10 authentic Scandi outdoor saunas hidden around Australia

Australia’s growing Scandinavian sauna culture invites you to feel the heat, embrace the cold, and reconnect with nature in breathtaking destinations.

Scandinavian-style saunas have gained popularity in Australia over recent years, with travellers embracing the health benefits of hot-and-cold therapy as part of their getaways. Beyond improving overall wellbeing, many of these experiences offer an opportunity to connect with nature, from bushland saunas to cold ocean plunges, both restorative and grounding. If you’re looking for an authentic Scandinavian outdoor sauna experience without leaving the country, here’s a list of some of Australia’s best.

1. Kuuma Nature Sauna, Tasmania

Imagine drifting into a secluded bay, steam rising from the sauna stones as you soak in the serenity of southern Tasmania. Kuuma , Australia’s first sauna boat, is a custom-designed pontoon blending relaxation and adventure. Once in a quiet cove, guests warm up in the sauna before diving into waters averaging 9ºC in winter and 17ºC in summer, or cool down using the shower bucket on deck.

Address: 40 Marina Dr, Barretta TAS

2. Floating Sauna Lake Derby, Tasmania

In the heart of Tasmania’s mountain biking haven, Floating Sauna Lake Derby offers a place to soothe tired muscles after a day on the trails. Perched on the edge of Briseis Hole’s tranquil waters, this floating sauna is architecturally designed for comfort and style. It blends Finnish wood-fired heat with Australian nature—a refreshing plunge into the freshwater lake.

Address: 99 Main St, Derby TAS

3. Håut Hutt, Victoria

Haut Hutt — Håut Hutt’s saunas are crafted using sustainably sourced Western Red Cedar.

Why settle for one sauna when you can have three? Håut Hutt in Victoria’s High Country offers a choice. Paloma, a permanent sauna in Porepunkah, features a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking a peaceful garden, complete with a bucket shower and plunge bath. The nomadic saunas, Juniper and Mondo, travel to stunning spots along the Ovens River, where guests can take a crisp plunge into mountain-fed waters. To enhance your session, owner Harry suggests arriving early to ground yourself in the surroundings, hydrating well with their complimentary lemon-and-salt-infused water, and pacing yourself between cycles. He adds that autumn drapes the High Country in golden hues, making these sessions even more magical.

Address: 7127 Great Alpine Rd, Porepunkah VIC

4. Koho Floating Sauna, Victoria

Sweat it out while dolphins and seals frolic nearby at Koho Sauna on the tranquil Gippsland Lakes. Floating on a pontoon in Lakes Entrance, this wood-fired sauna offers front row seats to nature’s antics. Guests can alternate between the sauna, a daring plunge into the lake, or a brisk cold shower on the deck. For those wanting to linger longer, Idle Lake House, a floating accommodation next door, offers discounted rates when booking both experiences.

Address: 160 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance VIC

5. Sea Soul Sauna, Victoria

The highlight of Sea Soul Sauna is its invigorating ocean plunge, just a short jog across the sand. Guests are encouraged to relax in the sauna for as long as they feel comfortable, typically between 10 and 20 minutes, before taking the plunge. If feeling hesitant, staff are on hand to offer guidance and a motivational pep talk to help you take the leap! For the best experience, dry off before re-entering the sauna to improve sweating.

Address: Mordialloc Sailing, 12 Bowman Street, Aspendale VIC

6. Cedar & Salt, New South Wales

Cedar & Salt’s portable saunas bring Nordic-style heat to scenic spots like Palm Beach and Manly. With an ethos rooted in authenticity and a deep connection to the environment, guests are encouraged to unplug, de-digitize, and restore their minds and body, all while enjoying ocean views. With Australia’s coastline as its backdrop, Cedar & Salt’s mission is to bring the sauna experience to more people, creating social, shared rituals. Byron Bay you’re up next!

Address: Check the website for pop-up locations.

7. Blue Mountains Sauna, New South Wales

Surrounded by crisp mountain air and towering eucalypts, the team at Blue Mountains Sauna describes the experience as “giving yourself a warm hug" and a chance to reset both body and mind. Guests can embrace the traditional sauna cycle: warm up, take a cold plunge, then relax by an indoor fire or outdoor fire pit under the stars with a cup of tea. Bench towels are provided, but bring your own for drying off.

Address: 7 Quinns Ave, Leura NSW

8. Sauna Cult, Queensland

If you’re worried you won’t sweat enough, Sauna Cult has you covered—literally—with Finnish sauna hats to help enhance the heat. Its panoramic window offers breathtaking views, strengthening the connection to nature. Guests can use a bucket and ladle to create löyly, the signature Finnish steam, by pouring water over heated rocks. For those ready to embrace the complete hot-cold cycle, cold plunge barrels are set up on the deck, providing a refreshing and invigorating finish.

Address: 512 Brookfield Rd, Brookfield QLD

9. The Salty Finn, South Australia

Inspired by her Finnish heritage, owner Kate set out to bring the essence of Finland to Adelaide, adding, “If I can’t bring you to Finland, I will bring Finland to you." Embracing Scandi tradition, guests bask in the heat and steam before an icy ocean plunge. Kate recommends the experience on crisp winter mornings or beneath golden sunsets. Running from April to November, The Salty Finn offers communal and private sessions, popping up at various beach locations near Adelaide.

Address: Check the website for location details.

10. Alchemy Saunas, Western Australia

Alchemy Saunas at Port Beach is Perth’s ultimate destination sauna. It combines Finnish-style heat with the rejuvenating chill of the Indian Ocean. Located steps from the white sandy beach, it offers an authentic hot-cold cycle. If you time your session right, it’s the perfect place to recharge and catch one of Perth’s iconic sunsets.

Address: 42 Port Beach Road, North Fremantle

On a wellness kick? Discover luxurious natural spa baths around Australia

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .