Sydney’s buzziest new bathhouse just opened – here’s what it’s like

Emily Murphy Emily Murphy
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From magnesium pools to infrared therapy, the city’s self-care scene has never looked steamier.

Over the past few years, Sydney has experienced a significant resurgence in bathhouse culture, blending ancient traditions with contemporary wellness practices.

Soak Bathhouse Alexandria is Sydney’s newest bathhouse. Here's your first look at the gorgeous new space.

 

And tucked inside the glossy new $230 million Bourke & Bowden development just four kilometres from the CBD is the latest addition: Soak Bathhouse Alexandria – the city’s hottest new wellness escape (literally – the spas are 38°C).

Soak Bathhouse in Alexandria
Soak Bathhouse is Sydney’s hottest new spot. (Image: Emily Murphy)

I visited on a crisp autumn morning – the kind of morning where the air bites just enough to make slipping into a hot spa feel like a reward. The space is beautiful. Natural light streams in through soaring windows, bouncing off warm timber and stone. It’s a calming, high-design environment with a clear purpose: get in, unwind and let the world wait.

Soak Bathhouse Alexandria is one of the brand’s largest spaces yet, clocking in at 700 square metres. Facilities include magnesium-rich mineral pools (34°C), hot spas (38°C), a 12.5°C cold plunge, a dry cedarwood sauna and a steam room.

Soak Bathhouse in Alexandria
Rotate between the pools, the sauna and the steam room. Image: Emily Murphy)

Unlike traditional spas that focus on silence or social bathhouses that encourage chatter, this one hits a sweet spot. It’s peaceful. Guests are respectful. There’s no pressure to talk or to isolate – it’s just about doing your own thing in your own time.

If you want to elevate your soak, you can book a massage, infrared sauna or LED red light therapy as either an add-on or standalone treatment.

Soak Bathhouse in Alexandria
Relax on your terms at Soak Bathhouse. (Image: Emily Murphy)

As CEO and co-founder, Alexis Dean puts it: “At a time when Australians are more stressed and burnt out than ever, we’re deeply committed to giving people the chance to step away from the pressures of daily life and enjoy a much-needed moment of pure relaxation."

And I can confirm, after just 60 minutes there, I felt like someone had hit reset on my whole nervous system.

Soak Bathhouse in Alexandria
Hit refresh on your nervous system. (Image: Emily Murphy)

Getting there is easy – it’s a short walk from Green Square station, with The Grounds of Alexandria nearby if you fancy brunch after your bath. There’s also onsite parking with the first hour free.

Sessions start at $39, with memberships offering serious value.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her 4+ years at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? South Australia and The Kimberley.
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7 Lake Macquarie secrets the locals don’t want you to know

Credit: Beau Pilgrim

    Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
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    An untapped side to this popular holiday spot is hiding in plain sight.

    Laidback 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

    Museum of Art and Culture, YAPANG
    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

    three people swimming in lake macquarie
    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

    8 at Trinity lake macquarie
    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

    kayakers on lake macquarie local secrets
    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

    ll blue wren sitting on a tree branch
    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

    sail lake macquarie
    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.

    Start living like the locals at visitlakemac.com.au.