Even though we’ve been itching for hot weather all year, when it hits 40 degrees for days on end, the thought of pulling yourself away from the airconned haven of home seems like the most difficult thing on the planet.
So, we’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in Perth when it's (really) hot, including fun things to do in the water, awesome activities you can enjoy inside, plus plenty of refreshing cocktails and beach-friendly eats that make sweating your face off feel well worth it.
-
Grab a cold pint at Gage Roads' brewpub and watch the massive ships docking into the port as the Freo doctor comes in.
-
Bags yourself a comfy spot and settle in for a balmy evening at one of these outdoor cinemas.
-
Escape the heat inside an immersive exhibition. Monet In Paris and Our Country are both showing at the moment.
-
Try a new hobby while hiding safely inside away from the heat at these beaut Perth workshops.
-
Pretend to be fancy at one of Perth's most beautiful high teas.
-
Spend a blissful hour inside this tranquil bathhouse in Osborne Park.
-
Line up a day by the pool at Perth's most iconic retro motel and live music venue, The Indian Ocean Hotel.
-
Shop up a storm in the aircon at Karrinyup shopping centre before retiring to one of Karrinyup's foodie hot spots.
-
Skate around Cockburn Ice Rink and reward yourself with a bevvie at its bar and restaurant afterwards.
-
Set your alarm for a sunrise dip with Cold Nips and make some new beach friends.
-
Hunt down the best fish n’ chips in Perth and park up at the beach for a sunset feast and swim.
-
Channel the dude from the Big Lebowski and get a crew together at one of these tenpin bowling alleys in Perth. There are plenty around, but for retro vibes, head to Rosemount Bowl in North Perth.
-
Line up an arcade crawl through Timezone, Planet Royale and Palace Arcade in Northbridge. Planet Royale and Palace Arcade also happen to be bars, so you can knock back a few cocktails while you're at it.
-
Try to break out of Perth's most challenging escape rooms.
-
Sip spicy margaritas while perving on all the beachgoers at Indigo Oscar at Cottesloe Beach or El Grotto in Scarborough.
-
Swim alongside wild dolphins in Rockingham with Perth Wildlife Encounters.
-
Learn to surf—you know it’s always been on your bucket list.
-
Cool down with a scoop or two from the newly opened Messina Gelato or any of Perth's best ice cream and gelato shops.
-
Escape the heat and book a luxe massage before heading home for your afternoon siesta.
-
Order yourself one of House Of Hobby's awesome DIY kits and spend the day getting crafty at home.
-
Connect with your inner kid and spend the day at Adventure World or Perth’s Outback Splash.
-
Hit up the Scarborough Sunset Markets after an afternoon dip.
-
Roadtrip to these photo-worthy natural pools near Perth.
-
Go on a snorkelling expedition at our incredible beaches.
-
Scout the best margaritas in Perth—do you prefer frozen or spicy?
-
Swing by Berry Bae, Perth's first self-serve acai bar, for an icy treat.
-
Go for a sunset cruise along the Swan River on a stand-up paddleboard, kayak or waterbike.
-
Book a luxe staycay and completely unwind poolside at one of these Perth hotels or one of these stunning Airbnbs with pools near Perth.
-
Wander through the Art Gallery of Western Australia, and hit up at the rooftop bar once the sun sets.
-
Bask in the air-conditioning and watch a film at the high-tech Hoyts cinema at Karrinyup with luxe seats that shake with the action on-screen. And obviously indulge in a delicious choc top while you're there.
-
Catch a cool breeze when you're sky high on a Perth rooftop bar crawl.
-
Take the ferry to Rotto and wonder why you haven’t spent the whole summer there.
-
Dine by the ocean at the best beachside eateries, including The Shorehouse, Odyssea, Il Lido and Coast.
-
Lose yourself in a good beach read at some of these secluded secret beaches.
-
Hang out in the aircon while exploring insightful exhibitions at WA Museum Boola Bardip.
Looking for more ideas? Check out on what's on in Perth.
Image credit: Supplied