Melbourne’s floating sauna combines relaxation and city views

City views, a sparkling harbour and the serenity of a floating sauna? Sign us up.

Picture this: just you (add a small handful of your favourite people to this fantasy, if you wish) and the city skyline, the buzz and worries of city life melting away as you sit on your boat. And it’s not just any boat, it’s a custom-built floating sauna experience offering hot and cold therapy right on the deck. It’s Sauna Boat Melbourne.

Saunas have become the hottest trend in wellness. And while we may not have three million of them like Finland, the obsession is growing in Australia, with stunning sauna experiences popping up all over the country. From hinterland havens to urban sanctuaries, the growing number reflects the interest in the benefits of hot and cold therapy.

two women in timber sauna on sauna boat melbourne — Australia’s first-ever floating sauna experience is now in Melbourne. (Image: Jackson Loria)

Sauna Boat Tasmania grabbed our attention for being Australia’s first-ever floating sauna experience. The custom-built timber and brass-clad sauna cabin is moored on a pontoon at Oyster Cove Marina and offers floor-to-ceiling windows revealing views across Little Oyster Bay and Bruny Island. Wellness enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that the experience is expanding, with a second outpost set to open in Melbourne.

Recently launched in Docklands, Sauna Boat Melbourne offers hot and cold therapy from its custom-built boat that boasts uninterrupted water and skyline views. Visitors can alternate between basking in the warmth of the timber-lined sauna and plunging into the ice baths on the deck, a practice which may promote relaxation, improve circulation and reduce inflammation.

Sauna enthusiast and founder Daniel Bush designed and hand-crafted both boats, intending to create spaces where people can pause, breathe deeply and leave feeling rejuvenated.

man in cold plunge bathg on sauna boat melbourne — Wellness enthusiasts can expect to feel the benefits of cold and cold therapy. (Image: Jackson Loria)

“In the rush of everyday life, we often forget to slow down. Sauna Boat Melbourne invites you to do just that – sweat, plunge, breathe. It’s wellness made simple, on the water, in the heart of it all," explains Bush.

Onboard, guests will find a timber sauna room, cold plunge baths, a cold freshwater shower and outdoor seating. There are also changing facilities aboard the boat, but you’ll need to pop into the toilet before boarding.

And, it’s all eco-friendly. The fully-electric sauna maintains an optimal temperature of around 80°C.

Operating year-round, guests can pick the Melbourne season that most suits their vibe. Is it misty Melbourne mornings? Sunlit summer afternoons? Or maybe golden-hour plunges?

Sessions are available for private groups or small shared bookings, so come solo, as a couple, or with friends.

The Docklands location means this sauna is the perfect micro-retreat for busy Melburnians and visitors alike, whether you’re seeking a solo wellness escape or a shared experience with friends.

woman under cold shower on sauna boat melbourne — Enjoy city and harbour views with your wellness. (Image: Jackson Loria)

The details

Where: Victoria Harbour, Docklands
Availability: initially open for bookings on weekends between 7am and 7pm, with additional days to be added
Website: saunaboatmelbourne.com.au

Discover the wellness retreat hidden in an ancient rainforest

Originally written by Rachael Thompson. Updated by Kassia Byrnes.

From cycling and comedy to boating and begonia appreciation, there’s an event in regional Victoria that’s sure to have you circling dates on your calendar.

1. Festival of Sails

the Melbourne to Geelong passage race, Festival of Sails 2025 — The Melbourne to Geelong passage race will be held for its 183rd year. (Image: Salty Dingo)

When: 24–26 January
Where: Melbourne and Geelong

This five-day regatta of sailing and onshore entertainment at Geelong’s waterfront includes Australia’s oldest sporting event, the Melbourne to Geelong passage race which, in 2026, will be held for its 183rd year. But you don’t have to be a yachtie, sailor or boat-enthusiast to enjoy the nautical excitement; there’s also a three-day line-up of entertainment, food and live music, including the anchoring of tall ships – ever a firm family favourite.

2. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race

cyclists during the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race — Catch the best cyclists as they wind through Victoria’s coastal towns. (Image: Visit Victoria)

When: 31 January – 1 February
Where: The Bellarine Peninsula

Meandering (at pace) along the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast is this annual cycling event that welcomes everyone from families to serious athletes. Since its beginnings in 2015, the race has become a huge hit with spectators flocking along to cheer on Lycra-clad competitors. Starting and finishing in Geelong’s Velo Village, this is the hub of the non-race activity with food and drink, roaming performers, lawn games and face painting.

