else BATHHOUSE entering the historic heart of South Melbourne

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.

From natural wonders to historical sites, we’ve rounded up Victoria’s most epic icons that deserve a place on your itinerary.

Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

From towering mountains to crystal cascades and ancient rock art sites, the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is a playground for both outdoor adventurers and nature lovers. Don’t miss the views from the highest peak Mount William or the iconic Pinnacle.

Murray River

A paddle steamer down the Murray in Echuca — The wonders of the Murray are best experienced on board a paddle steamer. (Image: Visit Victoria)

A natural icon of majestic proportions, the Murray River flows for a staggering 2700 kilometres, making it one of the world’s longest navigable rivers. Meandering through Victoria before flowing out to sea at Goolwa in South Australia, the river is home to diverse wildlife, picturesque towns and secluded creeks and beaches.

Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell

the Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road — The Twelve Apostles are a star attraction on the Great Ocean Road. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

These limestone sea stacks are arguably Victoria’s most famous icon . After an $8-million upgrade to its lookout, The Blowhole near Loch Ard Gorge/Poombeeyt Kontapool (meaning breath of the whale) has recently reopened. A brand-new Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre, complete with rooftop lookout, will open in 2026.

You Yangs, Geelong

kangaroos in You Yangs — Kangaroos enjoy dusk in the You Yangs. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Rising 300-plus metres from the flat volcanic plains between Melbourne/Naarm and Geelong, the You Yangs are massive granite boulders named for the local Wadawurrung word ‘Youang’, meaning ‘big hills’. Hiking, biking, rock climbing and horse-riding are popular within this regional park.

Redwood Forest, Yarra Valley

Near the town of Warburton, an extraordinary forest of some 1500 Californian Redwoods stands among native orchids, eucalypt trees and rich birdlife. Planted in the 1930s, these 55-metre-plus trees can live for 2000 years and will grow to be some of the world’s tallest.

Wilsons Promontory, Gippsland

the Wilsons Promontory — Wilsons Promontory is home to the incredible Skull Rock formation. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The Prom, as it’s known locally, is the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. This 50,000-hectare reserve comprises granite mountains and forest, fringed by sandy beaches and surrounded by a marine park rich in marine biodiversity. It’s also home to the incredible and imposing Skull Rock formation.

Hanging Rock Reserve, Macedon Ranges

This six-million-year-old volcanic rock  was thrown into the national spotlight thanks to the 1967 novel and consequent 1975 film based on the fictional disappearance of schoolgirls in 1901. Mystery aside, visitors can walk the steep 105-metre summit, fish for trout and go twitching.

Sovereign Hill, Ballarat

exploring Sovereign Hill — Step back in time at Sovereign Hill. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Cry ‘eureka!’ at Sovereign Hill , a living museum to the prosperous Gold Rush era of the 1850s, during which Ballarat produced the most gold in the world. Visitors to this much-loved attraction can walk historic  streets, enter a gold mine and try panning for the good stuff, too.

The Great Stupa, Bendigo

Who’d have thought the largest Buddhist temple in the Western world would be tucked away in Bendigo’s bushland? Welcoming visitors to explore, this sacred Buddhist pagoda is an epicentre for Tibetan culture, architecture, art and interfaith harmony.

Cape Schanck Lighthouse, Mornington Peninsula

the Cape Schanck Lighthouse from above — Heritage-listed Cape Schanck Lighthouse. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

Ensuring the safe passage of ships in the notoriously treacherous Bass Strait since 1859, this heritage-listed lighthouse overlooks dramatic volcanic coast and wild beaches. The surrounding reserve is home to a plethora of wildlife including little penguins, seals and echidnas.

A new bathhouse is transforming the historic heart of South Melbourne