From bougie to budget, these are the best bathhouses across Melbourne
IMAGE VIA @albathermalsprings/instagram
WORDS BY DAISY HENRY
Soak it in.
While massages and facials rank fairly highly on the list of life’s luxuries, there’s nothing quite like a bathhouse. The feeling of weightlessness that comes with soaking in a body of water is unmatched, offering a chance to float and release any stress or tension you might be carrying.
From Japan’s onsens to the Roman thermae and Turkish hammams, communal bathing has a long and ancient history. Though originally intended for hygiene, bathhouses have evolved into spaces for socialising, relaxation as well.
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As the year comes racing to an end, so too comes the time to properly exhale and decompress. Whether you’re looking to make the most of your holidays, or looking for gift ideas for the festive season, we’ve put together a curated list of our favourite bathhouses across Victoria.
Sense of Self, Collingwood
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Established in 2020, Sense of Self is a lush and leafy oasis tucked away in Collingwood. Featuring a large, warmed magnesium pool, sauna, cold plunge, steam room and massage studio, it has all the ingredients for unwinding. Embrace the connection that comes with communal bathing and take a moment with a cup of tea in the relaxation lounge. Bathhouse entry starts at $65 and gives you access to two hours in the space.
30-32 Easey Street, Collingwood, Victoria 3066
Comma, Cremorne
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With spaces in Cremorne and Byron Bay, Comma (as the name suggests) is about taking a moment to pause and be still. Move between temperatures and alternate between the mineral hot tub, sauna and pail shower. There is a maximum limit of six people in space, with sessions starting at $75 for 60 minutes.
10-12 Hill Street, Cremorne, Victoria 3121
Aurora Bathhouse, Sorrento
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Based on the Mornington Peninsula, Aurora is a seaside spa and bathhouse connected to the Continental lifestyle precinct. Take part in the 11-step bathing ritual, starting with exfoliation, a warm pool, a steam room, a cold plunge and more. Each session includes access to a towel, slides and locker, starting at $95 for a one-and-a-half-hour allocation.
23 Constitution Hill Road, Sorrento, Victoria, 3943
Alba Thermal Springs and Spa, Fingal
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Alba Thermal Springs and Spa is a wellness escape located on the Mornington Peninsula that draws on the area’s natural hot springs. Indulge in a range of bathing options, including the rain pool and forest pools, with the option of a private rooftop or terrace pool to yourself.
282 Browns Road, Fingal, Victoria 3939
Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa, Hepburn Springs
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First established in 1895, Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa draws on the surrounding natural springs of Hepburn and Daylesford, offering two areas for soaking. The main bathhouse has two heated pools, while the Sanctuary features a magnesium salt bath, spa couches, cold plunge, sauna and steam room. Prices start at $58 for the bathhouse and $120 for Sanctuary bathing.
Mineral Springs Reserve Rd, Hepburn Springs Victoria 3460
Shizuka Ryokan Japanese Wellness Retreat and Bathhouse, Hepburn
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Offering a traditional Japanese experience, Shizuka Ryokan is a spa and guesthouse based in Hepburn. Indulge in a weekend away and learn about traditional Japanese bathing rituals, while enjoying your own time alone in their timber rotenburo (outdoor bath).
7 Lakeside Drive, Hepburn, Victoria 3461
Sóma Bathhouse, Essendon
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Experience the ultimate ‘temperature contrast therapy’ at Sóma Bathhouse in Essendon. Begin with a hot sauna, followed by a cold plunge and finish off with a soak in the bathhouse. Choose between casual communal bathing for $55 or a private bathing option for $70.
15 Rose Street, Essendon VIictoria, 3040
About Time, Torquay
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From the founders of Melbourne and Byron Bay-based facial studio, Little Company, comes About Time. Located in Torquay, the highly-anticipated bathhouse will open its doors on December 26. Unwind with a large magnesium pool, cold plunge, sauna and steam room and enjoy the best of Little Company’s facial and massage menu. Bookings are now open, with prices starting at $41 for 45 minutes of weekday bathing.
27 Baines Crescent, Torquay, Victoria 3227
Soak Bathhouse, South Yarra (coming in 2025)
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Soak bathhouse is coming to South Yarra in 2025. The space will be transformed into an oasis, tucked away from the business of Chapel Street featuring a large mineral pool, dry cedarwood saunas, steam rooms and a cold plunge. Plus, enjoy additional add-ons including LED treatments and massages.
10 River Street, South Yarra, Victoria, 3141
Learn more about the benefits of communal bathing here.
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