Byron Bay just got even dreamier with this Nordic-inspired bathhouse.
Navia Bathhouse has officially opened its doors, bringing a slice of Scandinavian wellness culture to Australia’s most iconic beach town. Designed around the Nordic principles of community, connection and “hygge" (that warm, cosy feeling of togetherness), Navia is a bathhouse where slowing down isn’t just encouraged – it’s ritualised.
Inspired by centuries-old sauna and hot-cold therapy traditions, Navia Bathhouse blends these time-honoured wellness rituals with a distinctly modern Australian vibe. The result? A stunning, minimalist sanctuary where you can unplug, reset and reconnect – with yourself, with your senses, and with the community around you.
Navia Bathhouse is inspired by centuries-old sauna and hot-cold therapy traditions. (Image: Elise Hassey)
Tucked away just minutes from Byron’s golden beaches, the light-filled bathhouse is already creating buzz among locals and visitors alike. Navia offers two blissful hours of complete access to its beautifully designed facilities, including a black timber sauna, a soothing steam room, a magnesium-rich hot pool, a spine-tingling 0-2°C ice plunge and an 8°C cold plunge.
There’s also a tranquil lounge space stocked with nourishing snacks and refreshing drinks to ease the transition from heat to cold, and back again. Whether you’re embracing the sweat of the sauna or braving the cold plunge for that famous post-therapy high, every moment at Navia is designed to make you feel more alive and grounded.
Spend two hours alternating between the facilities. (Image: Elise Hassey)
Massage treatments are also available to complete your holistic wellness journey. Offering 60- and 90-minute sessions, Navia’s massages range from deep remedial massage to soothing relaxation and nurturing pregnancy treatments. Each massage is carefully crafted to complement the bathhouse experience, ensuring you leave feeling lighter, looser and deeply rejuvenated.
But Navia is more than just another day spa or bathhouse. The team behind it is passionate about creating a true community space – one that invites people from all walks of life to come together, slow down and savour life’s simple pleasures. It’s a philosophy rooted in authenticity, inclusiveness and care, and it shines through in every thoughtful detail, from the welcoming design to the friendly service.
The Navia team are creating a true community space. (Image: Elise Hassey)
Open daily from 7am to 8pm, Navia is set to become Byron Bay’s go-to for those seeking moments of solitude, mindful reconnection or a shared wellness ritual with friends. In a town that’s all about chasing sunsets and good vibes, Navia brings a fresh new way to feel good – deeply, deliberately and completely.
Memberships start at $90 per week for unlimited sessions.
Navia Bathhouse has already started planning a second location in Melbourne’s Prahran, so keep your eyes peeled.
Navia is a bathhouse where slowing down isn’t just encouraged – it’s ritualised. (Image: Elise Hassey)
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.
When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.
Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)
Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.
1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle
Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)
Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.
Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.
Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .
Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.
One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.
Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.
3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks
Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)
What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?
Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.
Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .
You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.
Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.
4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle
Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)
In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.
Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.
Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.
5. Newcastle nightlife
Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)
As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.
