Sydney's sauna scene has gone from a handful of gym saunas to a city full of beautiful bathhouses. From beachside Bondi to the inner west, here's where to find a great sauna in Sydney.
Every venue below was checked against its own website in November 2026. Prices, hours and facilities change, so always check the venue's site before you go and book ahead where needed.
Best saunas in Sydney: our bathhouse picks
Nature's Energy (Glebe, Balmain and Newtown)
Three inner west bathhouses (Glebe Point Road, Darling Street in Balmain and King Street in Newtown). Sessions include traditional and infrared saunas, a steam room, a hot spa or mineral pool and ice baths. Glebe is the biggest of the three.
Soak Bathhouse Alexandria (Alexandria)
A big, social bathhouse near Green Square with a dry cedar sauna, steam rooms, cold plunges and drench buckets, plus mineral pools and magnesium spas. Infrared saunas are available as a private add-on.
Visit Soak Bathhouse Alexandria
38° The Bathhouse (Bondi Beach)
Bondi's beachside bathhouse, downstairs in The Pacific building on Campbell Parade. Expect magnesium pools, a traditional sauna, a steam room and a cold plunge, a few steps from the sand.
Capybara Bathing (Surry Hills)
A modern communal bathhouse in Surry Hills, inspired by traditional bathing culture, with a sauna, a warm communal bath and a cold plunge. A good pick for a city escape.
Sense of Self (Surry Hills)
The Sydney outpost of the Melbourne favourite, on South Dowling Street. Sense of Self bathhouses combine magnesium-rich pools, steam, sauna and a cold plunge, with a strong focus on slow, phone-free bathing.
Which Sydney sauna is right for you?
- Inner west local? Nature's Energy has three spots to choose from.
- Beach day? 38° The Bathhouse in Bondi.
- Bringing a group? Soak Alexandria is one of the biggest.
- Want something quiet and design-led? Capybara or Sense of Self in Surry Hills.
Not sure whether to book a traditional or infrared session? Our infrared vs traditional sauna guide explains the difference.
What to bring to a Sydney sauna
- Swimwear. Most bathhouses are mixed and swimwear is required. Check the venue's rules.
- A sauna hat. Keeps your head comfortable on the top bench. Our 100% wool Lucky Sauna Hat folds into a bag easily. Browse all our wool sauna hats, or read why wear a sauna hat.
- A water bottle. The Lucky Sauna Water Bottle has a cork sleeve so it's comfy to hold in the heat.
- A wet bag and thongs for the trip home.
New to all this? Start with what to wear in a sauna, how hot a sauna is and how long to stay and our guide to sauna and cold plunge contrast therapy.
Sydney bathhouse etiquette: the basics
- Shower before you go in.
- Sit on a towel.
- Keep voices low, especially in quiet sessions.
- Leave your phone in the locker. Most venues insist.
- If you're unwell, stay home. Everyone shares the air.
If you have a heart condition, blood pressure issues or are pregnant, check with your doctor before using a sauna or cold plunge.
Heading interstate? See our guides to the best saunas in Brisbane and Melbourne.