hero media

A floating sauna has just opened in Victoria’s High Country

Rachael ThompsonBy Rachael Thompson
Pause and unwind in this Scandi-style wellness retreat.

Saunas are having a moment. What was once a niche wellness ritual is now a global lifestyle trend, offering delightful hotspots to unwind and enjoy the physical, mental and even social benefits of heat therapy. The latest floating wellness retreat to capture our attention is the peaceful Stillwater Saunas, Beechworth , North-East Victoria’s first floating sauna.

Stillwater Saunas, Beechworth
Stillwater Saunas, Beechworth, is North-East Victoria’s first floating sauna.

Sitting pretty on Lake Sambell in the foothills of Victoria’s High Country, this Scandi-style sauna invites guests to feel the heat and unwind, be present and reconnect with nature. Crafted from high-quality softwoods, the sleek design sensitively blends in with the surrounding native bushland and trees. The sauna fits up to five guests, making it perfect for small groups who can enjoy the signature löyly – a gentle, soothing steam created when water is poured over the heated sauna stones on the wood-fired stove. Enjoy the smell of the wood, warmth and crackle of the fire while admiring lake views from the sauna’s expansive windows. 

Stillwater Saunas, Beechworth
Feel the heat while admiring picturesque lake views.

While the sauna is accessible year-round, winter offers a truly comforting time of year to enjoy it. Guests are encouraged to feel the full benefits by alternating between the cosy warmth of the sauna and the invigorating chill of the waters of Lake Sambell. 

The sauna is a 10-minute walk from Beechworth’s town centre, which is a three-hour drive from Melbourne. Renowned for its well-preserved historic buildings, vineyards and Victorian gold rush history, Beechworth is a charming town offering gourmet food, artisan markets and scenic walks. Other must-visit stops during your stay include Beechworth Bakery, Beechworth Gorge Walk circuit, the Old Beechworth Gaol and the Beechworth Honey Shop. Staying at the asylum-turned-upscale spa hotel The Benev should also be on the cards. 

Stillwater Saunas, Beechworth
The sleek sauna blends in with the landscape.

Whether you’re after a wellness weekend or a memorable lakeside experience, Stillwater Saunas, Beechworth, is one to add to the bucket list. 

Details

Best for: Wellness enthusiasts

Pricing: 1-hour shared pass, $50; 1-hour private pass, $250 (up to 5); Multi 10 pass $400 or Multi 5 Pass $225.

Address: McConville Ave, Lake Sambell, Beechworth VIC

Opening hours: Friday to Monday 8am-6pm; Wednesday and Thursday 6pm-9pm; Closed Tuesdays.

What’s provided?: A towel and water for each guest

Toilets: Public toilets are located

Parking: Parking is located 80 metres away

Accessibility: Access for guests with disabilities is available. Contact Stillwater Saunas for more details. 

Rachael Thompson
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and a self-proclaimed cheese and Chablis connoisseur. In her role, she creates and manages online content that remains relevant and valuable over time. With a background in publishing and e-commerce in both interior design and travel, Rachael is dedicated to curating engaging content that informs and inspires. She began her career at Belle magazine, then went on to become Senior Content Producer at Homes to Love focusing on Australian House & Garden and Belle, followed by Editor at Bed Threads. Her work has also appeared in Qantas Travel Insider. When she's not writing, editing, or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars, and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list are Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and Lord Howe Island.
See all articles
buzzing spot in Beechworth town
Beechworth

Top Towns for 2022: Behold the beguiling town of Beechworth

After growing at breakneck speed during the Victorian goldrush, Beechworth is booming again, finds Jo Stewart. Discover what made Beechworth into your Top 50 Aussie towns list.

Read more
Beechworth VIC
Beechworth

4 Local Secrets to Discover in Beechworth

Long-time locals guide Megan Blandford around Victoria’s beautiful and beguiling Beechworth, the popular town that’s still giving up its secrets.

