The best saunas in Hobart and beyond

Huddled among the yachts of Kettering Marina, Sauna Boat turns heads with its architectural beauty as it bobs on the water. The brass and shou-sugi ban Tasmanian oak cladding, plunge pool and outdoor shower create a striking impression. Choose between a shared or private session and enjoy 60 minutes of sauna luxury, guided by a dedicated sauna master. Take a plunge and soak in views of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel. Located just 40 minutes south of Hobart, Sauna Boat is the perfect prelude to a trip to Bruny Island or a scenic escape for some R&R.

Where: Oyster Cove Marina, Ferry Rd, Kettering

Opening hours: Sat-Sun 7am-6pm (+ Fri & Mon during June)

Price: $55 for one-hour

Australia’s first purpose-built sauna pontoon, Kuuma Sauna, is all about relaxation and rejuvenation. Based out of Margate Marina, just 20 minutes from Hobart, the 90-minute session takes you on a literal journey as your skipper cruises the D’Entrecasteaux Channel while you unwind in the heat. Up to eight guests can book a private or shared session – the twilight slot is especially luxurious. In winter, embrace the single-digit air temperature and nine-degree ocean water for a refreshing shock. For a longer experience, opt for a three-hour private charter.

Where: 40 Marina Dr, Barretta

Opening hours: Fri-Mon 6am-8pm

Price: $80 for 90 minutes

Located in Tasmania’s northeast, the Floating Sauna Lake Derby is worth the trip. Suspended over Briseis Lake, this stunning sauna blends modern design with raw natural beauty. It’s the perfect way to soothe sore muscles after mountain biking the surrounding tracks, but also worth visiting for the sauna alone. The wood-fired room offers floor-to-ceiling views of the lake and surrounding forest. When the heat gets intense, a plunge into the chilly lake provides a revitalising shock – addictive in the best way. A ten-minute walk from the car park lets you unwind before your session. Stroll across a suspension bridge and follow the signs to the lake. Shared or private sessions are available, with a maximum of five people per group.

Where: 99 Main St, Derby

Opening hours: Daily 7am-7pm

Price: $55 for one-hour

Savu is on a mission to spread the benefits of the humble sauna. Whether you’re after relaxation, detoxification, a mood boost or better sleep, their experts have you covered. There are plenty of chances to experience Savu’s offerings, with three locations around Tasmania. Private, shared and women-only sessions are available.

Where: Devonport Bluff, Penguin, Cradle Mountain

Opening hours: Daily 5am-10pm

Price: $30 for 50 minutes

Selena de Carvalho is a true sauna master. Her handcrafted sauna on wheels rolls into Drip Beach (or Taroona Beach – the location rotates) in the stunning Huon Valley every weekend, offering year-round sessions. Inside, the sauna is a thing of beauty, with a rose-tinted porthole window offering a glimpse of the outside world, and handmade ceramics lining the hearth. Take a break from the heat and plunge into the cool ocean to feel completely revived. De Carvalho handcrafts botanical face and body polishes for you to apply between dips, as well as seasonal tonics to sip. Sessions are capped at five people, but you can book the whole hour with friends. Booking back-to-back sessions wouldn’t be a bad idea!

Where: Drip Beach, Huon Valley & Taroona Beach, Hobart

Opening hours: Fri-Sat 9am-4pm

Price: $50 for one hour

Gather up to seven friends for an unforgettable stay at Bass Lodge on King Island. Just a ten-minute drive from the airport, this secluded property feels a million miles away. Inside, the lodge offers luxurious comfort, while the huge deck invites you to enjoy King Island’s finest produce as you watch the sunset over the sea. Bass Lodge features a sunken timber hot tub and a red cedar barrel sauna – you might want to book several days here. The uninterrupted views of Bass Strait melt worries away, and descending the steps to the wood-fired sauna is a ritual of relaxation in itself.

Where: 1,419 North Rd, Loorana, King Island

Opening hours: 24 hours

Price: $1,000 per night for lodge

A stay at Red Rock Hut on King Island is a salve for modern life. Situated on 32 acres of rugged west coast, this off-grid tiny home offers panoramic views of the wild Southern Ocean. The wood-fired barrel sauna features a floor-to-ceiling viewing dome, allowing you to feel cocooned while watching the shifting weather. After your sauna session, cool off with direct access to the beach. The sauna is yours to enjoy throughout your stay – fire it up and repeat as needed.

Where: Buttons Rd, Bungaree, King Island

Opening hours: 24 hours

Price: $480 per night for hut

An 850-acre regenerative cattle farm might seem an unlikely place for a sauna, but Swan River Sanctuary proves otherwise. Set on Riversdale Farm, this lodge overlooks the tranquil Swan River and rolling farmland. Book a stay here and enjoy the cosy timber sauna with serene views filling the panoramic window. After a steam session, take a dip in the river or unwind in the outdoor bath. The lodge perfectly balances comfort, nature and wellness. For the full experience, opt into their ‘Safari’ offering, which includes a guided session on native wildlife, Indigenous history and the cattle operation, plus unlimited sauna access during your stay.

Where: 14,228 Tasman Hwy, Swansea

Opening hours: 24 hours

Price: $990 per night for sanctuary