Wellness meets wilderness: Tasmania’s ultimate sauna trail unveiled

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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.

Savu Saunas in Tasmania with the southern lights (aurora australis) in the background

Savu Saunas offer a luxury experience inside converted shipping containers. (Image: Supplied)

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.

Woman diving from Floating Sauna Lake Derby, Tasmania

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 in Tasmania

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.

 the sauna and hot tub at Leighton House, tasmania

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, mobile sauna in south tasmania

Elsewhere Sauna is a mobile sauna. (Image: Lindy Smith)

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.

Person jumping into water from Kuuma Nature Sauna

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.

Two women dipping feet into hot tub at Sauna Boat Tasmania

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.

Sauna and accommodation at Red Rock Hut in tasmania

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.

Bass Lodge sauna and hot tub on King Island in Tasmania

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.

Swan River Sanctuary in Tasmania

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.

Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
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Aussie airline launches major sale to Tasmania with fares from $46

Tourism Tasmania and Jetstar have launched a huge airfare sale from five major Australian cities

Slurping the world’s freshest oysters on Bruny Island, hiking the iconic Overland Track, admiring the contemporary art at MONA and swimming in the pristine waters of the Bay of Fires it might be Australia’s smallest state, but there’s so much to do all year-round in Tassie, it’s almost overwhelming. 

And now, it’s easier and cheaper to experience The Apple Isle’s bounty as Jetstar has announced a huge sale with flights starting from as little as $46 one way.

Wineglass Bay on a sunny day

Visit stunning beaches like Wineglass Bay Beach. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Discounts on flights from all five major cities have dropped, with one-way prices including: 

– Melbourne to Launceston starting from $46

– Melbourne to Hobart from $54

– Sydney to Launceston from $55

– Adelaide to Hobart from $85

– Brisbane to Launceston from $95

– Gold Coast to Hobart from $105

Oysters and wine on a wine barrel overlooking a mountainous view.

Tasmania is renowned for its fresh oysters. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Tasmania offers an incredible range of things to do throughout the year, from unique cultural attractions and spectacular natural wonders to world-class wineries and gourmet food experiences. During the warmer months, make the most of the longer days by exploring idyllic beaches like Larapuna/Bay of Fires, named Tourism Australia’s Best Beach in 2025.

Adventurers can take on the Three Capes Walk, a breathtaking multi-day hike along the dramatic coastline of the Tasman Peninsula, spotting migrating whales, echidnas, wallabies, seals and birds along the way. Meanwhile, food lovers can savour the region’s flavours at Festivale, Launceston’s vibrant three-day celebration of local produce, wine and entertainment.

Aurora Australis over Tasman Island

Catch the Aurora Australis over Tasman Island. (Image: Luke O’Brien Photography)

During the “off season”, get cosy by a log fire in an alpine national park cabin or step outside to admire the Southern Lights as 2025 and 2026 are predicted to offer some of the best Aurora Australis viewing opportunities. For something special, visit Tassie in late April and May for “the turning of the fagus” where Tasmania’s only native-winter deciduous tree brings spectacular autumnal colours to Tasmania’s highlands.

Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain is perfect for nature lovers. (Image:
Cultivate Productions)

Jetstar’s sale to Tasmania applies to one-way flights only and excludes checked bags. Discounted fares are available on select dates from 16 October 2025 to 1 July 2026, subject to travel conditions. 

Whether it’s a relaxed weekend escape or a thrilling multi-week adventure, now is the perfect time to fly south to this diverse island.