Nathan at the helm
Nina Hamilton
Sauna sea change
With Chloe and Nathan GoreIn Finnish, ‘Kuuma’ translates to ‘hot’: a fitting name for this unique experience heating up Tasmania’s wellness scene.
With Tasmania’s natural areas inspiring many to take on muscle-ache-inducing activities in the outdoors, and a cooler climate than mainland Australia, it’s clear to see why sauna culture and hot-cold therapy is taking off on the island state.
Chloe and Nathan Gore, founders of Kuuma Nature Sauna, are embracing that culture, taking their guests on short journeys aboard their floating sauna to warm up, dunk and unwind on the waterways of Margate, just a 20min drive south of Hobart.
A change of sea-nery
In 2024, brimming with passion for both their wellness venture and the Tasmanian lifestyle, they moved their family from Melbourne to Hobart to bring their sauna dream to life.
Although Nathan and Chloe haven’t always lived in Tasmania, their connection with the island runs deep.
“We've been coming down to Tasmania for years and years. We've always loved the place,” says Chloe. “We have been coming for hiking and camping, and we also got married in Swansea.”
Stepping into the sauna
Nina Hamilton
Prior to moving to Hobart, Nathan and Chloe led busy lives working full-time in Melbourne – Chloe as an interior designer and Nathan in construction. These skills led them to build Kuuma Nature Sauna with their very own hands.
It was really time for a sea change, pardon the pun...
With the hustle of Melbourne life not sitting quite right with the duo – and a long list of favoured pastimes including saunas, boating, snow and being outdoors – moving south was ultimately an easy choice.
Chloe preparing the sauna
Jess Oakenfull
The first of its kind
Kuuma is no ordinary sauna.
"We believe we are the first in Australia to have a floating sauna pontoon boat," Chloe says, adding that most floating saunas aren't mobile like Kuuma.
The unique sauna experience provides guests with a smorgasbord of views from both the deck, and within the comfort of the sauna, with the boat’s floor-to-ceiling window framing the outlook as it travels along North West Bay.
Warming up by the fire at Kuuma Nature Sauna
Nina Hamilton
The sauna is a transformative experience.
Once guests have warmed themselves in the timber-lined sauna, they can dunk under a large bucket of cold water on deck, perfect for when the boat is on the move, or plunge into the sea when the boat is at anchor. A ladder and friendly crew ensure everyone is safely brought back onboard following their swim. Then it’s straight back into the sauna to do it all over again.
When you're in the sauna and you can hear the crackle, it really just warms you to the bone...it's an all-senses experience.
“It's interesting to see the change in people, between the start of the session and the end of the session, because when people arrive, they're all excited, they're hyped up, they're ready to go,” says Nathan, “and by the end of the session, everyone's quite quiet and subdued. They're very rosy cheeked and they're very, very relaxed.”
Big jump
Jennifer Hillhouse
Embracing the cold at Kuuma
Jennifer Hillhouse
The evidence for relaxation isn’t just anecdotal. Researchers have found immersion in cold water for just one hour significantly boosts the hormones dopamine and noradrenaline; hormones responsible for controlling the reward, action, learning and memory parts of the brain.
If you’re new to cold-plunging, experts recommend kicking things off with 30 seconds in the water and building up over time. Which means more time to spend in the sauna – lucky you.
Taking the plunge
Kuuma’s founders love to immerse not only their guests, but also themselves, in the experience.
“I tell people sometimes when we have a sunrise sauna, I'll be here at 3am to start the sauna and they're like, ‘oh, that's so early in the morning’. But for me, I love to be here,” says Nathan.
“I’m passionate about coming down here and giving people a great sauna and giving people a great experience.”
Russell Falls, Mount Field National Park
Stu Gibson
It hasn't taken Chloe and Nathan long to amass a list of favourite spots to unwind in southern Tasmania. They recommend Mount Field National Park for nature lovers, and a waterfront meal at Peppermint Bay in Woodbridge for excellent hospitality.
Coming to Tasmania and chasing their dreams was a bold move for this small family. They encourage others to "just go for it if you can".
Nathan is often asked what led them to this point. And for him, it’s simple.
“I love boats and I love saunas. So, what better opportunity to start a business doing something that I love?”
While you're in the area
Floating sauna experience
Supplied by Kuuma Nature Sauna
Sauna in Tasmania FAQs
Where can I experience outdoor saunas in Tasmania?
You can experience an outdoor sauna across all of Tasmania's regions. If you’re hooked after your visit to Kuuma Nature Sauna, give one of these saunas a try:
- Elsewhere Sauna
- Floating Sauna Lake Derby
- Sauna Boat Tasmania
- The Wilderness Sauna on the Tasman Peninsula
- Sweaty Penguins Private Barrel Sauna
What are the health benefits of hot-cold therapy?
Hot-cold therapy, such as sitting in a sauna and then plunging into cold water, can help with immunity, reduce inflammation and support muscle recovery – perfect after a day hiking or mountain biking in Tasmania’s outdoors. Your doctor is best placed to advise on the benefits of hot-cold therapy and provide guidance on managing personal risk.
Are there any infrared saunas in Tasmania?
While not as common as its outdoor sauna counterpart, there are several places offering infrared saunas in Tasmania, including Breathe In Studio, Nova Holistic Spa and Hobart Premium Float and Day Spa Wellness Centre.