Saunas in the Backyard: The Wellness Trend Taking Over Australian Homes
How outdoor infrared saunas became the must-have backyard addition for Australian families seeking everyday wellness without leaving home.
Published by Torquay Saunas · · 6 min read
Featured in Living Magazine
This article is based on a feature published in Living magazine, exploring the growing popularity of outdoor saunas in Australian backyards.
Something is happening in Australian backyards. Alongside the veggie patch, the fire pit and the outdoor kitchen, a new addition is appearing with increasing regularity: the sauna.
Once considered a luxury reserved for high-end spas and Scandinavian retreats, the outdoor infrared sauna has quietly become one of the most sought-after home wellness investments in the country. And it's not hard to understand why.
For many Australians, the appeal isn't about indulgence — it's about having a genuine space to decompress, recover and reset, right at home, on their own schedule.
Why Now?
The shift towards home wellness has been building for years, but the last few years accelerated it significantly. With more Australians working from home, spending more time in their own spaces and reassessing how they invest in their health, the backyard sauna moved from "nice idea" to "actually doing it" for a growing number of households.
At the same time, the technology has improved dramatically. Modern outdoor infrared saunas are purpose-built for the Australian climate — weatherproof, low-maintenance and designed to sit outside year-round. They're not the heavy, steam-filled boxes of a previous era. They're sleek, timber-clad cabins that look at home in a well-designed backyard.
The price point has also shifted. What was once a five-figure investment is now accessible to a much wider range of households — making the decision less about whether you can afford it, and more about whether it fits your lifestyle.
What Makes Infrared Different
Most people's mental image of a sauna involves extreme heat, steam and a certain amount of endurance. Infrared saunas work differently.
Rather than heating the air around you to very high temperatures, infrared panels emit radiant heat that warms the body directly. The cabin temperature is typically between 45–60°C — noticeably more comfortable than a traditional Finnish sauna — while the warmth penetrates deeper into muscle tissue.
45–60°C
Operating temp
More comfortable than traditional
~30 min
Warm-up time
Ready when you are
20–30 min
Session length
Fits into a busy day
The result is a session that most people find genuinely enjoyable rather than something to push through. You can read, listen to music, have a conversation or simply sit and think. The experience is relaxing rather than punishing.
For a deeper look at how infrared heat works and how it compares to traditional saunas, guide to infrared sauna technology.
The Outdoor Advantage
There's something particularly appealing about stepping outside for your sauna session. The transition from indoors to outdoors — even just across the backyard — creates a mental shift that reinforces the sense of switching off.
Outdoor saunas also solve a practical problem: space. Most Australian homes don't have a spare room to dedicate to a sauna. A self-contained outdoor cabin requires no renovation, no council approval in most cases, and no permanent changes to the home itself. It sits on a level surface — a deck, a concrete pad, pavers — and plugs into a standard power supply.
No renovation. No council approval. No structural changes.
A self-contained outdoor sauna cabin sits on a level surface and connects to a standard power supply — making installation simpler than most people expect.
The Australian climate is also well-suited to year-round outdoor sauna use. Even in cooler months, stepping out of a warm sauna into cool evening air is part of the experience — and in coastal areas like the Surf Coast, the combination of sea air and sauna warmth has its own particular appeal.
Who's Buying?
The customers coming through the Torquay Saunas showroom reflect the breadth of the trend. There's no single profile.
Families
Parents looking for a shared space that brings the household together — away from screens, away from the noise of the day.
Active people and athletes
Runners, cyclists, surfers and gym-goers using the sauna as part of a post-training recovery routine.
Professionals and business owners
People with demanding schedules who want a reliable way to decompress at the end of the day, on their own terms.
Couples
Partners who want a shared ritual — 20 minutes together without phones, without distractions, without anywhere else to be.
People prioritising their health
Those who have done the research and decided that regular sauna use is a worthwhile part of how they look after themselves.
What to Look For When Buying
Not all outdoor saunas are built equally. A few things are worth paying attention to before you buy.
Build quality and weatherproofing
An outdoor sauna needs to handle rain, UV, humidity and temperature variation. Look for quality timber, proper sealing and a design that's genuinely built for outdoor use — not an indoor sauna with a coat of paint.
LOW EMF far infrared heating
Low-EMF carbon fibre infrared panels provide even, efficient heat distribution. This is the technology used in the Torquay Saunas range — and it's worth asking about specifically when comparing products.
Size and capacity
Think about how you'll actually use it. A one-person sauna suits solo sessions; a two-person cabin works well for couples; a four-person model suits families or those who want more space. Measure your available area before you decide.
Warranty and after-sales support
A sauna is a long-term purchase. Look for a meaningful warranty and a supplier who will actually be there if something needs attention.
Local availability
Buying from a local supplier — rather than ordering online from interstate or overseas — means you can see the product in person, ask questions and get support from someone who knows the product.
Torquay Saunas: On the Surf Coast
Torquay Saunas is based inside Poolwerx Torquay, at Unit 2, 21 Baines Crescent, Torquay — making it one of the few places in the region where you can see outdoor infrared saunas on display before you buy.
The range includes three models — the Torquay ONE (single person), the Torquay DUO (two person) and the Torquay FOUR (four person) — all built for outdoor use with LOW EMF far infrared heating, Bluetooth audio, colour lighting and a pent roof designed for the Australian climate.
Finance options are available through HUMM, with repayments spread over up to three years — making it easier to get started without a large upfront outlay.
See the Range in Person
Visit the Torquay Saunas showroom to see all three models on display. No pressure — just a chance to see the product, ask questions and find out what suits your space.