This is set to be summer’s most talked-about wellness experience.
Sydney Harbour has a new way to unwind and it might just be the most scenic sweat session in the country. A sleek, eco-friendly floating sauna has dropped anchor on the harbour, inviting guests to steam, plunge and sun-soak with uninterrupted views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Wellness Afloat, a Scandinavian-style floating sauna and cold-plunge deck, has officially launched, bringing a hit of Nordic wellness energy to Australia’s most iconic waterway.
Soak in the harbour views. (Image: Jack Moran)
The project is as sustainable as it is stylish. Housed on a purpose-built vessel known as the ARK, the sauna sits atop a structure made from over half a million recycled milk bottles. Beneath the surface, a thriving mini-reef habitat supports local marine life, while above deck an ocean-garden adds a layer of greenery that softens the industrial harbour surrounds. Even the interior furnishings lean into the eco-conscious ethos, incorporating recycled materials and low-impact design wherever possible.
Once onboard, the experience slows instantly. Guests move between an 80°C cedar-clad sauna with floor-to-ceiling harbour views, a refreshing cold-plunge swim in the open water and a breezy sun-drenched deck complete with herbal tea and space to stretch out. It’s a simple ritual – heat, cool, rest, repeat – but one that feels surprisingly elevated when Sydney’s skyline is quite literally part of the backdrop.
The experience
The two-hour experience is the perfect summer reset. (Image: Jack Moran)
The project is as sustainable as it is stylish. (Image: Jack Moran)
Wellness Afloat is part sauna, part scenic cruise and part social escape.
Departing from Campbells Cove at The Rocks, the two-hour session starts with a boat pickup and a scenic cruise past the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Luna Park before reaching the ARK in the calm waters of Berry’s Bay.
You’ll warm up in a beautifully built cedar sauna that seats eight, watching the harbour shimmer through expansive windows. When the heat peaks, you can take the plunge – either literally, with a dip in the harbour, or opt for a cold-splash shower if you prefer to keep your toes on deck. Afterwards, the rooftop recovery lounge awaits. Crafted from recycled materials and designed for lingering, it’s a quiet nook for herbal tea, deep breaths and soaking up one of the most photogenic views in Sydney.
Private groups can take things even further, with the option to add massage, yoga or fitness sessions for a customised wellness experience. It’s part sauna, part scenic cruise and part social escape – a fresh alternative for birthdays, team days, summer catch-ups or simply a weekend reset.
Whether you’re after a summer reset, a celebration with a twist or an activity guaranteed to impress visiting friends, Wellness Afloat is shaping up to be one of the season’s hottest tickets.
Private hire for up to 12 people is available from $1500 for two hours.
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.
Make this dazzling stretch of beaches and natural wonders your home base for a grand adventure
Whether you’re setting out solo, bringing a mate, or packing in the whole family, no road trip along Australia’s East Coast is complete without at least a few days spent exploring the Coffs Coast. A stunning stretch of NSW coastline nestled between ancient high-elevation rainforests and magnificent, undiscovered beaches, Coffs offers amazing biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, and heaps of local charm, without the crowds. Pull up in Coffs Harbour, your perfect home base for these unforgettable day-trips.
1. Southern Beaches
The Coffs region boasts 30 of Australia’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches, directly abutting a dramatic tableau of mountains and rainforests. Drive South of Coffs Harbour to find up-and-coming surf destinations where it’s still possible to catch an empty wave. First up is the picturesque Sawtellvillage. Wander the famous fig-tree-lined main street packed with laid-back places to eat and drink. Enjoy panoramic views and seasonal whale sightings at Bonville Headland on the Southern end of the beach.
Nearby Bongil Bongil National Park boasts seven kilometres of empty beach, along with hiking and cycling trails through beachfront rainforests – keep an eye out for koalas living in the trees. Boambee Beach and Boambee Creek Reserve are great for families, with shallow waters perfect for kayaking and SUPing, plus an off-leash dog beach.
Experience small-town charm in Sawtell.
