How to deal with tropical heat

The north-east coast of Australia is made up entirely of tropical areas, with large rainforests, sunny beaches, and high humidity.

For tropical locals, this is the usual, but for many first time tourists this may come as a shock. Many travellers become dependent on air-conditioners to escape the heat, missing out the awesome area.

However, there are tips and tricks to help you along the way. Following these easy rules will help you enjoy the attractions without slowly melting away.

• Get up early

  Avoid getting roasted by the sweltering heat by evading the worst times. The sun is hottest when it reaches its highest point, usually occurring at around 3pm, so going inside or in the shade is always best during lunchtime. Just as it is hot at its highest, the sun is coolest at its lowest i.e. sunrise and sunset.

  Getting up earlier can help you enjoy a cool morning, without having to deal with any of the mid-day heat. Head off your day activities sooner, letting you finish a bit earlier. Afterwards, head back to your hotel to enjoy the air con or pool during the hottest hours of the day.

• Drink constantly

  Drinking water anywhere is a must, but it becomes essential when travelling in the tropics. Without water, dehydration, migraines, and weakness all ensure, which makes travelling from one attraction to the next nearly impossible. Always having a drink bottle or merely stopping off at drink taps can help you with this. Try to get up to three litres every day!

  If you’re going out for a hike or day trip, try freezing a bottle of water. Take an unfrozen bottle with you also. As the day wears on, the frozen water will melt, giving you access to cold water when you’re exploring the rainforest.

• Slip-Slop-Slap

  The Australian sun is quite strong, with even the locals getting burnt easily. UV levels are frequently listed as high, and protection is essential.

  The Aussies have a simple motto when facing the heat; Slip, Slop, Slap. The premise is quite simple really. Slip on a long sleeve shirt, slop on sunscreen, and slap on a hat. These simple actions can help prevent skin damage, sun burn, and are a great skin cancer preventative.

  The motto can be extended even further, with seek and slide. Your eyes are just as sensitive to the sun as your skin, so be sure to slide on UV protection sunglasses. Finally, you should seek shade from the sun. Enjoy the warm air under a tree or shelter to protect yourself from harmful UV.

• Take cool showers

  There is nothing better than drenching yourself with cool water while you are sizzling in the heat. Showers help you both cool off while washing off that layer of sweat that accumulates during the day. They can also prevent fungal infections or heat rashes which are common in tropical areas. If you can’t do a full shower, even splashing your face and body with cold water can help.

Related article: Tropical flavours in Cairns

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.