Canberra’s first floating sauna brings Nordic wellness to the capital

The new on-water wellness experience may feel indulgent, but the benefits go far beyond the surface.

Canberra has officially joined the wellness tourism wave, with the city’s first-ever floating sauna now open on Lake Burley Griffin. Part sweat session, part cold plunge and entirely self-care certified, it’s a time-honoured ritual promising complete relaxation in the nation’s capital.

What is Floating Sauna Lake Burley Griffin?

Launched by the same team behind Floating Sauna Lake Derby in Tasmania, Canberra’s latest wellness offering invites guests to slow down, switch off and surrender to the heat – before plunging in for a refreshing dip right outside your door.

Floating Sauna Lake Burley Griffin in Caberra, ACT — Floating Sauna Lake Burley Griffin comprises two timber-lined sanctuaries. (Credit: Anne Stroud for VisitCanberra)

The two wood-fired sauna rooms bob gently off the quiet shores of Lake Burley Griffin near Yarralumla Beach East. Each sleek sauna features a self-tended stove, water buckets, additional firewood and floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the lake and natural surrounds.

It’s all part of a growing trend which has seen floating saunas pop up across the country, from a sustainable sanctuary on Sydney Harbour to an entire trail across Tassie.

Floating Sauna Lake Derby in Tasmania — The new offering joins a sister property on Lake Derby, Tasmania. (Credit: Emilie Ristevski)

Guests of Floating Sauna Lake Burley Griffin can choose between two signature experiences: a shared session or a private booking. Both run for one hour and accommodate up to six people, with the latter including a dedicated Sauna Master who takes care of logistics. The experience begins the moment you step inside, where Nordic bathing traditions blend with solitude and privacy for the ultimate full-body reset.

How it works – and why you need to try it

Inspired by traditional Nordic bathing culture, saunas have long been associated with pleasure and peacefulness. But health experts suggest the benefits extend far beyond mere stress relief, documented in a growing number of studies such as Cardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing: A Review of the Evidence by the Mayo Clinic .

“Emerging evidence suggests that sauna bathing has several health benefits, which include reduction in the risk of vascular diseases such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, stroke and neurocognitive diseases; nonvascular conditions such as pulmonary diseases including common flu; mortality; treatment of specific skin conditions; as well as pain in conditions such as rheumatic diseases and headache," the 2018 report concludes.

So, how does it actually work? At its core, the floating sauna experience follows a simple method: heat, cool, repeat – also known as contrast therapy. Based on the traditional Finnish design, most modern saunas use a wood-fired stove, heated rocks and water to create hot bursts of steam that envelop the body.

Dubbed löyly in Finnish, this steamy cloud is considered the soul or breath of the sauna, a spiritual term that represents purification and relaxation. As it rises, the temperature climbs, triggering a deep and cleansing sweat. This heat also raises the heart rate and relaxes the limbs, which allows the muscles to loosen and the mind to slow.

Then, it’s straight into the lake for a cold-water plunge. While a little daunting at first, the sudden temperature shift awakens the senses and rapidly cools the body. According to the University of South Australia ‘s Effects of cold-water immersion on health and wellbeing: A systematic review and meta-analysis, this can help with everything from inflammation to immune function.

After a series of real-world trials, researchers found that “Cold Water Immersion (CWI) delivers time-dependent effects on inflammation, stress, immunity, sleep quality and quality of life, offering potential practical applications for health practitioners considering CWI for stress management and wellbeing support."

The result? A restorative experience that feels both restful and re-energising. But the true beauty of the floating sauna lies in its malleability. Whether you stick to the original ritual, skip steps that don’t suit your needs or simply throw caution to the wind and follow your intuition, you’re guaranteed to leave on löyly nine.

The details

Floating Sauna Lake Burley Griffin is moored off Alexandrina Drive in Yarralumla, ACT. It’s a short 10-minute drive from the city centre, with free parking on-site. Just visiting? Hyatt Hotel Canberra is the perfect home base, less than five minutes away by car.

The sauna generally operates seven days a week, with hour-long bookings available from 7am to 9pm. Shared sessions are priced $55 per person, while private reservations can be secured for a flat rate of $305. All guests must be at least 16 years old to visit.

No matter your interests, you’re bound to find a unique and utterly memorable experience along the mighty Murray River.

Along the Murray River lies a network of towns that are at once intertwined and wildly diverse. Linked by the legendary waterway yet strikingly distinct, each has its own personality, pace and collection of experiences you won’t soon forget.

1. On the river

fishermen on Lake Mulwala — Get out onto the pretty Lake Mulwala. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

A visit to the region wouldn’t be complete without a jaunt on the iconic river. If you’re something of an adventurer, Lake Mulwala – an inlet on the Murray – is perennially popular for all kinds of watersports. Glide among ghost gums on a kayak or stand up paddleboard, or pick up the pace by waterskiing or windsurfing.

For a more relaxed (but no less immersive) river experience, hop on board one of the famed paddle steamers. Departing from Echuca Moama, Swan Hill and Yarrawonga Mulwala, these historic boats provide a nostalgic view of the Murray.

2. First Nations culture

Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk, murray river — Wander the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk.

