Hobart hot for expansion of floating sauna following Derby success

An Instagram-able floating sauna has become a go-to destination for social media influencers and tourists alike. Now its owners are set to expand south.

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A FLOATING sauna that has become a social media sensation in Tasmania’s mountain biking mecca of Derby is coming to Hobart.

Business owner Nigel Reeves is working with the Hobart City Council to scope potential sites on the River Derwent to replicate his Floating Sauna Lake Derby experience.

“Having spent the last four months refining the business model in Derby, I’ve got more knowledge about what makes an experience really intriguing for guests,” Mr Reeves said.

Since opening in July, the Lake Derby sauna, which costs $45 for a one hour shared session, has quickly become one of Tasmania’s most Instagrammed attractions.

“We have really strong bookings until the end of March and even before the border opened we had huge support from locals,” Mr Reeves said.

“After lockdown, jumping into the lake is the ultimate idea of freedom.”

Floating Sauna Lake Derby owner Nigel Reeves (left) with guests. Picture: PIP DE ROHAN

While the Derby model combines steamy sauna sessions with invigorating plunges into the lake, which is a former tin mining pit, Mr Reeves is considering a different model for his expansion into Hobart.

“I’m looking at a different design, with a room-temperature plunge pool and ice bath built into the pontoon,” he said.

Like the Derby design, which is cedar-lined and Finnish-inspired, the Hobart sauna will have a wall of floor to ceiling glass, unlike most traditional saunas that have a small peep hole in the door.

Floating Sauna Lake Derby, Tasmania. Picture: PIP DE ROHAN

“I’ll be aiming to replicate that wow factor view. I want to allow people to discover the beauty of the city of Hobart and disconnect from their mobile phones, possibly while recovering from a bushwalk or mountain bike ride,” Mr Reeves said.

While it is early days in Hobart, with a rigorous planning process to navigate, Mr Reeves hopes to “continue to grow a sauna culture in Australia and New Zealand”.

“Tourism isn’t always about making money, it’s about designing the best experience for people. Then the success will come,” he said.

He felt incredibly lucky that his target market of mountain bikers, many of whom are avid Instagram users, had effectively done his marketing for him.

“It shows other businesses how Instagram can be a really powerful tool,” Mr Reeves said.