Australia’s first medical-grade bathhouse has been hiding in Byron Bay

By Kassia Byrnes
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The delight of a bathhouse is no secret to Australians, but this Byron Bay offering is the first medical-grade option in the country.

From Queensland’s Wellness Way to the Great Victorian Bathing Trail, Australians already know the love of a relaxing and rejuvenating bathhouse visit. But the country’s first medical-grade hydrothermal wellness bathhouse has been hiding in plain sight in Byron Bay since October 2024: The Byron Bathhouse.

Developed by Reine Dubois, founder of The Health Lodge which sits next door, the goal was to create a facility that offers genuine health benefits from a naturopathic perspective. This is a welcome advance in bathing, considering that in 2025, the wellness trend has moved beyond relaxation to science-backed, evidence-based offerings that mark a real change to health and wellbeing.

The Byron Bathhouse offers bathing without chlorine (so it’s better for your skin) and personalised treatment plans and protocols designed to individually specific health concerns and help guests meet their health goals.

A woman baths at The Byron Bathhouse

Chlorine-free bathing is just the start of the health offering. (Image: Jess Kearney)

In a press release, Dubois stated the bathhouse was built “with our community in mind."

“We wanted to create a space where wellness is prioritised without compromise. We have eliminated harmful chemicals and introduced state-of-the-art water therapy methods to offer an experience that enhances both comfort and health. Our goal is to support the community’s long-term health goals by offering a safe and sustainable alternative to traditional wellness practices".

A woman relaxes alongside the baths at Byron Bay Bathhouse

The recently opened Byron Bathhouse is the perfect addition to a relaxing holiday in the region. (Image: Jess Kearney)

Head in for a 90-minute bathhouse experience ($88) or book a massage (from $170) – preferably both. Continue your health journey with a take-home detox package with vegan, organic juices, smoothies, salads and soups.

If you’re really looking for a health reset, The Byron Bathhouse works with The Health Lodge to offer ‘All Inclusive’ Wellness Stay with organic meals, access to the bathhouse and optional health-focused add-ons like IV therapy.

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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Just in: Drive the world’s first solar-powered train through scenic Byron Bay

    By Rachael Thompson
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    Enjoy carbon-positive, historic travel and scenic views aboard the world’s first solar-powered train.

    For most of us, catching the train to work is just another routine – but how many can say they’ve actually driven one? Now, Byron Bay Railroad Company is shaking things up by giving guests the rare chance to get behind the wheel of its historic, fully solar-powered locomotive – Byron Bay Train.

    Launched in 2017 by not-for-profit company Byron Bay Railroad Company, the world’s first full solar-powered train was built using restored 1949 carriages, resulting in a charming and nostalgic bright red vessel. Prior to this, the two-car heritage carriages had been out of service for decades, but they remain a rare piece of Australian rail history. 

    A historic red train crossing a bridge over water

    The scenic journey runs along three kilometres of restored track.

    On a normal day, travellers can ride in style either in First Class on vintage lounge seats or in the liveliness of coach class, enjoying the peaceful Byron Bay views and retro design. The scenic journey runs along three kilometres of restored track – part of the historic 132-kilometre Casino to Murwillumbah line – including a refurbished bridge, all repaired by the Byron Bay Railroad Company.

    The journey passes through littoral rainforest, endangered coastal wetlands and Tea Tree Belongil Creek in Cape Byron Marine Park. Travel time is ten minutes one way or 25 minutes return from North Beach Station, with the return service running 364 days a year for up to 92 seated passengers.

    A historic train passing tracks near the beach

    The Byron Bay Train is the world’s first full solar-powered train.

    For those wanting a new adventure and the chance to take the driver’s seat, the “Drive the World’s First Solar Train” experience offers a unique opportunity to actually drive a train. Packages include a half-day training session, which includes a certificate, cap and badge, or a full-day training session with lunch. General Manager Robert Jarvis shared his enthusiasm for the new experience, stating: “If there’s one thing we hear from passengers day in and day out, it’s that they have always wanted to be a train driver.” 

    The only other solar train in the world currently operates in Argentina, making this a one-of-a-kind experience to enjoy cutting-edge sustainable travel, nostalgia and coastal charm in Byron Bay.

    A historic red train crossing a bridge over water on a clear day

    The train passes over Tea Tree Belongil Creek.

    Prefer to sit back and enjoy the ride? There’s also a $35 lunch deal that includes a return adult train ticket and lunch at the North Byron Hotel.

    Half-day lessons: $550

    Full-day lessons: $960