Australian Traveller (Q Station Solstice)
Sydney's sauna pop-up is the ultimate winter solstice celebration
Make the shortest day of the year the most memorable.
The rather abrupt arrival of winter in Sydney this year, brought on by a polar air mass from the south, has forced us to embrace the cold – whether we like it or not. But rather than hiding indoors, Q Station in Manly is luring Sydneysiders outside with a special pop-up sauna experience to celebrate the upcoming winter solstice.
What is the winter solstice?
The winter solstice signifies the shortest day of the year. In Australia, it occurs when the southern hemisphere is tilted furthest from the sun on the Earth’s axis, resulting in the least amount of daylight hours. This year, the winter solstice falls on 21 June.
For lovers of winter, it’s the perfect excuse to revel in the season’s magic; crisp air, cosy activities and cool nights. Prefer summer? The day also marks the start of Earth’s slow rotation back towards the light (and warmth). So no matter what weather you favour, there’s cause for celebration.
How is Q Station celebrating?
Q Station in Manly is inviting you to make the most of the shortest day of the year with its Winter Solstice celebrations. It’s all relaxation and rejuvenation, with everything from yoga sessions and ice baths to dinner buffets and glögg (Nordic mulled wine) to soothe those winter blues.
But the day’s main drawcard is a luxurious pop-up sauna, courtesy of Cedar & Salt. Perched on the wharf, it’s the perfect place for a bit of R&R. Watch ferries pass by on Sydney Harbour as you cleanse your body, mind and soul in the Finnish steam room on wheels.
The rise of wellness travel has seen self-care-based experiences pop up across the country, from Tasmania’s swoon-worthy sauna trail to hotels dedicated to healing. But for some, finding the time (and money) to book them is a different story. Q Station’s pop-up sauna is a happy medium – an indulgent wellness experience just a stone’s throw from Sydney’s CBD, with prices starting at just $45 per person.
But that’s not all. After sweating it out in the sauna, nourish your body with lunch at onsite restaurant, Boilerhouse. Or join a yoga class backed by a live DJ set. Maybe you’d rather a soothing sound healing session? Or brave an ice bath before warming up with a Scandinavian buffet. Q Station is squeezing it all into just one day – the shortest of the year, at that!
While many time slots on 21 June have already been booked, there are still a handful available at midday, 1 pm and 3 pm. If you miss out, fear not. Q Station will be running sauna sessions until the end of August. To maximise accessibility, sauna experiences are communal, but group reservations can be booked.
What else is on this winter?
Don’t confine your seasonal celebrations to a single day – Q Station certainly isn’t! The party continues at Rise Manly, the Sydney venue’s very own winter festival. Unfolding across 10 days from 20–29 June, guests can enjoy history tours, dining experiences, guided nature walks and, of course, sauna sessions. Not in Sydney? No stress! There are plenty of exciting winter festivals happening all over the country, so nobody has to miss out.
Written By: Taylah Darnell
Link: https://www.australiantraveller.com/nsw/sydney/winter-solstice-sydney/
