Pause and unwind in this Scandi-style wellness retreat.
Saunas are having a moment. What was once a niche wellness ritual is now a global lifestyle trend, offering delightful hotspots to unwind and enjoy the physical, mental and even social benefits of heat therapy. The latest floating wellness retreat to capture our attention is the peaceful Stillwater Saunas, Beechworth, North-East Victoria’s first floating sauna.
Stillwater Saunas, Beechworth, is North-East Victoria’s first floating sauna.
Sitting pretty on Lake Sambell in the foothills of Victoria’s High Country, this Scandi-style sauna invites guests to feel the heat and unwind, be present and reconnect with nature. Crafted from high-quality softwoods, the sleek design sensitively blends in with the surrounding native bushland and trees. The sauna fits up to five guests, making it perfect for small groups who can enjoy the signature löyly – a gentle, soothing steam created when water is poured over the heated sauna stones on the wood-fired stove. Enjoy the smell of the wood, warmth and crackle of the fire while admiring lake views from the sauna’s expansive windows.
Feel the heat while admiring picturesque lake views.
While the sauna is accessible year-round, winter offers a truly comforting time of year to enjoy it. Guests are encouraged to feel the full benefits by alternating between the cosy warmth of the sauna and the invigorating chill of the waters of Lake Sambell.
The sauna is a 10-minute walk from Beechworth’s town centre, which is a three-hour drive from Melbourne. Renowned for its well-preserved historic buildings, vineyards and Victorian gold rush history, Beechworth is a charming town offering gourmet food, artisan markets and scenic walks. Other must-visit stops during your stay include Beechworth Bakery, Beechworth Gorge Walk circuit, the Old Beechworth Gaol and the Beechworth Honey Shop. Staying at the asylum-turned-upscale spa hotel The Benev should also be on the cards.
The sleek sauna blends in with the landscape.
Whether you’re after a wellness weekend or a memorable lakeside experience, Stillwater Saunas, Beechworth, is one to add to the bucket list.
Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.
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Details
Best for: Wellness enthusiasts
Pricing: 1-hour shared pass, $50; 1-hour private pass, $250 (up to 5); Multi 10 pass $400 or Multi 5 Pass $225.
Address: McConville Ave, Lake Sambell, Beechworth VIC
Opening hours: Friday to Monday 8am-6pm; Wednesday and Thursday 6pm-9pm; Closed Tuesdays.
What’s provided?: A towel and water for each guest
Toilets: Public toilets are located
Parking: Parking is located 80 metres away
Accessibility: Access for guests with disabilities is available. Contact Stillwater Saunas for more details.
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and Hotel Addict. She's responsible for the foundational content on AustralianTraveller.com, helping to manage and grow the brand’s destination guides. 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 and Bed Threads. 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.
A new wave of retreats, hotels, glamping sites and more is encouraging visitors to savour their time spent along the Great Ocean Road.
Long holding a place as one of Australia’s most rewarding drives, cliffs, curves and shifting coastal light continue to draw travellers to Victoria’s coastline year after year. What has evolved more quietly is the range of new accommodation along the Great Ocean Road to add new dimensions to the drive.
Rather than competing for attention, these stays are shaped by their settings. They sit beside rivers, among vines, on the edge of lakes and close to town centres where local life unfolds at an unhurried pace. Together, they point to a way of travelling the Great Ocean Road that values time spent in place, as much as distance covered.
1. The Monty, Anglesea
Pop into Nina Cantina for tacos and views.
Anglesea has always appealed to travellers drawn to a quieter stretch of coast, where surf culture, bushland and river scenery blend into one. The Monty complements that character with a recent rebrand and refresh with traditional beach road trip nostalgia in mind. Mid-century retro decor means rooms are contemporary and funky, without being over-styled.
A highlight of the stay is Nina Cantina, the on-site Mexican restaurant overlooking the Anglesea River. Opening in 2026, it will undoubtedly become a popular gathering point, bringing together locals, day trippers and overnight guests. Watch the river flow while tucking into plates of tacos, before enjoying a digestion swim in The Monty’s pool.
Mornings in Anglesea often begin quietly. Kangaroos are a familiar sight on the nearby golf course, and walking tracks wind through heathland that reflects the natural landscape of the Surf Coast. From here, the road south feels like a continuation rather than a departure, easing travellers into the next stretch of the journey.
2. Basalt Retreats, Port Fairy
Discover this new adults-only retreat.
Near Port Fairy, Basalt Retreats is an adults-only delight set among a 24-year-old vineyard at Basalt Wines. The accommodation is a mixture of luxury and linens (and ultra comfy beds), allowing the long stretches of grapes to take centre stage. As the sun sets, Basalt Retreats settles into stillness. With minimal light pollution, the night sky becomes part of the experience, and star-searchers will delight in the uninterrupted views of our vast universe.
See Poombeeyt Koontapool from the lookout.
Staying along the Great Ocean Road western region gives you en route access to coastal landmarks. A visit to Poombeeyt Koontapool at Loch Ard Gorge is a must for those fascinated by natural blowholes, with enough walking trails to tucker out the most seasoned hiker.
The Poorpa Yanyeen Meereeng Trail between Timboon and Port Campbell reveals how wetlands, farmland and coastline connect across the region, best appreciated on foot or by bike.
3. Lake Colac Holiday Park, Colac
Book into a cabin at Lake Colac Holiday Park.
Lake Colac Holiday Park introduces new cabin accommodation set along the edge of a broad volcanic lake. The cabins are modern and light-filled, designed to make the most of the water views and open skies.
Lake Colac plays an important role in local life, hosting community events and everyday rituals alike. Staying here offers insight into the agricultural heart of the Great Ocean Road region, where the pace is shaped by seasons rather than sightseeing schedules.
Have a delicious lunch, then join a farm tour at Brae Restaurant. (Image: Visit Vic)
Colac’s central location places visitors within reach of standout regional experiences. Otways Distillery’s Birregurra cellar door reflects the surrounding forest in its approach to spirits. While Brae Restaurant’s guided farm and kitchen garden tours offer a closer look at the land that underpins its acclaimed dining. Together, they highlight the strong connection between produce, place and people.
4. Glamping tents, Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve
Take a breather in Apollo Bay with brand new glamping tents.
Back on the coast, Apollo Bay has always been known to be a natural place to take a breather, sitting roughly at the Great Ocean Road’s midway point. The brand-spanking new glamping tents at the Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve offer comfortable accommodation that remains closely connected to the outdoors. With ensuite bathrooms and thoughtfully designed interiors, the cabin-tent hybrids offer enough privacy and luxuries to make the trip feel more luxurious than your standard camping affair.
Set near the river and within walking distance of the town centre, the location allows guests to move easily between beach walks, forest drives and relaxed meals.
A session at The Corner Sauna fits naturally into a stay here. The wood-fired sauna has become part of Apollo Bay’s way of life, offering warmth and restoration after time spent in the elements (also known as a frolic at the beach).
Enjoy fresh seafood at Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op.
Apollo Bay has enough to entertain and dazzle travellers more than your average town. Graze on fresh seafood at local cafes – like Graze or Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op – before venturing to nearby waterfalls. Spend hours kayaking among real-life seals, try your hand at surf lessons taught by understanding and patient guides, or simply spend your days reading a book while the surf crashes in front of you.
Together, these new accommodation openings highlight the Great Ocean Road’s continued evolution. With more places that invite travellers to slow down and stay a little longer, the journey becomes less about rushing between landmarks and more about engaging with the unique towns along the way.