2. Orara Valley Tourist Trail
The Orara Valley Tourist Trail has it all: hinterland bushwalks, birdwatching, horse riding, pristine swimming holes and rolling green pastures dotted with dairy farms and historic villages. And it’s only 15 minutes west of Coffs Harbour.
Sample produce at a roadside stall, stop into Coramba Hotel for a quintessential country pub lunch, or try the Idle in Cafe in Nana Glen for coffee and scones. Then spend the afternoon kayaking the Orara River or mountain biking on Mt Coramba. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the 4WD touring route along the Orara Escarpment in Bindarri National Park, a rugged landscape with dazzling views that winds through untouched eucalypt rainforests and waterfalls.
Explore the green heart of Coffs.
3. Dorrigo National Park
Enjoy a classic day trip from Coffs to forest bathe in some of the oldest subtropical rainforests in the world at Dorrigo National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. These million-year-old ecosystems promise rare bird sightings, towering strangler figs, and epic walking tracks and picnic spots. Try the 6.6 km Wonga Walk to experience dreamy Crystal Shower Falls (where you can walk behind the falls) and the Skywalk Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the valley and coast. Then stop in Dorrigo town for a homey lunch. It’s worth noting that a section of the road between Ulong and Dorrigo – which dates to the 1880s – is unsealed, adding to the area’s end-of-the-earth allure but making travel difficult in adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, head to Dorrigo via the delightful township of Bellingen.
Wander the Skywalk.
4. Northern Beaches
For another tranquil expanse of sun, sand and surf breaks, head north to Woolgoolga (Tourism Australia’s Best Mainland Beach for 2025. Taste the coffee and local-produce breakfast at one of several cafes, then spot whales during their migration season along the Woolgoolga Whale Trail to the headland. Emerald Beach offers clear blue waters and another headland walk, perfect for taking in views of South Solitary Island, a dramatically rocky-cliffed island with a historic lighthouse. Red Rock, some 40km north of Coffs and named for its striking coastal rock formations, boasts a gorgeous estuary reserve that’s perfect for languorous days spent picnicking, swimming, fishing, and connecting with the relaxed local pace.
Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking Woolgoolga Beach.
5. Jetty precinct
You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Jetty precinct – from its foreshores to the marina to Muttonbird Island. Start with fresh fish and chips from local institution Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op, before browsing the popular Harbourside Markets held every Sunday on the foreshores.
Take a scenic walk along the breakwall to Muttonbird Island, a cultural and ecological treasure with panoramic views and rich Gumbaynggirr heritage. The Giidany Miirlarl Education Space shares the island’s ancient stories, or join a guided moonlight tour to see the seasonal return of the muttonbirds.
Back at the Jetty Strip, find a buzzing mix of cafes, bars and restaurants with cuisines from around the world, open from morning until late. Don’t miss The Jetty Pavilion, a favourite for its unique menu blending modern Australian cuisine with vibrant world flavours.
Walk the path where land meets sea and sky.
6. Grafton
Head inland from mid-October to early November to catch Grafton’s jacaranda season, when the town’s streets and parks are covered in purple. Even better, time your trip between 24 October and 2 November to attend the famous Jacaranda Festival, with special food items, performances and more. At any time of year, follow the self-guided Grafton Heritage Trail to discover the town’s historic buildings, landmarks and stories. Or get the blood pumping with a trip along the longest mapped white-water trail in Australia – the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail. Book a tour with Exodus Adventures.
Time your Grafton trip to see the jacarandas in full bloom. (Image: @myclarencevalley)
7. Nambucca
Just south of Coffs Harbour sits Nambucca, the ideal town for a relaxed, coastal day trip. Hire a canoe, kayak or boat to explore over 80 kilometres of waterways stretching from the hinterland to the ocean. For those who prefer to stay on dry land (or double up their adventure for the day), stretch your legs along the V-Wall – a scenic coastal walk along the Nambucca River – dotted with boulders painted by the community, sharing messages, art and local stories. Stop along the way to buy Sydney rock oysters direct from local farmers, or try your own hand at fishing. Before heading back to Coffs, refuel on fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas at Matilda’s in Nambucca.
Explore Nambucca’s waterways. (Image: Seen Australia)
