Follow this trail from the coast to the wilderness, with stops at floating saunas, mobile retreats and cosy stays along the way.
Tasmania’s cool climate is the perfect backdrop for a wellness retreat, especially when saunas and nature collide. Saunas have seen a surge in popularity worldwide, thanks to their numerous health benefits and the growing trend of wellness tourism. With the ability to boost circulation, detoxify the body and relieve stress, saunas have become a go-to for those seeking both physical and mental rejuvenation.
The traditional practice of alternating between intense heat and cold plunges is known to improve muscle recovery, enhance mood and even strengthen the immune system. As more people embrace the therapeutic effects of this ancient ritual, destinations like Tasmania have become prime locations to immerse yourself in sauna culture.
From portable coastal saunas to secluded accommodation with private wood-fired tubs, we’ve mapped out the ultimate sauna trail across the island, showcasing the best spots to sweat it out and cool down while soaking in Tasmania’s breathtaking landscapes. Here’s your guide to where to start and how to relax your way around the island’s most rejuvenating sauna experiences.
1. Savu Saunas, Devonport and Penguin
Begin your sauna journey along Tasmania’s scenic north western coast. With locations at The Bluff in Devonport, Australia’s top town for 2024, and the Dial Park Sports Complex in Penguin, Savu Saunas offer a luxury experience inside converted shipping containers. After a session of sweating it out, take a refreshing plunge into the cold waters for the ultimate detox.
2. Floating Sauna, Lake Derby
Next, head east to the mountain biking haven of Derby. This off-grid, wood-fired sauna floats on Lake Derby, providing stunning lake views while you warm up. Finish the session with a bracing dip in the icy waters; perfect for cooling off after a day in the sauna.
Cool off after a floating sauna session. (Image: Chad Dewson)
3. Wilderness Saunas, Tasman Peninsula
From there, travel south to the serene Tasman Peninsula, where Wilderness Saunas await in Impression Bay. As the largest barrel sauna in Australia, this mobile sauna offers a traditional experience, complete with fire-heated warmth and views of Tasmania’s rugged wilderness.
Wilderness Saunas has the largest barrel sauna in Australia. (Image: Supplied)
4. Leighton House, Launceston
Before continuing your journey further south, stay the night at Leighton House, a luxurious 1840s homestead near Launceston. This beautifully restored property offers not only a relaxing sauna but also a wellness deck, complete with a hot tub and fireplaces, making it the perfect countryside retreat before continuing your adventure.
Enjoy the sauna and hot tub at Leighton House. (Image: Adam Gibson)
5. Elsewhere Sauna, Hobart and Huon Valley
Next, head to Hobart and discover Elsewhere Sauna, a mobile sauna that travels to local water bodies for a unique outdoor wellness experience. On Sundays, you can find it set up at Randalls Bay in the Huon Valley, where you can unwind with complimentary herbal tea and body scrub during your session.
Elsewhere Sauna is a mobile sauna. (Image: Supplied)
6. Kuuma Nature Sauna, North West Bay
For another floating sauna adventure, visit Kuuma in south Tasmania. This pontoon boat features a wood-fired sauna and a dip into the cool waters of North West Bay. Enjoy a communal or private session as you soak in the serenity of the Tasmanian coastline.
Dip into the cool waters of North West Bay. (Image: Nina Hamilton)
7. Sauna Boat Tasmania, Little Oyster Cove
Located just outside Hobart in Little Oyster Cove, this Scandinavian-inspired sauna boat is crafted from Tasmanian timber and offers a unique way to relax while overlooking the serene waters. Unwind in the sauna and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Tasmania’s coastline.
Sauna Boat Tasmania is Scandinavian-inspired. (Image: Natasha Mulhall)
8. Red Rock Hut, King Island
Journey to King Island and retreat to Red Rock Hut, a tiny house on Tasmania’s untouched west coast. This accommodation features a wood-fired sauna and hot tub, with panoramic views of the Southern Ocean. After a day of exploring, relax in the heat while soaking in the beauty of King Island.
Red Rock Hut is a tiny house on Tasmania’s untouched west coast. (Image: Sukma Bowling)
9. Bass Lodge, King Island
Also on King Island, Bass Lodge offers a luxurious escape with private beach access and a secluded sauna experience. The outdoor sauna and timber hot tub make it easy to unwind after a day spent enjoying the island’s rugged coastline and tranquil bushland.
Unwind at Bass Lodge after a day of exploring Tassie’s sights. (Image: Madeleine Roberts-Thomson)
10. Swan River Sanctuary, East Coast
End your sauna journey on Tasmania’s stunning east coast at the Swan River Sanctuary, an off-grid luxury lodge on a regenerative cattle farm. Nestled into the banks of the Swan River, this eco-friendly retreat features a wood-fired sauna and the chance to plunge into the river for a refreshing cool down.
End your sauna trail at Swan River Sanctuary. (Image: Stu Gibson)
With so many unique sauna experiences across Tasmania, you can enjoy the perfect blend of wellness and wilderness. Whether you start on the north coast and finish on the east, or join the trail somewhere along the way, each stop on this sauna trail offers something different to help you relax and recharge in nature.
The post Wellness meets wilderness: Tasmania’s ultimate sauna trail unveiled appeared first on Australian Traveller.
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