Tiny sauna fires up in Wollongong
A cedarwood sauna on wheels could be this winter's hottest attraction as the Bondfire founders introduce a European tradition to the Illawarra
After travelling through Europe, a Bulli couple are stoked to share a Finnish tradition that's become popular at coastal resorts across the continent: the mobile wood-fired sauna.
"Bondfire was created to offer something we felt was missing in the Illawarra: a space where people can slow down, connect, and experience the benefits of sauna in a more communal, accessible way," says Ida-Mae Penning, who launched Bondfire Sauna with her partner, Grant Ferry, three months ago.
"While living abroad, we were lucky enough to experience the diverse sauna culture across the UK, Europe, and Asia. We fell in love with these unique social spaces that brought people together.
"Saunas weren’t luxury add-ons or one-off wellness experiences; they were part of everyday life. We’d often go to the sauna, on Saturday mornings with friends; it was the best way to start the weekend."
When the couple returned to the Illawarra, they missed their weekend ritual and decided to build their own sauna on wheels. Bondfire is a cosy labour of love that fits eight people and was custom-built from the trailer up, complete with cedarwood walls and benches, a wood fire and chimney.
While Grant and family did a lot of the construction work, Ida is a social worker whose talent is connecting with people. One of her favourite ways to unwind – other than a sauna – is by ordering a coffee and a pastry ("I’m a sucker for an almond croissant") and heading to the beach with family and friends.
"My favourite spot has to be the Bulli Boat Sheds, it’s hard to beat," she says.
"I was born and raised in Bulli, though for the past three years I’ve been living and travelling abroad. I love to travel and experience new things, but nothing quite compares to home. There’s such a strong sense of community here, and it truly is a beautiful part of the world."
The young entrepreneurs had teething troubles in seeking approvals for the Illawarra's first mobile sauna to roll up at beaches and events. While tiny houses are common, there's no rulebook for tiny saunas. Spreading the word has been another challenge – although with chilly mornings ahead, it's likely to catch on with everyone from day trippers to winter swimmers, and give the city a boost in the tourism off-season.
"The experience itself resonates with people," Ida says. "The challenge is getting them through the door for the first time, and then making it easy for them to return regularly.
"Sauna culture has existed around the world for generations, but here in Australia it’s still relatively new, especially the idea of a public sauna as a space for connection. We’re still finding our rhythm and helping people understand what it can be."
Ida and Grant were inspired by European saunas they visited.
Bondfire Sauna is based at Bulli's Timbermill Studios and generally open from Friday to Sunday. It's also popping up at local events. "On the 3rd of May, we are running a fundraiser at Woonona Beach with the Woonona Boardriders to raise money following a recent arson attack on their trailer," Ida says.
The couple believe now is the time to build belonging and foster positive connections at the grassroots. "The world is busy and uncertain, and now more than ever, community matters," Ida says.
"Every weekend we meet someone new who tries Bondfire for the first time – and then they come back, bring a friend, or strike up a conversation with a stranger in the sauna. What we’re creating goes beyond just a sauna experience. It’s a space for people to genuinely connect and truly relax."
To get in touch, email contact@bondfiresauna.com or 0400 446 213. Follow @bondfire.sauna
Bondfire Sauna is based at the Timbermill Studios at Bulli
