Floating saunas will arrive on Lake Burley Griffin this winter – but they might look a little different than expected

Posted on 4 April, 2024

Can’t afford a trip to Scandinavia this year? Luckily one of the region’s most iconic experiences is coming to us.

Just in time for the first whispers of autumn, the National Capital Authority announced last week that we’re getting those much-rumoured on-lake saunas just in time for mid-winter – but they might not look like you expected them to.

Indeed, when the news broke last year about the concept being floated (sorry) of saunas on Lake Burley Griffin, renders were published by various media outlets that resembled the floating island saunas of Scandinavia – a tiny box tethered alone in the centre of the lake.

However, last week after Providence NDR Pty Ltd was announced as the lucky operator of Floating Sauna Lake Burley Griffin at Yarralumla Beach East, a cursory glance at Providence’s website shows our saunas could look very different.

That’s because Providence operates the highly successful Floating Sauna Lake Derby in Tasmania (pictured above) where a sauna and a wide deck are suspended from the side of the lake by a jetty – good news for those who would rather stay (a little more) on land than first expected.

There’s even a taste of the initial offerings we can expect, with a one-hour sauna session (with optional cold plunge) priced at around $45 per person.

 

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While there’s no indication that Canberra’s sauna experience will look anything like the ones in Lake Derby, we’re already in love with the panoramic views from their Tasmanian wood-heated saunas.

If you have your own opinions on the saunas, rest assured that there is a public consultation process taking place soon and you can find details at nca.gov.au.

But regardless of how the saunas look when the experience is unveiled in July, it seems like they’re set to become a staple of Canberra’s winter, with Providence awarded a three-year contract.

Mid-winter dip, anyone?

Feature image: facebook.com/floatingsaunalakederby