Sydney‘s sauna pop-up is the ultimate winter solstice celebration

Taylah DarnellBy Taylah Darnell
hero media
Make the shortest day of the year the most memorable.

The rather abrupt arrival of winter in Sydney this year, brought on by a polar air mass from the south, has forced us to embrace the cold – whether we like it or not. But rather than hiding indoors, Q Station in Manly is luring Sydneysiders outside with a special pop-up sauna experience to celebrate the upcoming winter solstice.

Q Station in Manly
Q Station in Manly is embracing the winter solstice. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is the winter solstice?

The winter solstice signifies the shortest day of the year. In Australia, it occurs when the southern hemisphere is tilted furthest from the sun on the Earth’s axis, resulting in the least amount of daylight hours. This year, the winter solstice falls on 21 June.

For lovers of winter, it’s the perfect excuse to revel in the season’s magic; crisp air, cosy activities and cool nights. Prefer summer? The day also marks the start of Earth’s slow rotation back towards the light (and warmth). So no matter what weather you favour, there’s cause for celebration.

How is Q Station celebrating?

Q Station in Manly is inviting you to make the most of the shortest day of the year with its Winter Solstice celebrations . It’s all relaxation and rejuvenation, with everything from yoga sessions and ice baths to dinner buffets and glögg (Nordic mulled wine) to soothe those winter blues.

But the day’s main drawcard is a luxurious pop-up sauna, courtesy of Cedar & Salt . Perched on the wharf, it’s the perfect place for a bit of R&R. Watch ferries pass by on Sydney Harbour as you cleanse your body, mind and soul in the Finnish steam room on wheels.

Q Station in Manly
The wharf at Q Station is perfect for ferry watching.

The rise of wellness travel has seen self-care-based experiences pop up across the country, from Tasmania’s swoon-worthy sauna trail to hotels dedicated to healing. But for some, finding the time (and money) to book them is a different story. Q Station’s pop-up sauna is a happy medium – an indulgent wellness experience just a stone’s throw from Sydney’s CBD, with prices starting at just $45 per person.

But that’s not all. After sweating it out in the sauna, nourish your body with lunch at onsite restaurant, Boilerhouse . Or join a yoga class backed by a live DJ set. Maybe you’d rather a soothing sound healing session? Or brave an ice bath before warming up with a Scandinavian buffet. Q Station is squeezing it all into just one day – the shortest of the year, at that!

Cedar & Salt sauna in Sydney
Treat yourself to a harbourside sauna experience this winter.

While many time slots on 21 June have already been booked, there are still a handful available at midday, 1 pm and 3 pm. If you miss out, fear not. Q Station will be running sauna sessions until the end of August. To maximise accessibility, sauna experiences are communal, but group reservations can be booked.

What else is on this winter?

Don’t confine your seasonal celebrations to a single day – Q Station certainly isn’t! The party continues at Rise Manly , the Sydney venue’s very own winter festival. Unfolding across 10 days from 20–29 June, guests can enjoy history tours, dining experiences, guided nature walks and, of course, sauna sessions. Not in Sydney? No stress! There are plenty of exciting winter festivals happening all over the country, so nobody has to miss out.

Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
See all articles
Couple enjoying a swim at Marrinawi Cove in Barangaroo, Sydney swimming spots reopening for summer
Sydney

The pop-up Sydney swimming spots set to reopen in time for summer

This weekend will be full of new simming spots, from Penrith to Barangaroo.

Read more
A historic Sydney swim site just reopened in time for summer
Sydney

A historic Sydney swim site just reopened in time for summer

Forget the beachside crowds and make a splash along the river instead.

Read more
Adina Town Hall one bedroom living room
Sydney

The Sydney CBD stay that feels more like your dream apartment

A night in the city that feels less like a hotel stay and more like slipping into your own Sydney sanctuary. 

Read more
Pool at The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Collection
Sydney

The Brighton Hotel brings resort-style luxury to Sydney’s south

Sydney’s south finally has its own slice of luxury. 

Read more

8 insider experiences to discover the offbeat in Newcastle

    Carla GrossettiBy Carla Grossetti
    hero media
    Continue
    Discover vibrant culture and creativity, gorgeous nature spots and more in lively Newcastle.

    Newcastle/Muloobinba has a lot going for it beyond its big skies and beautiful beaches. The city’s creative types are now heading downtown, taking over and transforming warehouses and terraces to offer a more alternative vibe. From its nightlife to secret swimming spots, art to architecture, here’s our insider’s guide to Newcastle in New South Wales.

