CONTRAST THERAPY MELBOURNE
Reset Your Body With Heat and Cold
Contrast therapy in Melbourne combines ice bath and traditional sauna to reduce inflammation, accelerate recovery and restore nervous system balance, so you feel sharper, stronger and more resilient.
HOT AND COLD THERAPY MELBOURNE
Your Body Is Stuck in Survival Mode
You’re tired but wired. Your muscles ache, your mind won’t switch off, and no amount of sleep seems to fix it. Hot and cold therapy in Melbourne helps people just like you break this cycle, because when your nervous system is constantly activated, pain, fatigue and brain fog become your normal.
HOT COLD MELBOURNE
How Contrast Therapy Works
You alternate between our traditional sauna and ice bath in private, guided intervals. The hot and cold exposure opens then constricts blood vessels, flushing inflammation and flooding your body with fresh, oxygenated blood. Sessions in our Melbourne centre typically run 45 minutes, and most people describe the experience as intense but deeply invigorating.
75,000+ Sessions. Thousands of Five-Star Reviews.
Thoughtful details, amazing healing-focused centre
Love this floatation centre for so many reasons. The staff are amazing, knowledgeable and happy to help. The manager is actually passionate about the healing power that is offered. The waiting area is super chill, always a yummy tea and water on offer. The infrared sauna is equipped with Bluetooth connection so I connect up a meditation mix through my mobile phone, lay back and relax. A robe is provided for ease of then moving to the flotation room. The float rooms are large, shower equipped, music plays, you have the option of leaving on or turning off pod lights and of course open or closing the pod lid. Afterwards you have plenty of time to shower, change and you can move to the ‘hair drying station’. This area has straighteners, curlers and hair dryers. I bought an intro pass for infrared and float – which is CRAZY cheap to buy. Next on my list is trying the massage services. Highly highly recommend giving Gravity a shot, the location is also super convenient afterward go for brunch, lunch or dinner at one of the amazing High St locations!
Bethaney Hyatt
Infrared relief for soreness and injuries
This was my first experience with the infrared sauna. I had read the benefits and had researched. Everything I have read was positive. Easy to navigate and your own private room. I had read what to do as a lead up, eat light and drink a glass of water before your session. And I have to say I loved it. Got up to 60 degrees, the highest recommended and it didn’t take long to feel the tension and muscle soreness leave the body. I am feeling great and very Zen. Cannot wait for next session. This is now the next day and I still feel great. I highly recommend the infrared sauna to anyone who has muscle soreness and suffers from ongoing injury also. I have started up running again and I also go to the gym and do resistance training and cardio and my hip flexor is a constant source of pain. I have felt the difference after only one session. Next will be the float pod to try.
Julia Sale
Blissful floats with passionate caring owners
Absolutely blissful experience. I felt recharged and refreshed afterwards. But most importantly the staff was friendly and professional and the centre was clean and serene. I was a sceptic initially but Gravity has changed all that after one float. I have floated three times and urge anyone to come to Gravity Float and immerse yourself in the whole experience more than once to really enjoy its benefits. I was lucky enough to meet the owners on my second float and I must say that I have never met a more dedicated and passionate business couple in my life. They have left their personal touch on this place. Sorry, I am off to Gravity right now for a float …..
Jeeva Sankaradas
A peaceful sanctuary with rejuvenating pods
I have been a member of Gravity Float for more than two years and can truly say that this place is a haven away from the hustles and bustles of everyday life. The staff are always so lovely, kind, patient and accommodating that I always feel welcomed here. The facilities are clean and the magnesium float pods are so rejuvenating. I can happily say that I will continue to be a member here and treat this as a sanctuary to enjoy some peace, solitude and relaxation.
