to Wednesday, 9am-11pm Thursday, 9am-12am Friday and Saturday, and 9am-10.30pm on Sunday
Cost: $16.90 for adults and $13.90 concession
For more information: www.zonebowling.com
5. Aquatopia Water Park, Prairiewood
Want to keep the family cool without it costing an arm and leg? Head to the Aquatopia Water Park at the Prairiewood Leisure Centre.
It is the perfect place for the whole family, with a high speed free-fall slide, three-lane racing ride, a rocket drop slide and the Fishpip ride, which acts as a giant washing machine.
There is also a range of other water facilities, shaded tables and a canteen to keep you and the family full.
Where: Prairie Vale Rd and Moonlight Rd, Prairiewood
When: 11am-5.30pm daily until Sunday, January 27
Cost: Prices are $20 per person (over 5 years) for people not living within the Fairfield City Council area. It costs $15 for residents. There is a family pass (2 adults and 2 kids under 15 years) for $60 (nonresidents) or $50 (residents).
For more information: www.fairfieldcityleisurecentres.com.au
6. Parramatta River
Splish, splash and splosh along the Parramatta River to keep yourself cool this week.
You can get your hair wet in a range of spots, including Cabarita Park beach, Chiswick Baths, Dawn Fraser Baths and Lake Parramatta.
Three new swimming locations at Putney Park, McIlwaine Park in Rhodes East and Bayview Park in Concord were also identified potential swimming and recreational sites along river in October last year, which will be opened by 2025.
Where: Cabarite Park beach at 17 Cabarita Rd, Cabarita. Chiswick Baths at 19 Bortfield Dr, Chiswick. Dawn Fraser Baths at Elkington Park, Fitzroy Ave, Balmain. Lake Parramatta Reserve at 28 Bourke Street, North Parramatta.
When: Anytime
Cost: Free
For more information: www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au
7. Event Cinemas, Liverpool
Instead of getting your hair wet at the pool, beat the heat by heading along to the cinemas.
There are a range of flicks out at the moment for singles, couples, parents and kids.
Current movies include How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, Aquaman, Mary Poppins Returns, Bumblebee, Viswasam, Creed II and Second Act.
Where: 159-175 Church St, Parramatta
When: 9.30am-10.30am
For more information and cost: www.eventcinemas.com.au
8. Wet’n’Wild, Prospect
Get the kids out of your hair by letting them run wild at Wet’n’Wild at Prospect.
The amusement park is the perfect place for a lot of fun, and home to more than 40 slides and attractions — including a zone dedicated to little water adventurers and heart pumping actions.
Wet’n’Wild is also perfect for birthdays and events, with dining options available for every member of the family.
Where: 427 Reservoir Rd, Prospect
When: 10am-8pm until January 27 and 10am-5pm on January 28. More information on the website
Cost: $59.99 for juniors under 110cm, $59.99 for seniors and concessions and $69.99 for adults.
For more information: www.wetnwildsydney.com.au