Beat the heat, not the fun!

Sunraysia summers don’t muck around, and this week’s forecast is shaping up as a proper run of hot weather in Mildura, with multiple days pushing into extreme territory (mid to high 40s midweek).

The good news? You can still have a brilliant week in town if you plan your day like a local: start early, go indoors when the heat peaks, and head back out when the sun drops.

Photo Credit - Jane Bunn's Weather Photography
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1) Start early and “steal” the best part of the day

If you do one thing this week, do this: set the alarm and get moving before the heat builds.

A morning walk along the riverfront is hard to beat — calm water, birdlife, that first golden light, and the kind of quiet you only get before the day really kicks off. Pack a water bottle, wear a hat, and make it an easy stroll rather than a mission.

Then reward yourself the correct way: grab a coffee and settle into the morning while it’s still comfortable. You’ll feel like you’ve already won the day by 9am.

Photo Credit - Mildura Holden Motors Museum

2) Midday = indoor adventures (and air-con heaven)

When the temperature climbs, the smartest move is to shift your fun inside. Think of it as “Sunraysia siesta mode” — you’re not missing out, you’re playing it right.

Here are a few local favorites to build a mini itinerary around:

• Mildura Waves – when it’s hot outside, a swim (and the indoor spaces) can be the perfect reset.

• Mildura Holden Museum – a great wander in cool comfort, especially if you love a bit of Aussie motoring nostalgia.

• Mildura Arts Centre – exhibitions, creativity, and that blissful air-conditioned escape.

• Rio Vista – a proper Mildura classic: beautiful, historic, and a great way to spend a hot afternoon without baking.

Tip: If you’re heading out during the hottest hours, keep it short and simple — park close, duck in, take your time, hydrate, and head home before you feel drained.

Photo credit - Trentham estate

3) Foodies: make it a “long lunch” week

Hot weather is basically an invitation to eat well somewhere cool.

For a treat-yourself option, Trentham Estate Winery is ideal for foodies wanting air-conditioned comfort, great flavours, and a relaxed setting while the mercury does its thing outside.

For something a little more laid-back and casual, try Club Merbein. They’ve got a ripper bistro and a welcoming bar area that’s perfect for escaping the heat without overthinking it — the kind of spot you can roll into for a cold drink and hearty meal. And I’ll give them a quick shoutout here too — Club Merbein are one of my sponsors, and I genuinely appreciate their support of Out and About Sunraysia.

4) The magic time: when the heat breaks, Mildura shines

Here’s the part locals know: once the heat of the day subsides, this can be one of the best times to enjoy Mildura outdoors.

As the sun drops, the town changes mood — the river cools, and the sky starts putting on a show. Sunraysia sunsets in summer are something else.

A few easy evening ideas:

• Book dinner and make a night of it in Feast Street (great food, great vibe).

• Head down the river and use one of the free public BBQs for a simple family feed.

• If you’ve got kids (or you’re a kid at heart), time it right and hit the splash park when it’s cooler — it’s a ripper way to end a hot day without overdoing it.

Quick hot-weather reminders (the boring but important bit)

With forecast conditions this extreme, it’s worth taking the heat seriously:

• Avoid strenuous activity in the middle of the day.

• Drink water constantly, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

• Hat, sunscreen, light clothing, and take breaks in shade or air-con.

The Sunraysia summer formula

Early river walk + coffee. Midday indoors. Sunset outdoors + good food.
Do that, and you’ll not only survive the heat — you’ll actually enjoy the best parts of Mildura this week.