Bogart Phillips
Reduced pain and anxiety after first float
Just had my first float experience thanks to a gift card from my partner for Christmas. I was quite anxious prior because I have experienced a stroke, I’m not by any means lithe and I’m a big girl. The staff who looked after me were lovely and helpful. The float itself was amazing. I struggle with mobility and couldn’t figure how I might bring the lid down while trying to get into the pod so I had to leave it open. It didn’t matter… I managed to let go and completely relax and focus on my breathing. Getting out was a challenge because I had to kneel to counter the forces of the float. Kneeling is extremely painful for me due to arthritis. In spite of the challenges, I’d really recommend this to anyone who lives with pain and anxiety. I came out feeling relaxed and could feel how it reduced the pain I experience immediately. I’m booked in again for next week! Bring it on.
Frances Fenech
Game-changing calm for anxiety and OCD
Floatation therapy has been a game changer for helping cope with anxiety and OCD. It is an activity that allows my brain to rest and give me calm and peace. The one hour float feels like an uninterrupted 8 hours sleep. Let me not forget to also thank all of the staff as they have been accommodating and understanding, not to mention extremely welcoming, when I finally felt comfortable to discuss my reasons for seeking out their facility and services. Thank you to everyone I have interacted with at Gravity.
Noremac Lleb
Immaculately clean, everything provided, five stars
Tried floating for the first time and while I don’t think floating is for me, this place deserves a 5 star for sure. My technician explained the process and what to expect when floating thoroughly. Everything was clean and dry, it was immaculate, not even a single hair or wet spot to be found on the floor. Shampoo, body wash, conditioner, towels, facial wipes, ear plugs, hair dryers etc all provided, you literally just need to rock up and enjoy the relaxing experience. For those who do enjoy floating this is the place to come!
S Lo
Friendly staff and NDIS makes it affordable
Been to Gravity Float several times now and every experience has been excellent. The staff are very friendly, welcoming and professional. The float pods and rooms are well taken care of and clean. They’re also now NDIS providers which makes it a lot more affordable for me and others on the NDIS to go more regularly. (The casual prices are still good if you’re not on the NDIS). I would highly recommend going to Gravity Float and I look forward to more appointments in the future.
Sam Yeates
No pushy sales, gentle helpful guidance
I’ve been to other float spaces that try to sell you packages whilst you’re super zonked out afterwards. It’s not nice being constantly barraged as a consumer online let alone offline whilst vulnerable. This space did not do that. The add ons were gently mentioned, which I appreciated, as well as the signage in the rooms explaining the sequential procedure of the experiences. Float tank, infrared – but I forgot to ask if you need to expose all of your skin to get the full benefits, or if laying/sitting in one spot is good enough. All in all, I enjoyed the space and would recommend. The inclusive take home ear plugs was a nice surprise and maybe worth an advertised mention too. Thank you
William Guarnaccia
CONTRAST WATER THERAPY MELBOURNE
Who Benefits Most From This Therapy
Athletes use contrast water therapy in Melbourne to speed up recovery between training sessions. Desk workers, tradies and anyone carrying physical tension find relief from chronic stiffness and soreness through this powerful combination of heat and cold. If you have unmanaged high blood pressure, cardiovascular conditions or are pregnant, please speak with your doctor before booking. We are happy to work alongside your healthcare provider to determine if this therapy is right for you.
Why Thousands of People in Northcote Trust Gravity
A Decade of Proven Results
We're Victoria's first and largest float centre with over ten years of experience. This isn't a trend for us. It's what we were built to do.
Evidence-Based Therapies
Every modality we offer has been chosen based on scientific evidence. We don't add services because they're popular. We add them because they work.
Private and Personal
Every room is private and confidential. We believe wellness is a personal practice, not a group activity. No distractions, no noise, just you and your wellbeing.
Tailored to What You Need
We help determine the right therapies for your body and build a plan around your goals. We care about what you need, not just what you ask for.
Therapies That Work Together
Our services are designed as an integrated system. Each therapy supports your nervous system from a different angle, compounding benefits rather than treating symptoms in isolation.
A Team That Genuinely Cares
Thousands of glowing reviews and no complaints over decades of operation. Our team goes the extra mile because your wellbeing matters to them personally.
