This new Finnish-style sauna on the Forestier Peninsula is worth the day trip.
The newly-opened Dunalley Bay Sauna on Tasmania’s Forestier Peninsula is leaning into Australia’s obsession with sweating it out. Located an hour’s drive east of Hobart, it’s inviting wellness enthusiasts and those in need of some quiet time to unwind and feel the benefits of heat therapy against picture-perfect water views that instantly calm.
Built with cedar and a Finnish Harvia heater, the six-person sauna was founded by two sauna-loving locals who wanted to bring the cosy warmth of the Finnish tradition to a peaceful part of Tassie. Sitting in a coastal clearing on the waterfront in Murdunna (a few minutes’ drive past Dunalley village), the barrel design features large panoramic windows that reveal calming bay views.
This waterfront sauna blends comfort and style. (Credit: Ian Tyley Photography)
Visitors can book 60-minute group or private sessions, bouncing between heat and cold coastal air (or a refreshing lake dip). It’s recommended to do three cycles of approximately 15 minutes to experience the full benefits which include aiding muscle recovery and reducing stress.
Reset both body and mind. (Credit: Ian Tyley Photography)
What can I explore nearby?
Dunalley is a small fishing village located an hour’s drive east of Hobart. Beyond the sauna, highlights include the Dunnalley Denison Canal swing bridge and Bangor Vineyard Shed for world-class wine and ridiculously fresh oysters. It’s a lovely stopover on the way to the Tasman Peninsula which is home to the World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site and the spectacular Three Capes Track.
We’ve also mapped out the ultimate sauna trail across Tasmania, which showcases the best spots for a sauna sesh while soaking in the island’s showstopping landscapes.
Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.
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The barrel design boasts large panoramic windows that face the bay, for optimum relaxation as you sweat it out. (Credit: Ian Tyley Photography)
The sauna features Finnish wood-fired heat. (Credit: Ian Tyley Photography)
Hit pause on the everyday hustle. (Credit: Ian Tyley Photography)
What should I bring to Dunalley Bay Sauna?
For optimum comfort, your best bet is to wear a swimsuit, or at the very most, breathable shorts and a t-shirt. As you will be sweating it out, a bottle of water will keep you hydrated.
Towel hire is available for $10, or you can bring your own.
What time of day is best to visit?
Given the sauna’s west-facing position, sunset makes for a lovely relaxation session after a day of exploring.
Details
Price: Public session, $35; Private sauna session, $140; Out of hours session, $240. 10-session sauna pass, $280; 5-session sauna pass $150.
Address: 3530 Arthur Highway, Murdunna, Tasmania, 7178
Facilities: Basic changing and rinse-off area and storage facilities. There are no toilets onsite.
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Rachael Thompson is a freelance travel journalist. With a background in design and travel media, Rachael is dedicated to curating content that is as much informational as it is beautiful. She began her career at Belle magazine, before taking up editorial roles at Homes to Love, Bed Threads and Australian Traveller/International Traveller. 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 is Lord Howe Island.
Overlooking the winding Tamar River, the Tamar Ridge & PIRIE Cellar Door is where two of Tasmania’s most acclaimed wine labels come together. Sip award-winning cool-climate wines and world-class sparkling while soaking up the vineyard views in one spectacular setting.
The fire crackles softly as you settle into a comfortable armchair, a glass of Tamar Ridge Reserve Pinot Noir warming your hands. Outside, rows of vines stretch across the Tamar Valley, their gentle contours framed by rolling hills and ever-changing skies. Or perhaps it’s a sunlit afternoon, and you’re on the terrace with a flute of PIRIE Vintage sparkling in hand, watching the valley shimmer beneath you as each crisp sip captures the freshness of Tasmania. At the Tamar Ridge and PIRIE Cellar Door, the setting in one of Australia’s most celebrated cool-climate wine regions is every bit as special as the wines.
The two brands now share a beautifully refurbished cellar door, giving visitors the opportunity to sample both still and sparkling wines from the Brown Family Wine Group’s luxury portfolio in a single stop. Alongside the shared tasting space, they’ve also introduced a range of premium experiences tailored to each brand.