Read more
Mount Hoham hike with HIGHLANDER
Mt Hotham

This new multi-day alpine hike turns into a festival each night

This isn’t just any walk, it’s an outdoor adventure unlike anything you’ve experienced before.

Read more
Rutherglen Loops in Victoria
High Country

This new trail winds through one of Victoria’s best wine regions

There’s a new way to discover the Rutherglen.

Read more
hero media

The Gold Rush town that’s become Victoria’s best country escape for foodies

    Jocelyn PrideBy Jocelyn Pride
    Continue
    The well-preserved Gold Rush town where an idyllic country vibe meets the best of city living.

    Cafe culture

    ‘Slow down’ is the mantra of Tortoise Espresso , and it’s apt for anyone visiting town. This local coffee hangout was the brainchild of Lloyd Meadows, who at 16 started it as a hole in the wall of an old pub. Five years on, it graces a fine shopfront with a menu of around 60 different coffees. Other one-off centrally located daytime cafes, such as Saffs, Togs, Saint Florian and Lazy Bones, are tucked into historic buildings and serve creative menus featuring local produce. A personal favourite is Origini, where chef Luca Sartori brings a taste of northern Italy to his rustic restaurant. For the best banh mi outside Vietnam head to Super Hero, and the pastries at Johnny Baker are legendary.

    the Saint Florian Cafe, Castlemaine
    Saint Florian is one of many businesses tucked away in a historic building. (Image: Griffin Simm)

    On the town’s fringe you’ll find some treasured cafes: Blackbird. Grist, Doveton Corner Store, and the cosy Aitken’s Corner. The Mill precinct also brings another dimension to Castlemaine. Located directly opposite the beautiful Botanical Gardens, this once-derelict woollen mill is a hive of creativity and collaboration. Retaining an industrial feel, it is home to a myriad of 44 unique businesses, galleries and studios that stretch over the three-hectare site.

    Brilliant brews, bars and food

    diners at The Mill, Castlemaine
    The Mill is home to many local businesses. (Image: Visit Victoria/Michelle Jarni)

    The Mill is also home to one of Castlemaine’s bespoke breweries, Shedshaker Brewing Company and Taproom. Within the sensitively restored walls of the oldest part of the building (circa 1875), small-batch, handcrafted beer features alongside fine wholesome food and live music.

    A more recent newcomer to the brewing scene is Love Shack . Starting small as a laneway pop-up in 2021, visionaries Conna Mallett and Harry Cox were armed with a Melbourne beer culture pedigree, which helped them create a great new ‘pub’ that feels as though it’s been there since the 1850s. Other atmospheric bars and restaurants are dotted around town – Grafting Cellars for local wines by the pour; buzzy Mostyn Street Cellars; Table Records plays vinyl on weekends; and the quirky Maurocco bar is not to be missed.

    food and drinks at Love Shack Public Bar & Bistro, Castlemaine
    The nostalgic Love Shack Public Bar & Bistro serves comfort food. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    For food you’ll write home about, the hatted Bar Midland serves exquisite dishes from Victorian-only produce. The freshly renovated Wild is located in the original firestation, Voor Ouker specialises in Indonesian/Dutch fusion, and the Railway Hotel oozes English pub charm.

    the Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
    Theatre Royal is the longest continually operating theatre on the mainland. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

    Much-loved Teatro Regio, found in the magnificent Theatre Royal , is the go-to for pizzas with a twist. As mainland Australia’s longest continually running theatre, this grand dame is also one of more than a dozen performance spaces that add to a rich and diverse entertainment and festival scene.

    pizza at Theatre Royal
    Dine before a show at Theatre Royal. (Image: Tourism Australia/Visit Victoria)

    Quirky country stays

    Quirky, authentic and perfectly located, the Midland Hotel is a private hotel that dates back to 1879. Each of the nine rooms at the Northern Arts Hotel is different and named in honour of an Australian artist. Castlemaine Boutique Accommodation also has a range of properties to suit all types of travellers.