MELBOURNE CONTRAST THERAPY
What to Expect at Your Session
Wear bathers and bring a water bottle. When you arrive at our Melbourne contrast therapy centre, our team will walk you through the process, explain the timing intervals and make sure you feel comfortable before you begin. Afterwards, most people feel a rush of clarity and calm that lasts well into the next day. For lasting results, we recommend weekly sessions combined with float therapy or infrared sauna to compound the benefits across your nervous system.
ICE BATH AND SAUNA MELBOURNE
Simple, Transparent Pricing
We offer casual sessions, value packs and membership options for ice bath and sauna therapy in Melbourne. Every option is designed to make ongoing wellness sustainable, not a luxury. Request pricing or book your session online today.
Stop Waiting. Start Feeling Better Today.
FAQs About Contrast Therapy
Contrast therapy alternates between hot and cold temperatures, traditional sauna and ice bath to boost circulation, reduce muscle soreness, and improve recovery. Requires medical consultation if you have heart issues, high blood pressure, are pregnant or have open wounds. Beginners should start slow with moderate temperatures, generally beginning and ending with heat for muscle relaxation, avoiding it too soon after intense workouts if building muscle is the goal, and allowing 1-2 hours post-meal.
Circulation: Alternating temperatures cause blood vessels to rapidly expand (heat) and constrict (cold), flushing out metabolic waste and bringing fresh oxygenated blood to tissues. Muscle Recovery: Reduces inflammation and soreness, aiding post-exercise recovery. Mental Clarity: The invigorating nature can provide alertness and mental focus.
This is a whole of body therapy.
Sequence: Start with heat, then cold, then back to heat (ending on heat is often recommended for muscle relaxation). Timing: 30 secs – 3 minutes in cold, longer in heat, repeating 2-3 rounds. Temperature: Moderate heat and brief cold are effective; extreme temperatures aren’t always necessary. Post-Workout: Wait 4-5 hours after resistance training to avoid blunting muscle growth, or use it for recovery on rest days.
Yes! Contrast Therapy is generally safe for most healthy adults when done correctly. That said, it’s powerful by design, so how you do it matters. For individuals who do not have a medical condition. We recommend consulting your physician before beginning any new diet, exercise, or wellness program to ensure it’s right for you. Contrast therapy (alternating hot and cold exposure) has been used for decades in sports recovery, rehabilitation, and wellness settings. When applied appropriately, it supports circulation, nervous system regulation, and recovery without placing long-term strain on the body. The exposures are short, intentional, and followed by recovery.
You’ll feel something after the first session. Just with all therapies real change starts to lock in after a few, and compounds fast if you’re consistent. After 1 session: Most people notice immediate effects including a calmer nervous system, clearer head, a sense of “reset” in the body, and improved mood and energy. After 3–5 sessions: Stress responses soften, sleep improves, inflammation and soreness reduce, you recover faster physically and emotionally. After 6–10 sessions: Stronger stress resilience, more consistent energy, sharper focus and emotional control, increased self-trust in challenging moments. Ongoing (weekly or fortnightly): Long-term nervous system regulation, reduced burnout risk, better immune resilience, a deep embodied sense of confidence. Recommended Schedule: First-timers, start with 1 session to feel the shift. Change-makers, 1–2 sessions per week for 3–4 weeks. Maintenance, weekly or fortnightly.
Yes there can be weight limits, related to equipment safety and comfort, not exclusion or judgement. Most contrast therapy spaces set weight limits based on the structural limits of the plunge pools and benches, not the therapy itself. Your body weight does not make contrast therapy unsafe, the infrastructure determines the limit. Gravity’s cold plunge bath is 250 kg. At Gravity, the focus is always on structural safety, ease of entry and exit, and your ability to relax, not brace or strain. People in larger bodies often experience profound nervous system benefits, because they’re used to pushing through discomfort rather than being supported in it. Nervous system work only works when the body feels safe and supported, not worried about logistics.
Each session takes around 45 minutes, making it easy to fit into your wellness routine or even your lunch break.
