Moon Dog preparing for winter ‘Sauna Sessions’
Moon Dog Beach Club is turning up the heat this winter by partnering with BitterSweat to bring fully functioning wood-fired sauna to its balcony beer garden.
“As we head into our second winter in Frankston, we wanted to reinvent the space in a way that feels warm, inviting, social, fun and uniquely Moon Dog,”
Guests will be able to enjoy an experience rarely found in Australian pubs, combining a sauna session, an ice bucket drench and a free pot at the bar.
“As we head into our second winter in Frankston, we wanted to reinvent the space in a way that feels warm, inviting, social, fun and uniquely Moon Dog,” said Brook Hornung, Sales and Marketing Director at Moon Dog.
“Launching at the perfect time – the first weekend of winter – we love the idea of combining a traditional sauna experience with the social energy of your local pub. It’s all about bringing people together during the colder months.”
The concept draws inspiration from the Finnish tradition of ‘Saunakalja’, which translates to ‘sauna beer’.
In Finland, sauna culture has long been associated with social connection as well as wellness, a tradition that Moon Dog Beach Club is embracing through the activation. The venue is encouraging guests to gather with friends, relax in the sauna environment and use the experience as a social escape during the colder months.
The sauna experience will initially run on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with guests able to book private sessions for groups of between six and 12 people, while smaller groups can join shared sessions.
The venue will provide changing rooms, towels, storage and an outdoor shower, meaning guests simply need to bring “their togs and a change of clothes”.
After enjoying their sauna session and cool down, guests can enjoy a complimentary pot of select beer, Fizzer Seltzer or a non-alcoholic option, followed by a pizza or classic pub meal.
BitterSweat owner Paul said: “There’s something special about combining the ritual of sauna with the atmosphere of a beachside pub. It’s social, a little unexpected, and exactly the kind of experience people want to share with their mates. We think Frankston is going to absolutely love it.”
The sauna activation officially opens on Saturday, 6 June, and forms part of Moon Dog Beach Club’s broader winter transformation, with heaters, warm drinks and cosy spaces rolling into the venue as temperatures drop.
