Else Bathhouse is a communal bathing space set across three levels within a heritage building in South Melbourne. Else is not a day spa, recovery centre, longevity clinic, wellness club, or rural retreat. Instead, it is inspired by the traditions of ancient communal bathing — offering a shared, inclusive environment where relaxation and personal wellbeing take precedence.
Else Bathhouse is open daily from 7am to 10 pm.
Else Mornings: 7am – 12pm (Quiet Bathing)
Else Early Birds: 6:30 am – 8:30 am Tuesdays
Closed Christmas Day.
Hours are updated on Google.
A 2hr Bathing session includes 95-minute pool access.
For cancellations or booking changes, please contact: bookings@elsebathhouse.com
For general enquiries: hello@elsebathhouse.com
234 Bank Street
South Melbourne VIC 3205
Several carparks are located conveniently near the bathhouse.
Entry via Coventry Street. Approximately 5 minute walk.
Capacity: 270 spaces, including 6 accessible spaces and EV Charging stations.
Open 5am - 10:30 pm daily.
Weekdays: ~$11/day;
Market days: ~$40/day, 2 hrs free parking (Wed, Fri and before 10am Sat, Sun)
More information
Distance: Approximately 5 minutes’ walk
Capacity: 75 spaces
Rates: 2 hours free parking on all days
Bank Street, Ferrars Street, Cecil Street, Park Street
Rates: All-day parking approximately $8.30/day; check signage for restrictions
Note: Spaces are limited and may be in high demand during peak hours
Pre-book Parking
Secure your spot with Parkhound or Parking Made Easy.
EV Friendly
Rooftop car park at South Melbourne Market has EV chargers.
Arrive early
Especially on weekends (Before 10am) or market days, to avoid traffic and parking stress.
Else Bathhouse is conveniently located near South Melbourne Market, and is accessible by both bus and tram.
Bus Routes 234 and 246 will drop you within a 5-minute walk of Else Bathhouse.
Additionally, City of Port Phillip provides a free hop-on/hop-off community bus service from Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 3pm (excluding public holidays).
Else Bathhouse is serviced by Routes 1, 12, 96, and 109 – an easy journey from St Kilda or the CBD.
To plan your pilgrimage, head to PTV's Journey Planner.
Bicycle routes run along Cecil Street and nearby Moray St with access to Melbourne CBD, Albert Park, Middle Park, St Kilda and beyond including the Bay trail.
Bike parking is available at South Melbourne Market.
From South Melbourne Market:
A 5–7-minute walk along Bank Street, Ferrars Street, or Cecil Street.
We recommend arriving 20 minutes prior to your session to allow for check-in.
Each two-hour session has 95-minute pool access.
Most of the bathhouse facilities are undercover.
In extreme weather conditions, Sky Bathing may be closed or limited for safety reasons.
Else Bathhouse accommodates up to 60 guests per session.
Guests must be 14 years old or older to use the bathhouse. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.
The bathhouse is not suitable for pregnant people.
All guests are paying guests.
Lift access is available via Ground Floor reception.
Guests with mobility requirements are encouraged to advise us at the time of booking. One accessible toilet and an ambulant toilet are available on site.
If you have a medical condition, we recommend consulting your health professional prior to visiting before booking.
Else Bathhouse is always on the lookout for passionate new team members.
For employment enquiries, please contact hello@elsebathhouse.com with your application letter and CV.
Amenities and changing facilities are all gender, and all spaces are communal.
Bring your own swimwear and you may like to bring a book or notepad as else Bathhouse is a tech free environment.
The bathhouse facilities include changing facilities, mirror stations, showers, and lockers.
Towels are supplied.
Robes are available for hire and also available for purchase at the checkout and reception.
Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and moisturizer are complimentary for bathhouse use.
Hair dryers and swimwear dryer are available for use.
Refreshment stations provide sparkling water, a range of teas, light snacks, and drinks available for purchase. Only food and drink purchased at else are permitted.
Else Bathhouse products are available for purchase at reception on the ground floor or online.
Postage rates for instore purchase;
Standard shipping $10 3-4 working days
Express $15 1-2 days
WA standard 6-8 express 4-6 days
For returns, please return the item to else Bathhouse in brand new, unused, unopened and resalable condition within 14 days of purchase along with your proof of purchase.
To find your Else, make a booking.
Bookings can be made online, at the reception in person, or on the phone.
Payment is required in full at the time of booking.
Else Bathhouse is a cashless facility.
A 1.2% surcharge applies to credit card payments.
Up to three guests may be booked per session.
Split payments are not available.
Advance bookings are recommended, particularly during weekends and evening sessions.
Additional items may be selected during booking or upon arrival.
Robes ($15), slippers ($10), and Else mud glow packs ($35).
A confirmation email will be issued once your booking is complete.
Of course! If you have a gift voucher or bathing pack, please book through our online booking system and add your voucher code to your booking at the checkout.
Group bookings are limited to three guests per session intentionally, to preserve the bathing experience. Split payments are not available. Existing group bookings cannot be altered. To make changes, cancel your booking and place a new one. For larger groups or private bookings, please contact booking@elsebathhouse.com
Payment is required at the time of booking. A 10% surcharge applies on Sundays.
A 15% surcharge applies on public holidays. Concession rates are available for valid Government Healthcare Card holders.
Bookings can be managed via your confirmation email, your My Else account, or by contacting bookings@elsebathhouse.com.
Bookings may be cancelled up to 48 hours prior to the session start time via your confirmation email or My Else account.
Changes made within 48 hours of your booking will result in full payment. Changes outside this window are fully refundable.
Approved refunds are returned to the original payment method. Bathing packs or passes will be automatically reinstated where applicable. Gift cards and bathing passes are non-refundable. Reminder emails will be issued 72 hrs. before check-in.
Else offers physical and digital cards for gift cards as well as weekday and weekend bathing passes.
Gift cards are valid for three years and may be used across multiple visits until the balance is exhausted.
Gift cards and Bathing passes are non-refundable.
Gift cards are redeemable in our house of else retail space.
Weekday/end Bathing passes are valid for 12 months and only for the nominated person on the card.
For group or corporate purchases, please contact bookings@elsebathhouse.com
