Booking a massage while visiting the Bass Coast
How to arrange a Thai massage while staying in Wonthaggi, Inverloch or nearby: when to enquire, what to ask about visits, and what to tell the therapist.
Many people staying on the Bass Coast decide part way through their trip that a massage would help, often after the drive down, a long day at the beach or a walk along the cliffs. This guide covers how to arrange one without losing half a day of your holiday to it. It applies to stays in Wonthaggi, Inverloch, Cape Paterson, Kilcunda, San Remo and the rest of Bass Coast Shire.
The site takes enquiries and forwards them to a therapist working in the area; that person replies to agree the details, and the about page explains the arrangement in full.
Plan ahead in summer
The population of Bass Coast Shire rises sharply over the summer holidays, when holiday houses fill and visitors come for the beaches. Local services get busier in the same period, and massage is no different. The busiest times are usually the weeks after Christmas, January, and long weekends.
If you are visiting then:
- Enquire before you arrive, or on your first day, rather than on the day you want the massage.
- Give a range of days and times, not a single slot.
- Say what your last day in the area is, so the therapist does not offer a time after you have left.
- Consider a weekday morning or early afternoon, which may be easier to fit in than an evening.
Outside the summer holidays it is often easier to arrange a session at shorter notice, but it is still worth giving the therapist a day or two.
Tell the therapist where you are staying
The Bass Coast towns are spread out. Inverloch is about 13 kilometres from Wonthaggi, Cape Paterson about 8 kilometres, and San Remo is further west near the bridge to Phillip Island. A therapist needs to know roughly where you are before they can say whether a time works.
In your first enquiry, give the town and the general area, for example “Inverloch, near the surf beach” or “a farm stay between Wonthaggi and Kilcunda”. You do not need to give the exact address until a time is agreed. If you are staying on Phillip Island, say so, and ask whether the therapist can see you or whether you would need to cross to the mainland.
Studio or a visit to your accommodation
Some therapists work from a fixed room and some travel to clients. Ask these questions when the therapist replies:
- Do you work from a studio, visit accommodation, or both?
- If you visit, is there an extra charge for travel, and how far do you travel?
- What space do you need? A mat on the floor or a portable table needs a clear area about the size of a double bed, with room to walk around it.
- Do you bring towels, oil and any mat or table, or do I need to supply anything?
- Can you see more than one person in the same visit, one after the other?
- What is your cancellation policy if our plans change?
If you are renting a holiday house, check that your rental rules allow a visiting service before you book one. Apartments and shared accommodation may have limits on visitors or noise at certain hours.
Choosing a style on holiday
- Thai foot massage fits a short gap in the day and suits people who would rather stay clothed. It is a common choice after a day walking on sand.
- Thai massage after activity is a firmer session for people who have been surfing, cycling or walking the George Bass Coastal Walk, which runs for about seven kilometres of cliff top between Kilcunda and San Remo.
- Thai oil massage is slower and quieter, and suits someone who simply wants to switch off.
- Traditional Thai massage uses pressure and assisted stretches through loose clothing.
Once they have read your enquiry, the therapist will tell you which option they think fits.
What to tell the therapist
Before the session, tell the therapist if you:
- are pregnant
- have had a recent injury, a fall, a wipeout in the surf or surgery
- have a blood clotting condition, a heart condition, or high or low blood pressure
- have a skin condition, broken skin or sunburn
- take regular medication, including blood thinners
- have any allergies, including to nuts or scented oils
Sunburn is worth mentioning on its own. Pressure on burnt skin is uncomfortable, and the therapist may work around those areas or suggest a different day.
Surf and walking injuries should be looked at by a physiotherapist or GP before any massage, and your doctor can also advise if you are not sure massage is a good idea. Sessions arranged through this site are relaxation massage only, professional and non-sexual, with no health claims attached.
Price, payment and rebates
Ask the therapist for the price of the session, any travel charge and how they take payment before you confirm. Whether part of the cost can be claimed from a health fund is covered on the about page.
Sending the enquiry
Use the enquiry form and include your town, the dates you are in the area, the style and length you would like, how many people, and any health details the therapist should know. You can read more about enquiries from Inverloch and Wonthaggi.