A mobile sauna could soon be parked near Cataract Gorge after a Tasmanian wellness business lodged a development application with the Launceston City Council.
Sweaty Penguins is proposing to install a self-check-in sauna trailer in the Penny Royal Adventure Park car park on Bridge Road.
The business already operates at several Tasmanian locations and offers private 55-minute sessions between 5am and 10pm.
There would be no staff on site, with the entire operation managed remotely using Wi-Fi-enabled heating, lighting and access systems.
“This model is successfully operating … and is designed to integrate seamlessly within the Penny Royal precinct with minimal impact, strong safety controls and clear community benefit,” the company said in its application.
The trailer would measure just under five metres in length and be positioned at the rear of the car park near existing utility sheds.
Sweaty Penguins said the impact on parking would be minimal, with most bookings involving two people arriving in a single vehicle.
“… No additional demand or overflow pressure is expected as a result of the sauna installation,” the application stated.
Plans also include a 500mm backlit sign, which would switch off at 10pm and turn back on at 6am to reduce light impacts.
Access to the facility would be controlled by security cameras and PIN-code entry.
Daily professional cleaning is also part of the plan, with staff hosing down the trailer and sanitising surfaces.
The company said it holds $20 million in public liability insurance and would update its policy to include the Penny Royal site before operations begin.
Sweaty Penguins also pointed to its 4.9-star Google rating and said it had been featured and recommended by Discover Tasmania.
The development application is now on public exhibition, with community members invited to have their say before council makes a decision.
