Wellness meets wilderness: Tasmania’s ultimate sauna trail unveiled

Emily Murphy Emily Murphy
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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)

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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)

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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
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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Why you should visit these iconic Tassie destinations

    Lee Mylne Lee Mylne
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    Tasmania’s crisp clear air, misty mountains, lakes and ancient forests beckon as winter approaches.

    Travelling in the off season has many benefits, none more so in Tasmania, where it’s uncrowded and uncomplicated. Ease into winter with a getaway that spells relaxing with a glass of wine or local whisky, bathing under the stars, or gazing at reflections in pristine waters. Add fireside dining, wilderness walks, after-dark gallery visits and plenty of history and you’ve got a curated winter escape designed to make travelling in the quieter months of the year even more rewarding. NRMA Parks and Resorts’ Off Season Signature Packages across Tasmania (plus 10 per cent off for members) make all these things possible.

    Cosy up at Cradle Mountain

    two women walking aorund Cradle Mountain Hotel NRMA Parks and Resorts
    Immerse into the wilderness at Cradle Mountain Hotel.

    For an alpine wilderness experience like no other, chose Cradle Mountain Hotel for a winter getaway. You may even wake up to gently falling snow. Explore nearby Dove Lake, gaze at Cradle Mountain is and listen to the gush of waterfalls.

    As Cradle Mountain works its charm, slow down to enjoy the crisp alpine air away from the hustle of the city. There are no crowds here, just serenity and the chance to recalibrate.

    Cradle Mountain’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, a bottle of wine (Retreat rom bookings only) and off-season dessert with dinner. Then sip on mulled wine as you wander through the Wilderness Gallery admiring the work of Tasmanian artists.

    Finding the flavours of Freycinet

    aerial of Freycinet Lodge NRMA Parks and Resorts
    Stay at the only accommodation within beautiful Freycinet National Park.

    As the only accommodation within Freycinet National Park, among the many reasons for staying at Freycinet Lodge is its easy access to stunning Wineglass Bay, Mt Amos and Honeymoon Bay.

    By day it’s the place for communing with nature, taking hikes in some of Tasmania’s most beautiful locations. By night, savour the regional seasonal flavours of the east coast, sip mulled wine to keep out the chill and gaze up at the star-studded skies. This is slow coastal indulgence at its best.

    Freycinet Lodge’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, a hosted Flavours of the East Coast food and wine tasting experience and mulled wine under the stars, or beside the fire, after dinner.

    Escape to lakeside Pumphouse Point

    interior of pumphouse point NRMA Parks and Resorts
    Stay cosy while looking out onto Lake St Clair.

    Set on the edge of beautiful Lake St Clair in native bushland in the heart of Tasmania’s Central Highlands, Pumphouse Point has launched a new era for its boutique accommodation with the opening of two new luxury retreat rooms last October.

    Each of the trio of rooms are thoughtfully designed, with an indoor fireplace and deep-soak bathtub, both perfect for a winter escape. This retreat offers dining and an expanded collection of hosted experiences, including a guided tour to learn more about this historic place, chocolate tastings and whisky tasting from local artisans – with more to come later in the season.

    Borrow an e-bike and explore on your own, throw a line in, head off for a hike in the ancient forests that surround the lake, book a relaxing massage, or just settle in for an evening by the fire as the lake works its own magic.

    Pumphouse Point’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast, larder lunch and dinner, a bottle of wine with dinner each night, and a chocolate or whisky tasting experience, as well as two $50 massage vouchers.

    Slow down in Strahan Village

    aerial of boat going through strahan tasmania
    Explore UNESCO world heritage wilderness.

    As the gateway to UNESCO world heritage wilderness, picturesque Strahan Village is the ideal base for exploring Tassie’s west coast. With a wide range of accommodation choices, from cosy waterfront colonial-style cottages to hotel rooms with sweeping views over Macquarie Harbour, it’s the perfect place for slow travel.

    Join Gordon River Cruises to explore ancient wilderness and magical reflections on the Gordon River, wander through the village at your own pace or hire a bike to discover local secrets and attractions, including the iconic West Coast Wilderness Railway. Thrill-seekers can hire taboggans to hit the towering Henty Dunes.

    Strahan’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, a Gordon River cruise for two and mulled wine at Hamer’s Bistro.

    Delve into history in Port Arthur

    interior of glamping tent at Port Arthur Holiday Park NRMA Parks and Resorts
    Glamp under the stars at Port Arthur Holiday Park.

    Spend your evenings glamping under the stars and your days stepping back in time as you explore the captivating stories of the World Heritage listed Port Arthur Historic Site. Port Arthur Holiday Park is the perfect base for exploring the Tasman Peninsula and uncovering the stories of Australia’s colonial and convict past.

    Surrounded by nature and history, this off-season escape has the all the makings of an unforgettable getaway. All glamping tents are heated to keep you warm during the off-season months when the nights get a little cooler, and have private bathrooms. Stargazing tents have the added luxury of an outdoor bath on the verandah.

    The Port Arthur Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, a Port Arthur Historic Site tour for two and 10 per cent discount for dining at local restaurant On The Bay during your stay.

    Start planning an unforgetable trip to Tasmania with NRMA Resorts at nrmaparksandresorts.com.au.