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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.
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This hidden region in Victoria is home to a peaceful lake trail

    Craig TansleyBy Craig Tansley
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    Video credit: Tourism Australia

    From pink salt landscapes to oases fringed by forests of red gums, the lakes of this rural region are astounding. 

    You’re going to find peace and quiet when you take a road trip through the lakes of the Wimmera Mallee region. Whether it’s mirror-like pink salt lakes that look like an inland sea, or lakes fringed by forests of red gums that showcase Victoria’s arid beauty, there’s a lake for you out here somewhere.  

    1. Lake Tyrrell  

    Lake Tyrrell
    The colours of Lake Tyrrell blend into the sky. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Located in the dead heart of the Mallee, Victoria’s largest salt lake, Lake Tyrrell , is a landscape photographer’s dream – especially at sunrise and sunset when the pink salt flats look like a gigantic mirror. It’s easy to camp or park a caravan nearby, too, though the tiny town of Sea Lake is just south (with accommodation). In winter, shallow water covers the salt, creating surreal reflections of the sky.  

    2. Nhill Lake  

    There’s a permanent water source here, so there’s always plenty of water for water skiing, swimming and fishing (the trout and redfin fishing here is legendary). Located beside the pretty heritage town of Nhill with its main street of historic buildings, there’s options for eating and drinking right next door. There’s also a barbecue area with plenty of shady picnic spots and a boardwalk for walking around the lake.  

    3. Lake Bringalbert  

    Lake Bringalert
    Lake Bringalert is a great spot for aquatic adventures.

    Located south-west of the pretty Mallee town of Kaniva, Lake Bringalbert epitomises the best of ‘outback’ Victoria. It’s ringed by red gums and red mallee and feels completely hidden from the world – you’ll barely ever see another person. There’s basic camping on its foreshore and Kaniva offers more accommodation options. It’s the perfect lake for swimming, kayaking and skiing, and the stars at night come without even a hint of city glow.  

    4. Lake Hindmarsh 

    If you’re a bird fan, you’ll love Lake Hindmarsh . Located north of Dimboola, Victoria’s largest natural freshwater lake is like an inland sea full of pelicans, swans and numerous species of ducks – but it also teems with everything from spoonbills to parrots. Sunsets here will blow your mind – the lake is a mirror for the pinks and golds you’ll see on the horizon. There’s free camping spots along the foreshore if you’d like to really contemplate the magic of the lake.  

    5. Pink Lake 

    pink lake
    The Pink Lake is most vivid after rain. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Also known as Loch Lel , the summer months offer up some seriously vivid pink water colour at this lake north of Dimboola. The pink varies throughout the year, but is best after rain (hence why summer is the time to visit).

    pink lake
    Pink Lake, also known as Loch Lel, is located near Dimboola in the Grampians. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    There’s plenty of birds, including wedge-tailed eagles, but you’re as likely to spot big lace monitors, kangaroos and echidnas. Nearby, check out the uber-cute heritage town of Dimboola and its eclectic shops, and Little Desert National Park, full of walking trails through mallee heathland. 

    6. Lake Lascelles 

    Lake Lascelles
    You can camp at Lake Lascelles.

    On a hot summer’s day, there’s nowhere better for a cooling dip, kayak or boat ride. You can camp by the lake , or at powered caravan sites – or the pretty town of Hopetoun offers numerous accommodation options a short walk away. At night you’ll see the lights of Hopetoun reflect off the lake. Fish for yellow belly, redfin or catfish, or try water-skiing. There’s also a great walking trail around the lake, where there’s more birds than you can count.