Tamar Ridge’s story began in 1994, when vines were planted at Kayena in Tasmania’s Upper Tamar Valley. Guided by renowned viticulturist Dr Richard Smart – the “Flying Vine Doctor” – the vineyard quickly gained a reputation for quality, with a new winery established in 1998 and the Tamar Ridge label born.
Sit outside to soak in the sun as you enjoy Tamar Valley views. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)
Today, New Zealand-born head winemaker Tom Wallace leads the cellar, brings his passion for cool-climate winemaking to help shape Tamar Ridge’s reputation for elegant, expressive wines.
Founded by Dr Andrew Pirie in 1995, PIRIE helped prove the island’s potential for world-class cool-climate sparkling.
Crafted in the traditional method from hand-picked Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown in the Valley, PIRIE Tasmania sparkling wines are celebrated for their fine beads, depth and elegance. With a collection of trophies, gold medals and top honours behind them, these rare vintages showcase the very best of the state’s sparkling wine.
Brown Brothers – now known as the Brown Family Wine Group – acquired Tamar Ridge, PIRIE and Devil’s Corner on the island’s east coast in 2010, extending the legacy of a family wine company founded in 1889 at Milawa in Victoria’s King Valley. The company has continued its pursuit of exceptional cool-climate vineyards, recognising Tasmania’s unique potential in a changing climate.
Location
Get cosy by the roaring fireplace. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)
Tamar Ridge & PIRIE Cellar Door is set on the west bank of the Tamar River, just 20 minutes north of Launceston and around two and a half hours’ drive from Hobart near the riverside village of Rosevears in northern Tasmania. Stretching more than 60 kilometres along the river, from the mouth near Launceston north towards Bass Strait, the Valley is a vast patchwork of vineyards, orchards, farmland and historic townships.
Style & decor
Come for a regular tasting, or book an experience. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)
Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase panoramic views, while outdoor decks make the most of the surrounding scenery. Inside, the refined contemporary interiors strike a balance between modern luxury and the natural surrounds, with a double-sided fireplace to linger by. A Tamar River view creates a warm focal point. Natural wood accents add a sense of place, including a handcrafted 12-seat Tasmanian oak table that anchors the space with understated elegance.
Wine experiences
The cellar door’s curated wine experiences pair award-winning wines with local produce and the stories behind them. For those who prefer a leisurely visit without a set itinerary, the cellar door also offers cheese platters and small plates, best enjoyed with a glass in hand while taking in those Tamar River views.
Come for a taste, stay for an experience.
PIRIE & Oyster Experience
Taste the best of PIRIE matched with oysters. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)
A true taste of Tasmania comes to life in the PIRIE & Oyster Experience, created in partnership with Tasmanian Oyster Co. Exploring the connection between merroir and terroir – the influence of the sea and soil on flavour – this guided tasting pairs three premium oysters from different Tasmanian growing regions with three expressions of PIRIE sparkling wine: the NV, 2021 Vintage and Blanc de Blanc.
As each oyster and wine pairing is revealed, guests discover how Tasmania’s unique landscapes shape flavour, from the mineral freshness of the ocean to the elegance and precision of cool-climate sparkling wine.
Pinot Noir Blending Experience
Try your own hand at mixing. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)
For those who want to step behind the winemaker’s bench, the Pinot Noir Blending Experience offers a hands-on journey into the art of creating great wine.
Guests taste through three to four individual Pinot Noir clones from the previous vintage, each revealing its own personality through aroma, structure and character. Guided by the cellar door team, visitors explore how these individual components come together to create balance and complexity – before attempting their own blend.
Will you recreate the house style, or create something entirely original? This immersive experience offers a fascinating insight into the craft, creativity and precision that goes into every bottle.
Supreme Indulgence
Settle in for true indulgene. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)
The most elevated experience at the cellar door, the Supreme Indulgence (PIRIE Sparkling with Caviar tasting) is a celebration of luxury, refinement and Tasmania’s exceptional produce.
Priced at $99 per person, the tasting pairs PIRIE Tasmania’s most distinguished sparkling wines with carefully selected sturgeon caviar, chosen to enhance the elegance, texture and finesse of each cuvée. Hosted by an expert member of the team, the experience unfolds as a thoughtful exploration of fine bubbles, delicate flavours and the craftsmanship behind every bottle.
