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A new bathhouse is transforming the historic heart of South Melbourne

Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
A new sanctuary is set to open in the heart of South Melbourne in April 2026. 

Australians are realising the restorative value of time spent in a good bathhouse. With more and more popping up around major cities, we’re becoming spoiled for choice – but I, for one, intend to get to as many as possible. The next on my list? else BATHHOUSE.

Set to open in Emerald Hill, the historic heart of South Melbourne, by April next year, else BATHHOUSE is intended to take the idea of a spa or a retreat to the next level. Think: a modern bathhouse rooted in ancient traditions, where slowing down and embracing stillness is key.

else BATHHOUSE vitality pool
Step into modern luxuries and heritage surrounds.

“else is about presence, it’s about slowing down and stepping away from the noise of everyday life," said Paul Absalom, else BATHHOUSE Founder. “We wanted to offer something that would help people unwind and take care of themselves, a peaceful space woven into the rhythm of local life. Bringing else to South Melbourne felt natural."

And they started with transforming a heritage-listed space that was once home to wool trading and later Croft’s Grocery Empire. While maintaining the building’s original character, architects and designers have reimagined the space across three levels. Plenty of natural light shines on exposed brick, original early 1900s murals, timber beams, a heritage lift shaft and wool bale pulleys. The intention is to make the building itself part of the ritual and preserve the space as a living reminder of Melbourne’s past.

else BATHHOUSE rooftop pool
Soak in the city skyline from the rooftop pool.

Guests can step inside to a series of curated experiences that draw inspiration from Roman thermae, Japanese onsen, Moroccan hammams and more. Find thermal baths, cold plunges, saunas, mud and steam rooms, an alpine cabin, tranquil lounges and Sky Bathing. The latter can be experienced in rooftop pools with sweeping views of the city. Uniquely, signature Aufguss rituals (a German sauna ritual during which a sauna master pours water infused with essential oils over hot stones) anchor the experience and draw on centuries of global bathing traditions.

South Melbourne will be the first of several else BATHHOUSE destinations, with a second space to open in Bright (Victoria’s High Country) and plans underway for additional Melbourne sites.

Can’t wait for April? Fill in the time between then and now with our pick of the top six Melbourne bathhouses.

Kassia Byrnes
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.
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This hidden region in Victoria is home to a peaceful lake trail

    Craig TansleyBy Craig Tansley
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    Video credit: Tourism Australia

    From pink salt landscapes to oases fringed by forests of red gums, the lakes of this rural region are astounding. 

    You’re going to find peace and quiet when you take a road trip through the lakes of the Wimmera Mallee region. Whether it’s mirror-like pink salt lakes that look like an inland sea, or lakes fringed by forests of red gums that showcase Victoria’s arid beauty, there’s a lake for you out here somewhere.  

    1. Lake Tyrrell  

    Lake Tyrrell
    The colours of Lake Tyrrell blend into the sky. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Located in the dead heart of the Mallee, Victoria’s largest salt lake, Lake Tyrrell , is a landscape photographer’s dream – especially at sunrise and sunset when the pink salt flats look like a gigantic mirror. It’s easy to camp or park a caravan nearby, too, though the tiny town of Sea Lake is just south (with accommodation). In winter, shallow water covers the salt, creating surreal reflections of the sky.  

    2. Nhill Lake  

    There’s a permanent water source here, so there’s always plenty of water for water skiing, swimming and fishing (the trout and redfin fishing here is legendary). Located beside the pretty heritage town of Nhill with its main street of historic buildings, there’s options for eating and drinking right next door. There’s also a barbecue area with plenty of shady picnic spots and a boardwalk for walking around the lake.  

    3. Lake Bringalbert  

    Lake Bringalert
    Lake Bringalert is a great spot for aquatic adventures.

    Located south-west of the pretty Mallee town of Kaniva, Lake Bringalbert epitomises the best of ‘outback’ Victoria. It’s ringed by red gums and red mallee and feels completely hidden from the world – you’ll barely ever see another person. There’s basic camping on its foreshore and Kaniva offers more accommodation options. It’s the perfect lake for swimming, kayaking and skiing, and the stars at night come without even a hint of city glow.  

    4. Lake Hindmarsh 

    If you’re a bird fan, you’ll love Lake Hindmarsh . Located north of Dimboola, Victoria’s largest natural freshwater lake is like an inland sea full of pelicans, swans and numerous species of ducks – but it also teems with everything from spoonbills to parrots. Sunsets here will blow your mind – the lake is a mirror for the pinks and golds you’ll see on the horizon. There’s free camping spots along the foreshore if you’d like to really contemplate the magic of the lake.  

    5. Pink Lake 

    pink lake
    The Pink Lake is most vivid after rain. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Also known as Loch Lel , the summer months offer up some seriously vivid pink water colour at this lake north of Dimboola. The pink varies throughout the year, but is best after rain (hence why summer is the time to visit).

    pink lake
    Pink Lake, also known as Loch Lel, is located near Dimboola in the Grampians. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    There’s plenty of birds, including wedge-tailed eagles, but you’re as likely to spot big lace monitors, kangaroos and echidnas. Nearby, check out the uber-cute heritage town of Dimboola and its eclectic shops, and Little Desert National Park, full of walking trails through mallee heathland. 

    6. Lake Lascelles 

    Lake Lascelles
    You can camp at Lake Lascelles.

    On a hot summer’s day, there’s nowhere better for a cooling dip, kayak or boat ride. You can camp by the lake , or at powered caravan sites – or the pretty town of Hopetoun offers numerous accommodation options a short walk away. At night you’ll see the lights of Hopetoun reflect off the lake. Fish for yellow belly, redfin or catfish, or try water-skiing. There’s also a great walking trail around the lake, where there’s more birds than you can count.