Eleven of the best bathhouses in and around Melbourne
IMAGE VIA @dualipa/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 and relaxation as well.
For more perspectives on wellness, head on over to our Health section.
As the year comes racing to an end, so too comes the time to properly exhale and decompress. Whether you’re looking to defrost from the cold or looking for gift ideas for an upcoming occasion, 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
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
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. Plus, it comes Dua Lipa approved.
282 Browns Road, Fingal
EQ Wellbeing, South Melbourne
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Tucked away in South Melbourne, EQ Wellbeing is a modern wellness sanctuary designed to let your nervous system breathe. Its philosophy is built around restoration and rebuilding, and features a 38-degree mineral spa. Sessions start at $59 for a 60-minute reset, where you can move between the mineral spa, steam, sauna and cold plunge at your own pace.
22 Kings Place, South Melbourne
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
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
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 space features a large magnesium pool, cold plunge, sauna and steam room. Bookings are now open, with prices starting at $41 for 45 minutes of weekday bathing.
27 Baines Crescent, Torquay
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
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
Soak Bathhouse, South Yarra
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Soak Bathhouse is a newly opened bathhouse in South Yarra. The space is tucked away from the hustle of Chapel Street and features 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
Peninsula Hot Springs, Fingal
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Though not necessarily a bathhouse, the Peninsula Hotsprings’ maze of natural geothermal mineral springs is the perfect place to soak. Surrounded by natural landscapes, there are 50 pools to move between, each with varying temperatures. Sessions start at $60, with private bathing, dining and spa treatments available as well.
140 Springs Lane, Fingal
Learn more about the benefits of communal bathing here.
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