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

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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

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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

Traipse Jurassic cliffs and wander secluded beaches on Australia’s most enchanting walks.

Australia’s landscapes are made for hiking. Take the Red Centre, dusted in shifting sands and dotted with miraculous geological formations. Or our rainforests, left behind as the sole souvenir from continents that no longer exist. Down south, mottled night skies hang above crashing seas and unwavering cliffs. It makes sense, then, that hiking holidays are rising in popularity. No wi fi, no traffic. Just you and the path less travelled on the Great Walks of Australia in remote and iconic destinations.

What are the Great Walks of Australia?

If nature is your happy place, you’ve likely heard of the Great Walks of Australia, part of Tourism Australia’s Signature Experiences program since 2013 – a curated collection of 15 all-inclusive, eco-luxury journeys showcasing the country’s most spectacular landscapes with expert guides and incredible meals. GWOA launching in 2013 as

From exploring the peaks of a World Heritage listed island, to journeying through the heart of Australia, and the gentle pull of the majestic Murray – there’s a walking holiday to suit walkers of all experience levels (and interests).

Joining a Great Walks of Australia hike means the pressure is off with all meals, guides and eco-luxury accommodation included.

Where can you hike?

1. Scenic Rim Trail, Queensland

great walks of australia tour group on Scenic Rim Trail, Queensland — Enjoy incredible food along the way.

Around 23 million years ago, volcanoes spewed magma across Queensland’s Scenic Rim. Now, what’s left of the fiery landscape takes the form of the UNESCO-listed Gondwana rainforest.

The Scenic Rim Trail is a four-day guided hike that takes you through the ancient rainforest. You’ll venture out into breathtaking viewpoints across the Main Range National Park. Enjoy a packed lunch, listen out for the duplicitous calls of the lyrebird and enjoy the silence.

You’ll spend your nights in boutique eco-cabins and incredible hospitality.

2. Murray River Walk, South Australia

great walks of australia tour group on — Walk through vibrant wildflower fields.

Murray River Walk pairs easy hiking with blissful evenings cruising the Murray River. Over four days and nights, you’ll follow kangaroo trails through red dirt dusted with vivid patches of wildflowers.

Each day ends on a solar-powered, custom-built houseboat. Watch towering, red sandstone cliffs float by from the top deck spa. Then, it’s three-course meals sourced from local produce and served alongside the region’s best wines.

The entire region you’ll be traversing is within the Riverland Ramsar site. Watch as spoonbills forage for food in the tranquil wetlands, emus parade through the wildflowers, and regent parrots flit above.

3. Maria Island Walk, Tasmania

wombat along the Maria Island Walk tasmania — Spot adorable locals.

Your Maria Island walk begins with a private boat transfer to an untouched, white sand beach. Barefoot in the sand, you’ll quickly realise – aside from your guide and group – you’re completely alone. Spot countless wombats and hear the distant calls of Tasmanian Devils as you spend four days leisurely traversing the island.

Nights are split between private, comfortable wilderness camps and queen-size beds in a historic cottage from the island’s convict history. Meals are built around fresh-caught seafood and served with East Coast Tasmanian wine.

4. Seven Peaks Walk, New South Wales

hiker on Seven Peaks Walks on Lord Howe Island — Explore the incredible Lord Howe Island. (Image: Luke Hanson)

Lord Howe Island feels like another world. With its patchwork blue coral lagoons and magma-honed peaks, it’s easy to forget you’re in New South Wales.

This walk has the highest level of elevation in the Great Walks of Australia’s collection. It’s because of this that you’ll witness nature like never before. UNESCO-listed volcanic peaks and coral reefs that grew out of solidified lava will become your daily norm.

Along the way, step onto beaches that lie undisturbed for weeks at a time. Then, snorkel the southernmost reef in the Pacific Ocean.

5. Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk, Northern Territory

This five-day, fully guided, premium hiking experience inside Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park was developed in partnership with Aṉangu Traditional Owners. Begin your walk dwarfed by the shade of Kata Tjuṯa’s towering dome formations. Following remote desert trails through the red sands, crest dunes and traverse mulga woodlands as you draw closer to the monolithic walls of Uluṟu.

Each night, dine under the lamp light of the Milky Way in the warm desert air and sleep in new flagship, environmentally sensitive private camps and lodge. This is the first time that travellers have ever been allowed to spend the night inside the national park.

6. The Twelve Apostles Signature Walk, Victoria

great walks of australia tour group on The Twelve Apostles Signature Walk, Victoria — See the Twelve Apostles in a new way. (Image: Ken Luke)

The Great Ocean Road’s rugged splendour is best experienced on this signature four-day, 44-kilometre guided walk. You’ll follow the rugged limestone stacks of the shipwreck coastline: wild, crashing waves, curious wildlife, and two national parks.

Finish each day at your luxurious lodge, where you’ll sit with your feet soaking and a glass of wine in hand. You’ll have a single lodge to call home on this walk, meaning you’ll only need to set out with a day pack.

7. Three Capes Signature Walk, Tasmania

On Tasmania’s Three Capes Signature Walk, you’ll feel like you’re walking along the edge of the world. From your boat landing on a remote beach, climb slowly upward for spectacular views and wildlife encounters with pods of dolphins, fur seals and echidnas. Spend days walking Jurassic dolerite cliffs with the wild Southern Ocean as your only constant.

Stay in architecturally designed eco-lodges nestled at the very edge of the world. Think floor-to-ceiling windows, a plunge pool and even an on-site spa to tend to ailments from the hike.

Discover more Great Walks of Australia and start planning your next adventure at greatwalksofaustralia.com.au.