When you want to know where the top spots are to cool off in heatwave conditions, the best people to ask are the locals.

Fishermans Bay is a popular spot for families with young children, and also great for snorkel diving.

Local divers swim out to the ‘bommies’ and dive for lobsters and sea urchins.

Shoal Bay Wharf is the “place to be” for teenagers who love to jump off the wharf and capture in-flight moments with their Selfie Sticks.

For surfers, One Mile Beach and Birubi Beach are fantastic options.

They are also popular with families as both beaches are patrolled and also have cafés and shower facilities.

Fly Point is a great spot for snorkel divers, but there can be strong currents at times, so adult supervision is important.

With its calm conditions, Boat Harbour is a good choice for families.

It also has barbecue facilities and is popular with ocean swimmers, SCUBA divers and snorkel divers.

Nelson Bay Foreshore has a diverse range of activities including Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) and Kayak tours.

Bay News Of The Area caught up with some of the area’s local young experts and asked: Where are your favourite places to cool down in the school holidays?

“I love swimming in the pool with my friends, going to Birubi Beach and also the rock pools at the end of Morna Point Road.” Knya Campbell, 14, Anna Bay

“I like going to Little Beach because it is a quieter beach without all the crowds or else the local pool.

When I don’t feel like swimming, I go to the air-conditioned shops at Salamander Bay and have a fresh juice at the food court.”

Lara Paul, 14, Corlette “Boat Harbour beach is great, and I also like the local rock pools.”

Georgia Osborne-Zorbas, 13, Boat Harbour “I love using my new water skimmer that I got for Christmas down at the beach.”

Bastiaan Osborne-Zorbas, 9, Boat Harbour

By Jo FINN