As temperatures continue to soar around the Riverina, we've compiled a handful of great destinations that will get you out of the house and into a splash.

Some are just around the corner, some require a bit of driving - but think of the time spent in the car air-conditioning. Bliss.

Looking for some water? Blowering holds three times as much as Sydney Harbour.

There are plenty of places to put the boat in, set the campsite up and take in the spectacular valley and all it has to offer.

Go for a ski, sail, fish, canoe, or just a swim youve more options than you can poke a stick at.

Settle in for a day, go for a week, the choice is yours.

How to get there: Follow the Snowy Mountains Highway south from Tumut, then take your pick of entry points.

NB: Access to state forest on the western foreshore of Blowering Dam is closed as Forestry Corporation continues remediation work in the wake of last year's devastating bushfires. Yellowin Access Road, McDonalds Trail, Sturgess Trail, Foreshore Road (from Jounama Dam to Snubba Road) and Blowering Camp Road are closed for the summer.

Take a little hike around the historic gold mill ruins at Adelong and cool off in the creek at your leisure. Entry to the ruins is free, however donations are welcome.

Theres also a viewing platform, if youre not keen on a walk through, but that wont get you near the water.

Youll find picnic shelters and public toilets at the visitors area but make sure to stock up on food and beverages in Adelong before heading out.

How to get there: Head north from Adelong on Grahamstown Road, towards Tumblong, for about two kilometres, turn right onto Adelong Falls Road.

Right in the heart of the city is one of the main attractions Wagga Beach. Pack a picnic, grab your towel and head to the eastern end of Johnston Street for a splash in the mighty Murrumbidgee River.

The waters cooler here and the current is a little strong, so take care getting in.

Spend the afternoon by the water and take advantage of the sandy beach, grassy areas, plenty of shade and seating and the electric barbecue facilities.

Be careful come late afternoon though, the 5 o'clock wave might get you.

How to get there: Head north on Baylis Street over the bridge into Fitzmaurice Street, turn right at Johnston Street and turn left into the car park at the end of the road.

Now here's a spot on the Murrumbidgee River that offers the lot its perfect for skiing, swimming, fishing and camping in general.

Take advantage of the boat ramp and the get the tinny or the speedboat in, set up camp up the bank and get your swim on.

Theres plenty of space for everyone so settle in and enjoy a day (or more) on the river.

How to get there: Take the Sturt Highway west out of Wagga for 20 kilometres, turn right onto Kohlhagens Road and wind your way into the reserve.

All roads might lead to Deni in October, but come summer they lead families from all over to one of Narranderas gems, Lake Talbot.

Put the boat in the lake or join in the fun at the swimming complex.

The much-loved destination has just opened the initial stages of a $5.8 million renovation, with a new splash park, water slides, Olympic and middle pools, kiosk, barbecues and changerooms.

The third stage is set to open on January 22.

How to get there: Head west from Wagga on the Sturt Highway for 99 kilometres, watch for signs as you arrive into Narrandera. Its the first right as you go over the bridge.

Ok, this one is a bit of a drive. But with the Kosciuszko National Park practically on our doorstep (and it IS cooler up there) it'd be remiss of us to not include the wonder of the Yarrangobilly Caves.

Check out the beauty of the caves and then have a quick dip in the thermal pool before heading out. Being thermal though, the pool can be warm you might find yourself needing a stop at Blowering Dam for another splash. But hey, this is a day trip, you've got all the time in the world.

Park entry fees apply ($4 per vehicle) and you'll need to buy a ticket or a cave pass from the Yarrangobilly Caves Visitor Centre to visit all caves.

How to get there: Head south from Tumut on the Snowy Mountains Highway for 75 kilometres.

Wagga's got the Oasis centre, but we just cant forget the abundance of amazing local pool complexes dotted around the area.

Junee has a great centre with a slide, Ganmain's is a ripper, Adelong has a splash pad, The Rock is so close to Wagga, Narrandera's is amazing - the list goes on.

Yanco's McCaughey Park also has a decent splash park.

The region has a couple of free pools (Hay and Tumbarumba, we're looking at you) and the rest cost as little as $3 for entry.

Nearly all of them have great grassy and shady areas with the odd kiosk thrown in and where there's no kiosk, there'll be a corner shop nearby.

How to get there: Pack your swimmers, take your pick from Adelong, Ardlethan, Batlow, Colleambally, Coolamon, Cootamundra, Ganmain, Hay, Junee, Whitton, Narrandera, Temora, The Rock, Tumut - anywhere with a community pool - then plug it into the GPS and hit the road.

As with any natural waterway, please take care. Except for community pools, none of these locations are patrolled by surf lifesavers.