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A floating sauna has just opened in Victoria’s High Country

Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
Pause and unwind in this Scandi-style wellness retreat.

Sauna culture is heating up in Australia and we’re being treated to a bevvy of outdoor saunas located in picturesque settings to enjoy its physical, mental and even social benefits. 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
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 unwind and reconnect with nature. Crafted from high-quality softwoods, the sleek building was designed to sensitively blend in with the surrounding native bushland and trees. It fits up to five guests at a time 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 – while taking in calming lake views.

Stillwater Saunas, Beechworth
Feel the heat while admiring picturesque lake views.

While the sauna is accessible year-round, winter is the cosiest time of year to sweat it out. Guests are encouraged to feel the full benefits by alternating between the warmth of the sauna and the invigorating chill of Lake Sambell.

The sauna is a 10-minute walk from Beechworth’s town centre, which is a three-hour drive from Melbourne. Loved for its well-preserved historic buildings, vineyards and Victorian gold rush history, Beechworth is a charming town abundant with gourmet food, artisan markets and scenic walks. 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 is another must for the itinerary.

Stillwater Saunas, Beechworth
The sleek sauna blends in with the landscape.

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. 

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Rachael Thompson
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.
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Incredible day spas and hot springs to visit in Victoria

    Katie Carlin Katie Carlin
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    From geothermal pools and luxury spa sanctuaries, Victoria’s mineral-rich waters and restorative landscapes offer total renewal.

    I pass waving coastal spear-grass and coast saltbush as I follow the curving path through 15 hectares of thoughtfully curated gardens at the Mornington Peninsula’s Alba Thermal Springs & Spa. I hang my robe at the entrance and slip into the first sunken geothermal pool I find – feeling the tension from the 90-minute drive from Melbourne melt away as I watch steam dance across the surface in the late afternoon light. There are 31 pools, a mix of geothermal, cold plunge and botanical, that range in temperature and design, spread over six regions.

    a woman relaxing at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa on the Mornington Peninsula
    Alba Thermal Springs & Spa on the Mornington Peninsula. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    I gravitate toward The Hemisphere, with its dry sauna, steam room, cold plunge and dreamy open-air pool called The Hide. But it’s Alba’s brand-new Sanctuary that really elevates the experience. The five luxurious stand-alone villas and two additional studio rooms opened in June 2025 and feature an indoor fireplace, oversized bathtub with views across the bay, a deck and extensive all-inclusive (minus the cocktails) mini-bar.

    After dining at Alba’s Thyme restaurant, I return to my villa, content to fall asleep early listening to the fire crackle, feeling thoroughly restored. While Alba is one of the newest in the region, it’s certainly not the only place to enjoy a soothing soak. Here are others to book for a wellness weekend.

    Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa

    A woman bathes in the new Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa private bathing room with marble tiled walls
    The marble private bathing room is one of five new designs. (Image: Supplied)

    Nestled in the Daylesford region, Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa has been welcoming guests to its historic bathhouse for 130 years. With a $1.7 million renovation now complete (part of the 21st season of Channel 9’s The Block), find five new private bathing rooms, an apothecary experience where guests blend a custom body scrub and all-new spa treatment menu.

    There are three bathing areas: Bathhouse for communal bathing for all ages, adults-only Sanctuary and a private bathing space for a personalised experience – try the skin-softening Mineral Milk Bath.

    Lake House Daylesford

    the pool at Lake House Daylesford
    The main pool at Lake House Daylesford. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Inciting deep exhales, the spa at Alla Wolf-Tasker’s iconic Lake House has long been a beacon of wellness in the region. Tucked into the cottage gardens that wind down to the lake’s edge, the spa is beautifully and deliberately cloistered away from guests and diners visiting the celebrated on-site restaurant.

    From Ayurvedic facials and hydrotherapy that makes use of Daylesford’s mineral waters, to cocooning thermal rituals and massage, treatments here promote tranquillity. While a day spa experience is delightful on its own, staying on the property adds a luxe layer to your corporeal renewal, especially if you’re in your own private spa villa.

    Metung Hot Springs

    the Metung Hot Springs' glamping tents by the river
    Glamping tents at Metung Hot Springs. (Image: Emily Godfrey)

    Imagine immersing yourself in a barrel overflowing with geothermal water, all while taking in views of Gippsland Lakes. It’s one of several unique bathing experiences available at Metung Hot Springs.

    There’s also a floating sauna and a Reflexology Walk constructed with carefully placed stones designed to stimulate the acupressure points in your feet as you walk. The 12-hectare site opened in 2022 with three bathing areas – Bathing Ridge, Lagoon Precinct and Hilltop Escarpment – and premium glamping tents that feature king-size beds and private bathing barrels.

    Four more blissful day spas to visit

    Lon Retreat & Spa is an award-winning, adults-only retreat on the Bellarine Peninsula.

    Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs features sensory caves and cleansing waterfalls in Warrnambool.

    Peninsula Hot Springs renews with 70 bathing and wellness experiences.

    The Benev is an indulgent spa and luxury accommodation in Beechworth.

    the Peninsula Hot Springs
    Bathe in beautiful surroundings at Peninsula Hot Springs. (Image: Tourism Australia/Harry Pope/Two Palms)