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Float Therapy in Melbourne's West: A Complete Guide for First Time Visitors
Quick answer: If you're new to float therapy in Melbourne's west, book a 60 minute float at Tally Floathouse in Yarraville. It's $75, or $65 on Mondays. You lie in your own private pod of warm Epsom salt water, with the light and sound turned down as far as you like. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early and allow about 15 minutes afterwards for tea. We're open seven days a week and you can book online. Prices last checked September 2026. |
Your first float can feel like a big unknown. Nobody has told you what to wear, what to do with your hands or whether the lid shuts. This guide answers all of that, step by step, so you can book with confidence. It comes from the team at Tally Floathouse, 6/157 Hyde Street, Yarraville, a short trip from Footscray, Seddon, Spotswood, Newport, Williamstown, Altona and West Footscray.
What is float therapy?
Float therapy is also called floatation therapy or sensory deprivation therapy. You lie back in a pod of warm water that's loaded with Epsom salt, so your body floats on the surface without any effort. There's nothing to learn and nothing to get right.
At Tally Floathouse, every float happens in your own private suite. We never double book pods. Here's what the pod and suite give you:
More than 500kg of Epsom salt in the water
Water kept at around 34.5°C, close to skin temperature
Light and sound you can turn down to almost nothing
A lid that's never locked, so you can open it whenever you like
Want the full background first? Our guide to what floating is goes into more detail.
Is a first float right for you?
Many guests tell us their first float was the most deeply relaxed they've ever felt. People usually try it to:
Switch off for an hour, with no phone, no noise and no demands
Ease tight muscles after training or a long week at a desk
Reset after a stressful stretch
Give sleep a helping hand
Floating isn't a medical treatment. The research is still fairly small and early, so we don't promise specific results. If you're managing a health condition, chat with your doctor first.
Please talk to us before you book if you have epilepsy, open wounds or a skin condition. Don't float after alcohol or drugs. If you're pregnant, read our guide to float therapy during pregnancy first.
Choosing your first session
For a first visit, we suggest a 60 minute float. It's long enough to settle in and short enough to feel easy. Here's how the options compare.
Option | Price | Good for a first timer if |
60 minute float | $75 | You want to try it once, with no fuss |
Monday Reset Special (60 minute float, Mondays only) | $65 | You can book a Monday and want the lowest price |
90 minute float | $99 | You already know you like long, slow sessions |
30 minute sauna and 60 minute float combo | $99 | You'd like heat first, then a float |
60 minute express sauna and float combo | $89 | You're short on time but want both |
If you think you'll come back, a 3 pack of 60 minute floats is $190 ($63.33 each) and a 5 pack is $290 ($58 each). Packs are shareable and valid for 12 months, so you can bring a friend. Members pay $55 a float plus $12 a month, with a two month minimum. It makes sense to try one float first, then decide. You'll find everything on our pricing page.
How to prepare before you arrive
Skip caffeine for a few hours. It's easier to settle when you're not wired.
Eat a light meal about an hour before. Floating hungry or very full is less comfortable.
Don't shave or wax on the same day. The salt water can sting freshly treated skin.
Bring a case if you wear contact lenses. Some guests find it more comfortable to float without them.
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. It gives you time to be shown around without rushing.
If you're adding a sauna, your booked time is for the float, so arrive 40 minutes before it. Our float and sauna planning guide covers the timing.
What happens during your first float
You're shown around. We'll walk you through the suite and the pod, and answer any questions before you start.
You shower, then step in. Floating is private, so you can float without clothes or wear swimwear. It's your choice.
You lie back and let go. The water holds you up. Many people notice their mind is busy at first, then it slows down. You choose the light and sound, and you can float with the lid open, partly open or closed.
You can get out any time. The lid is never locked. If you want to stop, you stop.
You don't need to "do" anything. Some guests drift off, some stay awake and thoughtful, and some spend the first 10 minutes figuring out where to put their arms. All of that is normal. For a longer walkthrough, see our first float session guide.
Common first-timer worries
"What if I feel closed in?"
This is the most common worry we hear. The pods are large, the lid is never locked, and you can float with it partly or fully open. You also choose how much light and sound you want, so you stay in control the whole time.
"What if I can't relax?"
It's common for the mind to be busy at the start. You don't have to force anything. Let your breathing settle and let the water do the work.
"What if I fall asleep?"
Some guests do drift off, and that's okay.
"Do I have to float without clothes?"
No. You can float without clothes or wear swimwear, whichever you're more comfortable with.
After your float
When your session ends, freshen up, then take your time in the relaxation lounge with a tea and a light snack. Allow about 15 minutes. Try not to book anything demanding straight after. A quiet stretch, even just the drive home, helps the calm last.
Why float in Melbourne's west?
You don't have to go into the city to find a float studio. Our float therapy in Yarraville studio is at 6/157 Hyde Street, with entry via Hall Street and free parking nearby. We're open seven days a week, so you can fit a first float around work, a weekend or a quiet weekday morning. If you'd like to compare floating with infrared sauna before you choose, read float therapy vs infrared sauna.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a first float cost in Melbourne's west?
At Tally Floathouse in Yarraville, a 60 minute float is $75, or $65 on Mondays. A 90 minute float is $99.
How long should my first float be?
We recommend 60 minutes for your first float. Allow 10 to 15 minutes before your session and about 15 minutes afterwards.
What should I wear to a float?
You can float without clothes or wear swimwear. It's your choice.
Will I feel claustrophobic in the pod?
The pods are large, the lid is never locked, and you can float with it partly or fully open. You also choose how much light and sound you want.
Is the float private?
Yes. Every float happens in your own private suite, and we never double book pods.
Who shouldn't float?
Please talk to us before you book if you have epilepsy, open wounds or a skin condition. Don't float after alcohol or drugs. If you're pregnant, read our pregnancy guide first.
Can I try a float and an infrared sauna together?
Yes. Our combos start at $89. We suggest doing the sauna first, then the float. Your booked time is for the float, so arrive 40 minutes early.
Can I give a first float as a gift?
Yes. Our gift cards work for float therapy, infrared sauna, combos, packs and add-ons.
How do I book?
You can book online in a couple of minutes, or call us on 03 8842 3599.
Ready for your first float? Book online at our Yarraville studio, 6/157 Hyde Street (entry via Hall Street), or call 03 8842 3599.
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