The river is a meeting place of ancient cultures, home to over 50 First Nations clans and an integral part of their communities, storytelling and way of life.

To learn more about the Traditional Owners, take yourself on a guided stroll through the Wagirra Trail. Situated in Albury/Wiradjuri country, the trail passes through red gum forest, riverside wetlands and the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk.

Alternatively, visit the Dharnya Centre in the heart of Barmah National Park on Yorta Yorta country. The centre tells the history and stories of the Yorta Yorta people, offering guided walking tours and cruises.

3. Delicious eats

the Mildura Boat House — Savour a relaxed riverside meal at Mildura Boat House.

For a representative taste of the Murray’s epicurean highlights, a few destinations are well worth your time (and appetite).

Opa in Echuca is a local staple, serving up authentic and bold Greek dishes in lively surrounds. Greek not your thing? The twin towns of Echuca Moama have numerous top-notch drinking and dining spots to choose from and an ever-evolving food scene.

In Albury, the River Deck Cafe is perched right on the river, delivering scenic vistas and a vibrant daytime menu. Expect lemon meringue waffles or Green Goddess smashed avo for breakfast, or a zippy duck salad with Southeast Asian flavours for lunch. For more waterfront dining options, head to Mildura Boathouse . Enjoy iconic views and a modern Australian menu focused on local producers and wines.

4. Hiking and biking trails

two people on bikes at Lake Boga — Discover the Murray Region on two wheels. (Credit: Ewen Bell)

The best ways to experience the Murray’s surrounding landscapes are on foot or by bike. Luckily, plenty of well-marked trails take you through the diverse scenery.

The Mildura Riverfront has a shared path for both walkers and cyclists, connecting the town centre with a string of parks and lookouts. The path lets you take in the entire town and its distinctive terrain at a leisurely pace, and is relatively flat throughout.

For a more challenging experience, head to the Huon Hill Parklands or Nail Can Hill Reserve in Albury Wodonga. Both feature a varied network of bushwalking and mountain biking trails through undulating terrain.

5. Best views along The Murray

swan at wonga wetlands in the murray — Spot the birdlife at Wonga Wetlands. (Credit: Visit Albury Wodonga)

The Murray region is perhaps unsurprisingly a prime destination for epic vistas. The Wonga Wetlands just outside Albury are an aquatic feast for the eyes, a winding web of billabongs and lagoons. Take a stroll through the tranquil landscape and see if you can spot one of the more than 170 bird species living within.

Stop by Moama Beach at sunset to catch the dazzling display. Vivid hues of pink, amber and gold flare against a backdrop of river red gum trees and are reflected in the river’s glassy waters.

Head away from the Murray itself, 15 mins from Albury Wodonga, for stunning mountain views at Lake Hume. Or head to Gunbower National Park, a picturesque place boasting a diverse wonderland of waterbirds, wildlife and aquatic plants.

6. Art and culture

People viewing art at Murray Art Museum. — Immerse yourself in art at the MAMA, Albury. (Tourism Australia)

The region’s diverse mix of galleries, museums and cultural hubs provides a window into its past and present.

One of the most prominent is Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA), which has a rotating roster of contemporary exhibitions. The Burrajara Gallery is another Albury gem, with a powerful collection of works from local First Nations artists.

There are several smaller museums and galleries scattered across Echuca Moama and Mildura reflecting the artistic depth of the Murray. Popular picks include The Foundry Arts Space and Customs House Gallery in Echuca Moama, and the Arts Centre, Riverfront Gallery and NAP Contemporary in Mildura.

7. Murray Region Events

band on stage at Riverboats Music Festival — Time your trip around one fo the regions live music events. (Credit: Riverboats Music Festival)

Each year, the Murray hosts events as unique and characterful as the region itself.

The Massive Murray Paddle takes place every November, a 415-kilometre, five-day river paddle raising money for local charities. Whether you take part in a canoe, kayak, stand up paddleboard or boat, or watch from the riverbanks, you’ll be in for a memorable experience.

If you’re a music lover, you’re in luck throughout the year. In summer, plan a trip for Riverboats Music Festival . And in the cooler months, head to the Echuca Moama Winter Blues Festival for four days of performances across different venues.

8. Best stays along The Murray

the Cozy Dome at Charm Lodge accommodation — Find unique stays by the river or in the countryside.

Throughout your busy few days of exploring, you’ll need a comfortable spot to rest.

Echuca Moama Riverside Holiday Park is right on the river and has gorgeous views. Pick from riverfront and pet-friendly lagoon cabins, or set up camp at one of the powered sites set among native bush. Or head into the countryside to stay in the quaint glamping or lodge options of Charm Lodge .

Alternatively, treat yourself to a night or two at The Sebel Yarrawonga Silverwoods , which has stylish modern rooms and luxe amenities. There’s a heated infinity pool, day spa and an on-site restaurant doing elevated fare with local produce.

For a quintessential Murray experience, hire a houseboat from one of the many operators in Mildura. Available for weekend and week-long adventures, these well-appointed boats immerse you in the leisurely rhythm and quiet beauty of the Murray River.

Discover what’s new on The Murray at visitthemurray.com.au