A floating Nordic sauna could be coming to Brunswick Heads

A NORDIC-style floating sauna could be on the Brunswick River by the end of winter – if local couple Stephen Aylward and Thea Frelsøy can bring their ambitious plan to life.

Aylward, who grew up in Piggabeen in the Tweed hinterland, previously worked at KOK Oslo Sauna in Norway, where he experienced firsthand the benefits of sauna bathing and cold plunging in the fjords. Frelsøy is from the small coastal Norwegian town of Tønsberg.

“We saw what a beautiful community these saunas created and wanted to bring this to Australia,” he said. “After moving to the area and spending some time in Brunswick Heads, we quickly realised how well it fits here.

“It’s a community that values nature, wellbeing, and simple experiences, which aligns perfectly with what we’re creating.

“We want Bjørn to be a break from distractions and a place where people can experience not only the healing effects of being in a sauna, but being in a sauna in nature.”

When builder Ugo Lacroix-Reneuve and his wife moved in next door to the couple in The Pocket last year and they struck up a friendship they realised they had found the right person for the job.

“We’ve seen him successfully build his family a tiny home and followed his process closely,” Aylward said. “His background is in high-end architectural projects and French chalets. He’s passionate, detail-oriented and genuinely cares about his craft, which made him the right fit for this project.”

The pair have launched a Kickstarter campaign with the aim of raising $37,000 to help bring the idea to life.

“Kickstarter felt like the right platform to share our story, build awareness and invite people to be part of the journey,” Aylward said. “It also gives supporters the chance to secure discounted sessions once we’re up and running.

“The total cost is higher than our Kickstarter goal. The campaign is designed to help us reach the final milestones needed to bring the project to life.”

The couple are taking a low-impact approach to both the build and operation. Plans include ensuring no discharge into the river, using solar power where possible (with only the motor requiring fuel), and selecting durable, marine-grade materials. The boat will operate at low speeds with small groups to help minimise environmental impact.

“We’ll use a local supplier of firewood for a clean burning sauna stove, natural cleaning products and keep lighting and noise to a minimum,” Aylward said.

A new floating bar and restaurant, M.V. Jasmine, also launched in Brunswick Heads last year, and Aylward – who also works for Azteca Margarita – said the couple is grateful for the positive response so far.

“The support and encouragement from the community, especially in Brunswick Heads, has been a huge part of getting us to this stage,” he said.

To donate to the campaign, visit kickstarter.com and search ‘Bjorn floating sauna’.