Drift Saunas introduces a new chapter in Perth’s wellness landscape – the state’s first floating sauna, moored on the Swan River. A collaboration between four friends, including co-founder Adam and builder Dan from Seabreeze Building Co, Drift Saunas was born from a desire to bring sauna culture into harmony with Perth’s riverside lifestyle.
The concept is simple yet transformative: step into the warmth of the sauna, then plunge into the cool, flowing waters of the river. Set against sunrises, sunsets, and the occasional passing dolphin, it offers an experience that feels both restorative and distinctly West Australian.
Drift Saunas Are Redefining Wellness on the Swan River
What sets Drift Saunas apart is not just the novelty of its floating design and riverside setting, but the holistic wellness experience it offers. Alternating between heat and cold immersion, guests encounter a powerful rhythm of contrast that promotes recovery, relaxation, and mental clarity.
Adam explains, “We want people to feel a mix of wellness and escape. Whether you’ve had a busy week at work, you’re looking to switch off from the noise of everyday life, or you just want to do something unique with friends, Drift is designed to give that balance of heat, cold, and stillness on the water. It’s about slowing down, reconnecting with yourself, and sharing the experience with your community.”
Designing a Floating Space for Performance and Place
Bringing the vision to life came with no shortage of challenges.
The team collaborated closely with the Swan Yacht Club, local council, and state authorities to meet strict environmental, safety, and planning requirements. On top of that, they navigated complex engineering hurdles to ensure the sauna would float safely, withstand exposure to heat, water, and heavy foot traffic, and deliver lasting structural integrity and comfort.
Decking with Safety & Durability In Mind
When it came to the decking, durability and safety were critical. The team needed a material that could withstand water exposure, high traffic, and minimal maintenance demands, without compromising on design.
“We started by researching a range of materials known for their durability,” says Dan. “NewTechWood’s commercial-grade composite decking kept coming up as a top contender. It ticked all the boxes.”
What stood out most was NewTechWood’s 360 capping technology, making the boards resistant to stains, scratches, and fading. “The low-maintenance aspect was a huge selling point,” Dan explains. “We don’t have to worry about regular sanding, sealing, or painting, which is a massive operational advantage. We considered traditional timber, but the upkeep would’ve been a major drawback for a commercial project. Some other composite brands we looked at only capped the top surface, which left them more vulnerable to moisture damage over time”
Equally important was the aesthetic. “The Antique colour gave us the exact natural, weathered timber look we wanted, but with the performance of a composite,” he adds.
A Wellness Experience Embraced by the Community
Early visitors have embraced the concept wholeheartedly, making it part of their wellness routines and celebrating its role in community building in a uniquely Perth setting.
“The feedback has been truly mind-blowing and honestly, overwhelming in the best way,” says Adam. “From the start we wanted to create a real “Drift” vibe and sense of community, and it’s been incredible to already see that happening – people down there smiling, laughing, connecting, and making it part of their routine. We’ve had people travel from far and wide just to experience it, and to have them walk away saying it’s the best sauna experience they’ve had in Perth is humbling. It makes all the effort worthwhile and reinforces why we built Drift in the first place.”
Drift Saunas’ Vision for the Future
Drift’s founders envision the floating sauna becoming a staple of Perth’s lifestyle, while also attracting wellness enthusiasts from across Australia. Looking ahead, they hope to expand into other iconic WA locations, always staying true to their values of sustainability, community, and connection to nature.
How NewTechWood Helps Craft Spaces That Endure
Drift Saunas’ success demonstrates the value of pairing innovative concepts with thoughtful material selection. NewTechWood’s decking played an important role – combining durability, aesthetics, and low maintenance to enhance both safety and design.
Dan concludes, “Without hesitation, I would 100% recommend NewTechWood to anyone working on a commercial or residential project. The combination of durability, low maintenance, and high-end aesthetics is hard to beat. It’s a product that delivers on its promises and gives you peace of mind knowing that it’s built to last. For anyone looking for a decking solution that looks fantastic and will stand the test of time, NewTechWood is a fantastic investment. We’ll definitely be using it again in future projects.”
NewTechWood continues to evolve its range, with Terrace decking now featuring a dual finish; the classic timber on one side and commercial-grade on the other, making it a versatile choice for both residential and commercial projects.
