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The other week, I stripped off down to my swimmers and stepped into a sauna right on Sydney Harbour at golden hour. Within seconds, the combination of the warmth and the calm, glittering ocean made my mind and body completely relax to an almost meditative state. Later, we took a cold plunge at the nearby moon-shaped Spring Cove, channelling Wim Hof to stay zen in the ice-cold sea (half worked). We finished the session feeling clear-headed, exhilarated – and slept a full eight hours that night.
Harbour Heat is a new wood-fired sauna custom-built in New Zealand – and its spectacular ocean views aren’t the only thing that’s special about it. It’s positioned on a private wharf at Q Station Manly – a historic former quarantine facility now a heritage accommodation and cultural retreat set within Sydney Harbour National Park. The area has a deep history for First Nations peoples, who have longstanding cultural connections to North Head and Sydney Harbour.
Featuring a traditional wood-burning stove, Harbour Heat has a softer, more natural heat. Throughout the session, water is poured over the hot stones, creating löyly, the Finnish word for the gentle steam that makes the experience both calming and restorative.
Does Harbour Heat have the best views in Sydney? Quite possibly. I’ve tried a handful of saunas over the years, and Harbour Heat beats the ones at the gym any day of the week. (Sorry, gyms.)
The best bit? You can do as I did and dive (or go gently) into the ocean before or after for the ultimate natural cold plunge.
Sessions run from Wednesday to Sunday from sunrise to sunset, ranging from $25-$30 for 50-minute sessions, and there are free shuttle buses from Manly that take you there. There are communal sessions for up to 12 guests, or you can book the sauna exclusively for your group.
Plus, there’s a café and restaurant nearby for your post-sauna snack and drink. Just BYO towel and togs.
Like to make a weekend of it? You can stay overnight at the heritage-listed Q Station. The rooms are pretty simple, but waking up to sweeping harbour views, rugged bush and the sounds of wildlife is a pretty epic experience. Book dinner at Boilerhouse Kitchen & Bar and you won’t have to leave all weekend.
Find out more and make a booking here.
Note: I was kindly hosted by Harbour Heat, but our editorial recommendations are always honest.
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