Gone are the wild days of summer, beach hair and late-night sunsets. It’s time to curl up by an open fire, snuggle a warm mug of spiced wine, and hibernate—in style! Winter gives us the time and space to reset, to watch whisps of cloud rise from the crevices of the mountains and rejuvenate. Here’s how we like to do it in Bright & Surrounds.
Nature Saunas
Saunas are so hot right now. At 90 degrees Celsius, they’re a wonderful way to melt muscle tension, improve muscle recovery, detoxify, destress, reduce hypertension and inflammation, and take your hibernation weekend to the next level. Research shows that highly stressed people who regularly use saunas reduce their risk of cardiometabolic disease. Thankfully, we’ve got plenty of saunas to choose from in Bright & Surrounds. The sauna on everyone’s lips at the moment is:
because the locations can be sensational, often with lake or mountain views. Håut Hutt offers a Finnish-style sauna experience in one of its three wood-fired cedar saunas: The Paloma, permanently located in a lovely garden on the Ovens River, Porepunkah; and The Mondo and The Juniper, both roaming nature saunas, one of which is often near Mount Beauty. As the name suggests, the roaming saunas change locations—think, Lake Catani, Mount Buffalo National Park—and can also be booked for special occasions.
Some other great places to heat up:
The Sanctury Sauna and Wellness Centre (Tawonga South)
Sweatfolk (Bright)
Bright Spa (Bright)
The Onsen (Dinner Plain)
For the ultimate luxury, some holiday homes, like the stunning Tatoonie in Myrtleford, have their very own private sauna. Couple that with sensational views and a bottle of wine from down the road at Gapsted Estate and you’ve got the perfect weekend!
Forest Bathing
The ultimate digital detox. Switch off your phone, don a puffer jacket and beanie, and get ready to take it slow. Forest bathing is all about noticing the little things in a natural environment. The way the lichen glows fluro yellow on the pines in winter, or how the golden fungi congregate around the base of the tree; how the currawong follows you as you walk, and spotting the tiniest of winter flowers blooming between blades of grass. In winter, the world around us slows and the trails are noticeably quieter, making it a rewarding time to forest bathe. Forest bathing is not about distance, it’s about immersion, so choose a short walk. One of our riverside trails is perfect. Wander, stop often, sit, and let the sound of running water massage your soul.
Nature trails to Forest Bathe in:
Cherry Walk (Bright)
Tronoh Dredge Hole (Harrietville)
Ladies Bath Falls and Eurobin Falls (Mount Buffalo)
River Walk (Porepunkah)
Gorge Walk (Mount Beauty)
The Mosaic Trail (Myrtleford)
Lake Guy Walk (Bogong Village)
Photo by Brendan Holland
Breathwork
Breathwork has gained a fast following because of its relaxing simplicity and effectiveness. Research shows different breathing techniques can restore the nervous system, release tension, reduce stress and improve sleep, resulting in a calmer and more content you. It’s a lovely way to start your day and, for the ultimate reset, can be combined with a garden sauna at Håut Hutt!
Where to breathe:
Alpine Breath (Bright)
(July 2026)