Looking for saunas for sale in Australia in 2026?
Shopping for saunas in Australia? With more units appearing in backyards, gyms, and wellness studios, the choice can feel overwhelming. Many brands look great on the surface—but real differences show up in build quality, heat performance, safety, and support after delivery.
This guide compares well-known brands available in Australia and gives you a practical checklist for choosing the right one.
What Makes a Great Sauna Brand?
A great sauna does three things well: reaches target heat reliably, stays comfortable over time, and is easy to own. When comparing brands, look at:
- Timber & Build: Premium, kiln-dried timbers (e.g., Western Red Cedar, Hemlock) resist warping and smell natural. Check panel thickness, bench strength, and door/glass quality.
- Heater Technology:
- Traditional (electric/wood-fired) for classic löyly and higher temps.
- Infrared (far or full-spectrum) for lower-temp, direct body heating.
- Prioritise even heat distribution and reputable heater manufacturers.
- Traditional (electric/wood-fired) for classic löyly and higher temps.
- Energy Efficiency & Insulation: Tight joins, vapour barriers, and quality insulation reduce heat-up time and running costs.
- Design & Ergonomics: Bench height/legroom, backrests, ventilation, lighting, and door placement matter more than you think.
- Safety & Materials: Low-VOC finishes, tempered glass, proper cabling, and clear electrical guidelines.
- Warranty & Local Support: Written terms, reachable service teams, and spare-parts availability in Australia.
- Customer Feedback: Real-world installation and after-care experiences are gold.
Leading Sauna Brands in Australia (At a Glance)
Shym Saunas
Best for: Outdoor aesthetics and community-minded design.
Shym focuses on outdoor saunas, log cabins, and accessories built from quality timber with a design language centred on connection, recovery, and family time. With nationwide shipping and hands-on support, they’ve placed units in hundreds of homes. Ranges include patio models, barrel-style units, and cold-plunge pairings—ideal for a backyard wellness corner.
Southern Cross Saunas
Best for: Bespoke builds and local craftsmanship.
Specialises in custom-built solutions using Australian timbers and high-performance heaters. Strong on consultation and design, including sizing, layout, and heater selection. Good fit if you want a made-to-measure installation with matching outdoor cladding or integrated seating.
Northern Star Saunas
Best for: First-time buyers who value education.
Offers ready-to-assemble models (e.g., Canadian cedar styles) with a strong emphasis on how to sauna safely—covering hydration, session length, and temperature guidance. Clear documentation makes setup approachable for DIY-inclined households.
Alpine Spas
Best for: Wide choice and showroom access.
A major retailer with traditional, infrared, and wood-fired options. Often pairs traditional units with well-known heater brands and supplies Australian-based support. Suits buyers who like in-person viewing and a spread from value to mid-range.
The Sauna Company
Best for: Traditional Finnish set-ups and steam rooms.
Melbourne-based specialist and distributor for respected Finnish heaters and prefabricated kits. Also handles custom residential and commercial installs, which is helpful if you need project management and trades coordination.
Other value-focused brands
Retailers like Luxo Living and Rejuvenex offer outdoor and infrared models with modern styling. Scrutinise warranty length, heater provenance, and timber grade closely at this end of the market.
After-Sales Support: The Deciding Factor
Two near-identical cabins can feel worlds apart when something goes wrong. Compare:
- Response times & contact method: Phone + email + business hours published.
- Warranty clarity: Cabin/heater/control panel terms in writing (many brands cite ~5–10 years on cabins/heaters; electronics are often shorter).
- Spare parts in Australia: Availability and ETA.
- Installer network: Do they recommend qualified sparkies/builders, or offer in-house install?
- Guides & troubleshooting: Access to manuals, wiring diagrams (where appropriate), and maintenance tips.
Brand snapshots on support
- Shym Saunas: Dedicated support team with AU/NZ shipping; responsive during install and post-purchase.
- Southern Cross: Deep, end-to-end guidance from design through maintenance—great for custom projects.
- Northern Star: Clear assembly instructions and safety notes with replacement parts available.
- Alpine Spas: Showroom network and local service teams simplify warranty queries and troubleshooting.
Buyer’s Checklist (Print This)
1) Location & Power
- Indoor vs outdoor? (Covers, bases, drainage, exposure to coastal air.)
- Electrical requirements:
- Infrared: often standard circuits.
- Traditional electric: may need a dedicated higher-amp circuit.
- Wood-fired: clearances, flue, local regs.
- Infrared: often standard circuits.
- Ventilation and ceiling height (particularly for traditional heat).
2) Heat & Use Case
- Prefer high-temp sweat (traditional) or lower-temp, longer sessions (infrared)?
- Single user, couple, or family? (Bench depth and height matter.)
- Recovery vs social space? (Think backrests, lighting, exterior view windows.)
3) Build & Materials
- Timber species and grading; interior finish (low-VOC).
- Glass thickness; door hardware; bench supports.
- Insulation, vapour barrier, and panel fit.
4) Warranty & Service
- Written terms, Australian contact, installer recommendations.
- What’s excluded (outdoor use without a cover, misuse, unlicensed electrical work)?
- Return/DOA policy timelines.
5) Total Cost of Ownership
- Delivery, crane access (if needed), base or slab, electrical works, covers, accessories (backrests, headrests, lighting, cold plunge).
- Running costs: heater efficiency, warm-up time, insulation.
Quick FAQs
Traditional or infrared—how do I choose?
Traditional gives higher ambient temps and classic steam (löyly) when water hits rocks—great for shorter, intense sessions and social sweat rituals. Infrared heats the body more directly at lower cabin temps—good for longer, quieter sessions and compact indoor installs.
Is outdoor worth it?
Yes—if you love the ritual and the look. Budget for a proper base, cover, and electrical run, and confirm warranty terms for outdoor placement.
How big should I go?
Two-person cabins are cosy; 3–4 person models give real legroom and social comfort. Check bench height and door swing for your space.
What about installation?
Flat-pack kits are common. A competent DIYer can assemble many cabins, but electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. For custom builds, lean on brands with project coordination.
Conclusion
Australia’s sauna market spans everything from bespoke timber builds to value-friendly kits. Brands like Shym Saunas, Southern Cross, Northern Star, Alpine Spas, and The Sauna Company each have strengths—whether that’s outdoor design, custom craftsmanship, education for first-timers, broad product choice, or specialist installation.
If you focus on timber quality, heater tech, insulation, safety, and after-sales support—and plan realistically for installation—you’ll end up with a sauna that delivers years of heat, recovery, and calm.