3. Riverboats Music Festival

the performers at Riverboats Music Festival, Murray River — The annual music festival is staged under majestic red gums by the Murray River.

When: 13–15 February
Where: Echuca–Moama

Get along to bop and sway under the canopy of red gums at this annual music festival . Hosted by the twin towns of Echuca–Moama, the stage is set for Murray River-adjacent revelling as historic paddlesteamers peacefully chug alongside the event. As well as music, there’s dancing, food trucks and plenty of atmosphere to absorb.

4. Neerim ArtsFest

the Neerim ArtsFest south sculptures — Admire stunning works at Neerim ArtsFest. (Image: Nicky Cawood)

When: 28 February – 15 March
Where: Gippsland

This biennial Gippsland festival celebrates sculptural artists with an esteemed award in two categories, large outdoor and small indoor. The public is invited to enjoy the works over the exhibition period as they’re placed throughout Neerim South and surrounding venues. For 2026, the theme ‘The Spirit Soars’ leads artists to create stunning pieces that explore the expression of freedom in a thrilling visual capacity.

5. ChillOut Festival

a street parade during the LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival — Think colourful street parades and burlesque performances.

When: 5–9 March
Where: Daylesford

Pride in the country has been cheered on every March in Daylesford since 1997 with the riotous annual LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival . This colourful regional spectacle is an inclusive celebration of diversity that plays out across a vibrant parade, burlesque performances, a bush dance and a carnival. Get bedazzled, find a wig and stick on the false eyelashes for this fun party.

6. Port Fairy Folk Festival

Missy Higgins at the Port Fairy Folk Festival — Celebrate folk music at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. (Image: Lucinda Goodwin)

When: 6–9 March
Where: Port Fairy

In 2026, this beloved festival will be one year shy of its 50th anniversary. From folk fans to festival-lovers, this long-running event brings plenty of good vibes to guarantee an incredible experience. While music is at the heart of the festival, there’s also a range of workshops, exhibitions and family entertainment across dance, film and folk art. For its 49th year, the line-up so far includes Blair Dunlop, Elephant Sessions, and the musical duo Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham.

7. The Ballarat Begonia Festival

a woman admiring flowers at The Ballarat Begonia Festival — Gasp at delicate blooms at The Ballarat Begonia Festival.

When: 7–9 March
Where: Ballarat

In bloom since 1953, this horticultural event places a collection of rare begonias at the centre of festivities, honouring the flower’s presence in Ballarat since the 1800s. During its history, the event has been visited by Queen Elizabeth II and, in 2015, it featured the launch of the largest outdoor Lego flower. Apart from a display of around 500 species of the flower of the moment, there’s also a begonia parade, entertainment, live music, food and presentations.

8. The Bendigo Easter Festival

Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance at The Bendigo Easter Festival — The majestic Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance is an annual tradition at The Bendigo Easter Festival.

When: 3–6 April
Where: Bendigo

Held in the city’s Rosalind Park, the annual Easter Festival has been a highlight of Bendigo’s calendar of events since 1871. A carnival of colourful activity, the festival welcomes everyone and rolls out the good times with everything from a Good Friday Easter egg hunt to live music and performances, a Rotary market and Gala Parade. Don’t miss the world’s longest imperial dragon rhythmically roaming the historic streets as part of the Easter Sunday festivities.

9. Grape Escape

a glass of wine at the Grampians Grape Escape — Enjoy a wine tasting experience. (Image: Anthony Evans Photography)

When: 1–3 May
Where: The Grampians

Backdropped by gorgeous Grampians/Gariwerd National Park, this much-loved bacchanalian-inspired festival of food, wine and music is a high-priority for gourmands. Held at Halls Gap Reserve, a Tasting Ticket includes a tumbler that unlocks free wine, beer and cider tastings and, if you are partaking, there’s a shuttle bus to get you back to your digs afterwards. Be sure to book your accommodation early for this one – its popularity is undisputed.

10. Comedy in the Vines

Comedy in the Vines at Cherryhill Orchards — Get the good times rolling at Cherryhill Orchards. (Image: Saige Prime)

When: 24–26 October
Where: Yarra Valley

The premise of Yarra Valley’s Comedy in the Vines , held at Cherryhill Orchards, is that wine and laughs pair well. Few arguments can be made, so get along this month (or next year), to have a giggle and a gamay. This year, taking the stage is the likes of Merrick Watts, Tommy Little, Ray O’Leary and Takashi Wakasugi. There are also masterclasses, a riesling and oyster shot bar, and plenty of food and music between gigs.