The secluded, private Arden Bathhouse has just opened in the Tasmanian bush and is destined to be your next wellness escape.
There’s no doubt that saunas and bathhouses are hot at the moment and the Tassie climate is the perfect backdrop for a wellness ritual where you warm up, cool down and rest on repeat.
But on my way to the new Arden Bathhouse in Tasmania, on the outskirts of the historic village of Richmond (a 35-minute drive from Hobart), I have to admit, I’m a little worried. As much as I love a good soak, I’m concerned that a four-hour booking is overkill – after all, there’s only one sauna, one hot tub and a cold plunge. Am I going to be bored? Will there be enough to do? And will I actually be brave enough to lurch into the icy water given the outside temperature is in single digits?
Tucked into the Tasmanian bush, this private bathhouse is made for slowing down. Warm up in the sauna, brave the cold plunge, sink into the hot tub and let the surrounding bushland do the rest. With four hours of exclusive access, Arden Bathhouse is the kind of wellness escape that makes time disappear.
First impressions
The secluded retreat is tucked away in the Tasmanian bush just outside of Hobart. (Credit: Adele Sherrin Photography)
Set amongst towering native blue gums and sandstone, Arden Bathhouse offers sweeping views of the Coal River Valley ridgeline. As we walk towards the bathhouse, a Bennett’s wallaby pogoes through the bush, while an eagle glides on a thermal current overhead. If I was looking for confirmation that I was about to be immersed in nature: this is it.
Designed for couples, friends or small groups (of up to six), you get exclusive use of the bathhouse for four hours. Usually, guests will light the fire for the sauna when they arrive, but on this day, Tristan Burns – the aptly named owner – and his wife Alice have the sauna already steaming for us.
The inspiration
Take the window seat to admire the view. (Credit: Renee Thurston)
After building The Croft (a gorgeous two-bedroom hideaway that has a wood-fired hot tub) on their 140-acre property, Tristan and Alice were ready for their next challenge – creating a private bathhouse just 300 metres down the road.
Having worked on superyachts in the Mediterranean, Tristan designed the layout to mimic a passerelle (the footbridges used to walk between docks and the sides of boats). The result is a beautifully crafted, angular timber cabin with a deck overlooking the bush, a living space with window seat and change room, that leads outside to a wood-fired sauna, cold plunge, hot tub and outdoor shower. Tristan makes the plunge pools himself as a side hustle. “It helps pay for school fees," he laughs.
The cabin
Retreat to the cabin between sessions. (Credit: Renee Thurston)
Inside the living space, the fire is lit and I can instantly see how I could while away hours sitting on the cosy couch reading a book and watching the weather roll through (or giggling watching friends shriek, braving the cold water). There’s a small kitchenette with tea and coffee as well as a selection of alcoholic beverages available to purchase. I help myself to a complimentary cold-pressed juice (watermelon, apple, lemon, raspberry and mint). I feel ready to tackle the elements, but first I need to warm up.
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The sauna
The sauna blends into the surrounding bushland. (Credit: Adele Sherrin Photography)
Add water to the coals to increase the heat. (Credit: Renee Thurston)
Cool off in the outdoor shower afterwards. (Credit: Renee Thurston)
It’s a cold morning but opening the door to the sauna is like walking into a warm hug. I flip the sand timer, gaze out at the bushland and vow to stay in for 15 minutes. The temperature inside hovers around 70 degrees, and one of my companions flings water onto the stones, sending sizzles of steam into the air. I last about 10 minutes before heading for a cold plunge.
The cold plunge
Brave the cold. (Credit: Renee Thurston)
The water is about 10 degrees, but it feels much, much colder. Every part of me wants to recoil as I step onto the first rung of the submerged ladder. My companions urge me to live up to the tub’s name and take the plunge, but I prefer to ease myself in, which I do. Very, very slowly. I go up to my shoulders, surrounded by the glacial water but my breathing becomes increasingly shallow, as if I’m being squeezed by a boa constrictor. I make a quick beeline for warmer climes.
The hot tub
The hot tub is perched on a platform that extends into the bush. (Credit: Adele Sherrin Photography)
I launch myself into the hot tub and my body stings as if being pricked with tiny needles. My skin is flushed red from the sauna, the cold and then the heat, but I stay in the hot tub for a long time, watching the birds flit between trees and drinking in the tranquillity of this bush setting.
So much time passes that one of my companions reminds me that our four hours is nearly up. I can’t believe how quickly and easily the time has gone. We can stay for just one more sauna and cold pool. And this time, maybe I will take the plunge after all.
Details
Feel invigorated after the 4-hour session. (Credit: Renee Thurston)
Address:
770 Brinktop Road, Richmond
Opening hours:
Each booking includes exclusive access to Arden Bathhouse for a private four-hour experience (for up to 6 guests).
Morning Session: 8:30am – 12:30pm
Afternoon Session: 3:30pm – 7:30pm
Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 10:00am – 2:00pm or 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Session times can be adjusted upon request.
Prices:
Monday to Friday (daytime sessions): $485
Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday sessions: $545
Please note: Guests must be over 14 years
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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.
