A wood-fired sauna and ice bath in Apollo Bay, on the Great Ocean Road.
The Corner Sauna is a wood-fired sauna and ice bath in Apollo Bay, on the same site as Shelter Cafe. It's for locals and for anyone passing through on the Great Ocean Road.
A session is an hour. Sit in the heat, get in the cold, rinse off under the outdoor shower, and go again as many times as you like. We built it because Apollo Bay didn't have one, and we wanted one ourselves.
At our core, we believe that with attention to detail, care and good quality heat, we can make something that outlasts the trend.
Shelter was started by four people from the local community. While they were getting it off the ground, we had started building the sauna on a trailer, with no permanent home in sight. We looked at setting up somewhere on the foreshore, but it wasn't to be.
Thankfully, Shelter had the perfect spot for us to put down roots. It's a bit of a symbiosis, and we couldn't be happier operating alongside them.
| Sauna | Wood-fired, cedar-lined, up to 7 people per session |
| Ice bath | Two-person, 8°C |
| Showers | Two, outdoors |
| Location | Alongside Shelter Cafe, Apollo Bay · Get directions |
| Session | 60 minutes |
| Towels | Bring two, or add towel service for $7 |
Book a session. Pick a time below. Passes, memberships and vouchers are sold here too.
Choose a time and pay online. Members and pass holders sign in to book. Booking opens on Session in a new tab.
One to sit on in the sauna and one to dry off. Or add towel service ($7) or a sauna mat ($3) when you book.
Prices for sessions, passes and memberships.
| Option | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Casual sessionOne person | $40 | Book |
| 3 session passOne person, valid 3 months | $90 | Buy |
| 5 session passOne person, valid 6 months | $110 | Buy |
| Weekly membershipBilled weekly | $35 / wk | Join |
| Private sessionYour group | $240 | Book |
| Towel serviceA large towel and a sauna mat | $7 | |
| Sauna matPair with your own towel | $3 |
Please bring two towels: one to sit on in the sauna and one to dry off. No towels? Add towel service ($7) or a sauna mat ($3) when you book.
Members get discounted entry to special events, including Aufguss. Need a break? Get in touch with your dates and we'll pause it.
Single sessions and passes can be bought as vouchers. Gift vouchers
Gift vouchers. Give someone an hour of heat.
| Single sessionValid for 12 months from purchase | $40 | Buy |
| 3 session passValid for 3 months | $90 | Buy |
| 5 session passValid for 6 months | $110 | Buy |
Vouchers are emailed straight away. The recipient enters the code when they book. For a pass, tick “Buying this as a gift?” at checkout and add their email.
Events and regular sessions with a different feel.
| Session | When |
|---|---|
| Women's session | Tuesdays, 6–7pm |
| Silent sauna | Mon 5–6pm, Wed & Sun 6–7pm |
| Aufguss | Selected evenings |
| Community | See Instagram |
The 3 and 5 session passes and membership include Casual, Women's and Silent sessions. Members also get discounted entry to special events, including Aufguss. See prices
Festivals we sponsor. Two local events we're proud to back.
A wellbeing and arts festival on the Apollo Bay foreshore. A weekend of ocean swims, forest walks, yoga, workshops, music and local food.
A trail run through the Otway forest, with 21km, 10km and 6km courses and a kids' run.
First visit. What to know before you come.
Swimwear, a water bottle and two towels: one to sit on in the sauna and one to dry off.
Add towel service when you book: a large towel and a sauna mat for $7. Bringing your own towel? Add a sauna mat for $3.
One hour. Move between the sauna, the ice bath and the showers at your own pace.
Up to 7, so there's always room on the bench. Private sessions can take up to 8.
8°C. Start with a short dip and build up.
Please shower before bathing.
Yes. Get in touch with the dates you're away.
Yes. Choose a private session when you book. It's $240 for one hour and gives your group of up to 8 the whole sauna, ice bath and showers. Towels aren't included, so bring two each or add the towel service.
Sauna etiquette. A few simple habits keep the space good for everyone.
Always sit on a towel or sauna mat on the benches. It's about hygiene: it keeps sweat off the timber and keeps the sauna clean for the next person.
Rinse off under the outdoor shower before getting in the ice bath, every time. It keeps the water clean and fresh for everyone sharing it.
People come here from all over the world, and from just down the street. Be welcoming and give others room on the bench.
Go at your own pace. Step out when you've had enough heat, and drink plenty of water.
Contact. Questions about a visit, a membership or a voucher.
dan@thecornersauna.com
Right alongside Shelter Cafe, a beautiful heritage building in Apollo Bay, VIC, Australia.
We usually reply within a day. For booking changes, include the date and time of your session.
Shop. Tees, sauna gear and handmade buckets from Apollo Bay.
Australia-wide. Free over $120. Or pick up from the sauna in Apollo Bay.
Handmade to order by Dan in Apollo Bay, from local hardwoods. Usually ready in 3 to 4 weeks.
Want a different timber or size, or a matching ladle? Get in touch