    1. Learn to sail on Newcastle Harbour

    The harbour has always shaped Newcastle, so it seems like the most obvious place to start your weekend. Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club offers a range of programs that provide instruction for both novice and experienced sailors. This is an inspired classroom that sets off past the Honeysuckle Foreshore up the Hunter River, with views towards a seemingly infinite vista of blue stretching to the horizon. It’s the perfect way to savour your time by the sea. Other water activities include surfing, swimming in one of the secret ocean baths or whale-watching with CoastXP .

    Aerial view of Newcastle Harbour.
    Join Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club’s programs. (Image: City of Newcastle)

    2. Underground jazz scene

    Follow the lively sound of the saxophone bubbling up to find The Underground . The popular basement-level bar, with its dim lighting and speakeasy aesthetic, schedules live jazz performances every Tuesday and Thursday. Newcastle is known around the country for supporting live music and this late-night New York-style jazz bar is, like the city itself, both approachable and sophisticated. For fans of live music, Queen’s Wharf Hotel , King Street Newcastle , Mad Poet and The Lucky Hotel are all popular pubs for their roster of live music.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Newcastle Live (@newcastlelive)

    3. The city as a canvas   

    The streets of Newcastle present like an outdoor art gallery , adding beauty to the everyday with large-scale works by artists such as Fintan Magee, Inari Meyers, Tom Henderson and Sophia Flegg. Hire a Flash E-bike and pedal around the streets to find treasures such as Bronte Naylor’s Mirror Ocean in Civic Square or Sky & Ocean at South Newcastle Beach Skate Park. You can also join Newy Tour Co.’s Discover Newcastle tour to explore city highlights, architectural gems and street art with an expert guide.

    Friends take in Newcastle Street Art.
    Admire stunning works of art displayed all around you. (Image: Destination NSW)

    4. An artist’s view of Newcastle

    There’s a real sense of optimism around Newcastle, stemming from its many grassroots art galleries and organisations. The city is home to an eclectic array of artists who gravitate toward different mediums; see their works on show at independent galleries such as The Lock-Up , which operated as a police station from 1861 until 1982, and Lighthouse Arts Newcastle in the light-filled cottages on Nobbys Head/Whibayganba. Stop by The Creator Incubator to see the Little and Big gallery spaces. Newcastle Art Gallery will soon reopen after a recent expansion, so keep an eye out.

    5. Newcastle after dark

    The small bars confetti’d around Newcastle are a sign of the times. Visitors to the compact city will find a concentration of bars within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail. The after-dark experience, which includes theatre and live music, is designed for visitors who are in search of the offbeat and want to celebrate the city’s creativity.  Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, the bars that dot most neighbourhoods will tempt you with everything from happy hour to their alt attitude. 

    A bartender expertly crafting a drink, with a stunning library of spirits in the background.
    Enjoy a night out at a lively bar. (Image: City of Newcastle)

    6. Indulge in great gastronomy

    Newcastle’s proximity to the Hunter Valley has helped establish it as a sophisticated getaway for gourmands with a passion for provenance. Dining options in the city are diverse, with everything from casual cafes to cantina-style Mexican eateries such as Antojitos , through to fine diners such as Flotilla and Jana Restaurant & Bar at QT Newcastle . Visit during Newcastle Food Month  to get a snapshot of the local culinary scene – you can take note of the many world-class restaurants and cafes that warrant a return visit. Humbug , Peregrin and Bistro Penny should also be on your radar.

    The dining area at Flotilla in Newcastle NSW.
    Savour a world-class dining experience at Flotilla. (Image: Flotilla)

    7. Crystalbrook Kingsley

    Crystalbrook Kingsley is another great example of Newcastle’s new wow factor.  Staying at the hotel – in the heart of the cultural centre – makes exploring a breeze, with vintage bikes for guests who want to check out the city streets on two wheels. The design-savvy Crystalbrook Collection reimagined the Roundhouse building while adhering to its ethos of sustainable luxury. The hotel is also a magnet for foodies, with the rooftop Roundhouse restaurant and cocktail bar, Romberg’s, two of the best spots in the city for wining and dining.

    The Roundhouse by Crystalbrook Collection.
    Step into the reworked Roundhouse by Crystalbrook. (Image: Crystalbrook Kingsley)

    8. Newcastle’s creative side on show

    Save the date for New Annual , a festival of art, music and ideas from 26 September – 5 October. The program is jam-packed with 10 days of art, culture and creativity. This year’s festival will celebrate the power art has to connect people. Expect to see a diverse program including music, theatre, workshops, and performances in iconic Newcastle locations. Visitors will find a concentration of events within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail.

    Dancers performing gracefully, accompanied by a live orchestra.
    Celebrate migration, community and belonging at New Annual.

    Plan your next trip to offbeat Newcastle.