A new luxe bathhouse opens on the Great Ocean Road

Nothing rejuvenates the soul like a day or stay at a tranquil bathhouse, and Victoria has a new one for you to add to the list.

When thinking of bathhouses in Australia, Victoria certainly comes to mind as a connoisseur of some of the best; think Mornington Peninsula (and the new accommodation at Peninsula Hot Springs). And the good news is there’s a brand-new destination to add to your list.

Find peace in this seaside town.

About Time Bathhouse has levelled up the wellness offerings in Torquay, a seaside town at the eastern end of the Great Ocean Road coastal drive (as if the bathhouse alone wasn’t idyllic enough). The brainchild of two cult wellness services – Little Company and STILL Beauty – the idea of About Time began in 2020. But it wasn’t until Torquay local and Carlton footballer, Ed Curnow, became involved that the whole thing took shape.

Fast forward to December 2024, and the brutalist, architecturally designed space became the first bathhouse of its kind on the Surf Coast and Greater Geelong Region.

Relax in hot or cold spaces.

Created to redefine the bathing experience with a modern retreat that blends indulgence and rejuvenation, About Time sits on 1000 square metres of land. Find indoor and outdoor hot magnesium pools for reducing muscle pain and inflammation, invigorating cold plunges and ice baths to improve circulation, and a full suite of saunas. Whether you prefer a traditional, steam or infrared sauna, you’ll find an option here.

Either take a dip in the social bathing area or upgrade to the bathhouses’ secluded space, exclusively designed for private gatherings of two to eight people.

Choose your favourite sauna.

If, like me, your bathhouse experience can only be improved by a soothing massage, then be sure to peruse the list of signature massage treatments and bespoke holistic skin therapies. The list has been curated from treatments that have long been loved by clients of Little Company and Still Beauty. Eight treatment rooms stand ready for guests, as well as a wet room for body scrubs and muds.

Join communal spaces or book your own.

After stopping in at About Time, experience the equally soothing and beautiful Great Victorian Bathing Trail, or discover our guide to the best mineral springs and spas in Daylesford. Or, head further afield and plan a road trip along Queensland’s Wellness Way.