The delight of a bathhouse is no secret to Australians, but this Byron Bay offering is the first medical-grade option in the country.
From Queensland’s Wellness Way to the Great Victorian Bathing Trail, Australians already know the love of a relaxing and rejuvenating bathhouse visit. But the country’s first medical-grade hydrothermal wellness bathhouse has been hiding in plain sight in Byron Bay since October 2024: The Byron Bathhouse.
Developed by Reine Dubois, founder of The Health Lodge which sits next door, the goal was to create a facility that offers genuine health benefits from a naturopathic perspective. This is a welcome advance in bathing, considering that in 2025, the wellness trend has moved beyond relaxation to science-backed, evidence-based offerings that mark a real change to health and wellbeing.
The Byron Bathhouse offers bathing without chlorine (so it’s better for your skin) and personalised treatment plans and protocols designed to individually specific health concerns and help guests meet their health goals.
Chlorine-free bathing is just the start of the health offering. (Image: Jess Kearney)
In a press release, Dubois stated the bathhouse was built “with our community in mind."
“We wanted to create a space where wellness is prioritised without compromise. We have eliminated harmful chemicals and introduced state-of-the-art water therapy methods to offer an experience that enhances both comfort and health. Our goal is to support the community’s long-term health goals by offering a safe and sustainable alternative to traditional wellness practices".
The recently opened Byron Bathhouse is the perfect addition to a relaxing holiday in the region. (Image: Jess Kearney)
Head in for a 90-minute bathhouse experience ($88) or book a massage (from $170) – preferably both. Continue your health journey with a take-home detox package with vegan, organic juices, smoothies, salads and soups.
If you’re really looking for a health reset, The Byron Bathhouse works with The Health Lodge to offer ‘All Inclusive’ Wellness Stay with organic meals, access to the bathhouse and optional health-focused add-ons like IV therapy.
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Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
An untapped side to this popular holiday spot is hiding in plain sight.
Laid-back Lake Macquarie draws in holidaygoers and day trippers with its casual coastal allure and raw beauty. But even though it’s just 90 minutes from Sydney, most visitors have only scratched the surface of what this region has to offer.
Foodie hotspots, quaint towns, tranquil waterways and compelling art are all waiting to be discovered. You just need to know where to find them.
1. Most visitors don’t make it to the western side
Explore beyond the western side. (Credit: Beau Pilgrim)
While there’s no harm in walking the well-worn path in this idyllic pocket of the world, the area west of Lake Macquarie is defined by stretches of ancient rainforests and quaint towns with a more local feel. Toronto is the largest town on this side and features a golf course and sailing clubs, while peninsula-based Wangi Wangi is fantastic for bushwalking and swimming.
2. There’s a booming arts scene
Discover the Museum of Art and Culture, YAPANG.
Lake Macquarie is a must-visit destination for creatives. Discover the Museum of Art and Culture, YAPANG; this modern gallery is set on a five-hectare sculpture park and showcases a free rotating program of exhibitions and events, with a strong focus on contemporary Aboriginal art. In Wangi Wangi, explore the Wangi Owl Trail, which includes Dobell House, the preserved home of prolific artist Sir William Dobell. And enjoy live music every Saturday evening at the recently renovated Toronto Hotel.
3. It’s a nature lover’s paradise
In and out of the water, find a natural paradise. (Credit: Beau Pilgrim)
Lake Macquarie is a playground for nature lovers. It’s home to Australia’s largest saltwater lake, a 110-square-kilometre haven for swimming, fishing, boating and sunset views. Another oasis is the Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area, a 761-hectare protected reserve with wildflowers, Second World War heritage sites and spectacular views to Pulbah Island. The upgraded Toronto baths, complete with jetty decking and netting, make for a sheltered spot for a refreshing dip, while the Awaba Mountain Bike Park gives adrenaline junkies their fix.
4. The dining scene is unbeatable
Treat yourself to 8 at Trinity.
Gourmands are well looked after in Lake Macquarie. At Emerson’s on the Lake in Toronto, the modern Australian fine dining menu spoils seafood lovers with the freshest ocean produce and stunning lake views. Sitting on Trinity Point’s waterfront, 8 at Trinity is another standout offering, serving Mediterranean fare in an open-air setting. For a more relaxed affair, the microbrewery trail lets craft beer enthusiasts sip on inventive brews from The Yard, Lake Mac Brewing and Bread & Brewery.
5. There are hidden coves and waterways
Get out onto the lake. (Credit: Beau Pilgrim)
There’s no better way to experience Lake Macquarie than directly on its waters, and in doing so you’ll discover a world of hidden coves and secluded waterways. Jump in a kayak for a tour with the friendly team at School of Yak and paddle to Cockle Creek, Awaba Bay, Green Point and Fennel Bay, discovering underwater life along the way. Or go all in and stay the night on one of Lake Macquarie Houseboats’ spacious vessels or hire a BBQ pontoon boat for the day from Lake Macquarie Boat Hire to enjoy a feast in the sunshine while admiring the marine life and picturesque waterscape.
6. It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise
Keep an eye out for local birdlife. (Credit: Walter Coppola)
Twitchers are in for a real treat as hundreds of fascinating bird species such as Australian pelicans, black swans, white-bellied sea-eagles and superb fairy-wrens call this area home. Take a self-guided tour around top spots including Bird Cage Point and Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area (near Morisset) or be guided in a clear-bottom kayak through the waterways with Lake Macquarie Kayak Adventures, observing feathered friends as you go.
7. The lake has islands
Charter a boat to see Lake Macquarie’s islands.
Hop on a private boat, kayak or charter around the lake to discover the plethora of small islands peppered around Lake Macquarie. The largest is Pulbah Island, a 69-hectare nature reserve home to goannas and sugar gliders with secluded beaches. Sandy islands such as Spectacle Island and Pelican Island have a tropical lagoon-like look to them as they sit in the tidal path of Swansea Channel, which filters the sand and creates a pristine environment. Stop by for a dip and a picnic.