Results vary from person to person and depend largely on an individual’s commitment to their goals. When done intentionally, the benefits last far longer than the session itself. Immediate effects (same day): reduced muscle tension and soreness, a calmer more regulated nervous system, clearer thinking and improved mood, noticeable shift out of “fight or flight”. These effects often last hours to a full day, sometimes longer if you rest well afterward. Short term (days): within 1–3 sessions, better sleep, less baseline tension, improved emotional steadiness, faster recovery. Benefits typically last 2–5 days. Medium term (weeks): with regular sessions (1–3 times per week for 3–6 weeks) the body starts to regulate stress responses more efficiently, recover faster, hold less chronic inflammation, and return to calm more quickly. These results can last weeks. Long-term (months and beyond): when contrast therapy becomes part of a wider rhythm of care, the effects become cumulative including greater stress resilience, stronger immune response, improved circulation, and increased trust in your body’s capacity to cope.
Aftercare is a signal to your nervous system: “I’m not just pushing you. I’m listening.” That’s how trust is rebuilt and resilience becomes sustainable. 1. Don’t rush straight back into noise, give yourself 15–30 minutes of low input. 2. Hydrate with intention, water first, electrolytes if you’ve sweated heavily, avoid alcohol or stimulants straight after. 3. Warm the body gently, don’t shock it again. The goal is integration, not stimulation. 4. Eat grounding and nourishing food. Support it with protein, healthy fats, warm simple meals. Avoid ultra-processed or sugary food immediately after. 5. Sleep is where the magic compounds. Keep the evening low-key, avoid screens close to bedtime, let sleep do the consolidation work. 6. Notice what shifts. How your body feels, how you respond to stress later that day, how quickly you return to calm. 7. Pair it with float or stillness when possible. Contrast therapy activates. Float therapy and stillness integrate.
Yes! At Gravity, we use the Styku 3D Body Scanner to accurately track your progress. Styku provides detailed measurements, posture analysis, and body composition insights so you can see your results over time, not just feel them. Styku scans are included in our 10-16 session package options and can also be purchased separately with our shorter packages for those who want an extra layer of tracking and motivation.
Before: We recommend drinking plenty of water, around 2 litres throughout the day, before your session to help your body flush out released fat more efficiently. Try to have a light, balanced meal at least two hours before your appointment, avoid eating too close to your session. Arriving well-hydrated and comfortably fuelled will help your body respond optimally. After: Continue to drink at least 2 litres of water, move your body with light activity (like a walk), and follow any guidance from your therapist to support lymphatic drainage.
None at all. You can return to your normal activities immediately after your session.
Contrast therapy is for people who want to support recovery, resilience, and nervous system regulation. It’s especially helpful for: people under ongoing stress or feeling stuck in “fight or flight”, those experiencing muscle soreness, stiffness, or low-grade inflammation, active bodies needing faster physical recovery, desk-based or sedentary bodies holding chronic tension, high performers, leaders, and decision-makers managing pressure, anyone seeking improved mental clarity, focus, and emotional steadiness, and people wanting to rebuild trust and confidence in their body through safe challenge. Contrast therapy may not be suitable for everyone. People with certain cardiovascular conditions, uncontrolled blood pressure, or temperature sensitivities should be screened first. A quality centre will always prioritise safety, choice, and comfort.
Contrast therapy may not be suitable for everyone. For safety reasons, it is generally not recommended for people who: have uncontrolled high or low blood pressure, have serious cardiovascular or heart conditions, are pregnant (unless cleared by a healthcare provider), experience fainting, dizziness, or temperature regulation issues, have Raynaud’s phenomenon or severe cold sensitivity, have open wounds, infections, or acute injuries, are feeling unwell, overtired, or already in a state of extreme depletion. If you’re unsure, this doesn’t automatically mean contrast therapy isn’t for you, it may simply mean a modified approach or a different starting point is more appropriate. A responsible wellness centre will always screen first and guide you toward the safest option for your body.
Ready to Feel the Difference?
You don’t need to have it all figured out. Book your first session and let our team guide you to the right therapy for where your body is right now. One hour here can change how you feel for the rest of the week.
