Cold water therapy has exploded in popularity across Australia. Whether you're an athlete chasing faster recovery, a weekend warrior nursing sore muscles, or someone exploring the mental health benefits of cold exposure, chances are you've already got an ice bath — or you're about to buy one. But there's one accessory that often gets overlooked until it's too late: the humble ice bath mat.
Stepping out of near-freezing water onto a wet tile floor is a genuine safety hazard. Your body is in cold shock, your feet are numb, adrenaline is surging, and a slippery surface is the last thing you need. A quality mat placed around your ice bath setup can prevent falls, protect your floors, absorb excess water, and even help insulate your tub from underneath.
This guide covers every type of mat you might need for your ice bath setup in Australia, and where to buy them — from specialist recovery brands to everyday hardware stores like Clark Rubber and Bunnings.
Why You Need a Mat for Your Ice Bath
Before diving into the types, it's worth understanding that there are actually two distinct mat jobs in an ice bath setup:
Under the tub: A mat placed beneath your ice bath protects the floor or deck surface from scratches, condensation damage, and water pooling. It also provides a small layer of insulation that can help maintain your water temperature a little longer — particularly relevant in Australia's warmer months when ice melts fast.
Beside the tub: This is the safety-critical one. A non-slip, absorbent mat placed where you step out of the bath catches dripping water and gives your cold, numb feet a grippy surface to land on. This is the mat that prevents injuries.
Many ice bath enthusiasts use both. Here's what's available.
Types of Mats for Ice Bath Use
1. Diatomaceous Earth (Stone) Mats
These rigid, stone-like mats have become a favourite in the Australian ice bath community, and for good reason. Made from diatomaceous earth — a naturally occurring sedimentary material — they absorb water almost instantly. Step onto one with dripping wet feet and the water visibly disappears within seconds.
Why they work well for ice baths: Diatomaceous earth has natural antibacterial and anti-mould properties, which is a big deal for something that's going to get soaked with cold water daily. Unlike fabric mats, they don't stay damp, don't develop that musty smell, and don't need to be thrown in the washing machine. Some brands claim they can capture up to a litre of water on their surface.
The downsides: They're hard underfoot — not the soft, cushioned landing you might want after a cold plunge. They're also fragile; drop one on tiles and it may crack. And they tend to be relatively small (around 40cm x 60cm), so they only cover a single step-out zone.
Typical price range in Australia: $29–$70 depending on the brand and size.
2. Rubber Anti-Slip Mats
Rubber mats are the workhorse option. They're what most gyms, pool decks, and commercial wet areas use for good reason — they provide excellent grip when wet, they're virtually indestructible, and they can be cut to any size you need.
For ice bath use, look for mats with drainage holes (sometimes called "ring mats" or "safety mats"). These allow water to pass through rather than pooling on the surface, which keeps the standing area drier and reduces the slip risk. Solid rubber mats work too, but they can become slippery themselves if water sits on top.
Why they work well for ice baths: Extremely durable, affordable, and widely available. They work well both under the tub (to protect floors and prevent the tub from sliding) and beside it. They handle outdoor conditions without degrading — important if your ice bath lives in the backyard.
The downsides: They don't absorb water, they just manage it. You'll still have a wet floor around the mat. Some cheaper rubber mats can have a strong smell when new.
Typical price range in Australia: $18–$105 depending on size and thickness.
3. EVA Foam Mats
EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam is the same material used on boat decks and in premium gym flooring. It's soft, waterproof, non-slip, UV resistant, and comfortable underfoot — making it one of the best all-rounders for ice bath setups.
For under-tub use, interlocking EVA foam tiles (like the puzzle-piece gym mats) provide excellent insulation and floor protection. For beside the tub, EVA foam marine decking sheets offer a yacht-grade non-slip surface that handles constant water exposure without breaking down.
Why they work well for ice baths: Soft and warm underfoot compared to rubber or stone — a welcome comfort when you're stepping out of 5°C water. Excellent insulation properties help maintain water temperature when placed under the tub. Lightweight and easy to move or store.
The downsides: EVA foam can compress over time under heavy loads, so if you're placing a full 400-litre tub on it, choose thicker, higher-density tiles. Some cheaper EVA mats can become slippery when wet unless they have a textured surface.
Typical price range in Australia: $20–$60 for interlocking tiles; $40–$90 for marine-grade sheet material.
4. Absorbent Microfibre or Felt Mats
Several ice bath accessory brands sell large, absorbent mats specifically designed to go under or around your cold plunge setup. These are typically made from felt or dense microfibre with a waterproof backing (usually PE-coated) to prevent water soaking through to the floor beneath.
Why they work well for ice baths: They absorb a large volume of water, keeping the surrounding area dry. The waterproof backing means no moisture reaches your floor. Easy to fold and store when not in use.
The downsides: They need to be air-dried after each use, otherwise they can develop odour and mildew — especially in humid Australian climates. They're not as durable as rubber or EVA foam for long-term daily use.
Typical price range in Australia: $30–$60.
5. Teak or Composite Wood Slat Mats
For a more premium, spa-like aesthetic, timber slat mats (usually teak or composite decking material) provide an elevated platform to step onto. Some Australian brands offer versions with a fibreglass-reinforced acrylic basin underneath composite decking slats, so water drains through the slats and is captured in the basin below.
Why they work well for ice baths: They look fantastic, provide excellent drainage, and the raised surface means your feet never sit in pooled water. Teak is naturally water-resistant and antimicrobial.
The downsides: Significantly more expensive than other options. Heavier and bulkier. The composite/acrylic versions are brand-specific accessories that may not suit every setup.
Typical price range in Australia: $80–$250+.
6. PVC Wet-Area Matting
PVC matting is commonly found around swimming pools, commercial kitchens, and change rooms. It typically features an open-grid or looped design that allows water to drain through while providing a non-slip surface. It's a practical, no-frills option that's been used in wet environments for decades.
Why they work well for ice baths: Proven performance in wet commercial environments. Antimicrobial treatments are common. Can be cut to size. Very durable.
The downsides: Not the most attractive option for a home setup. Can be hard on bare feet compared to EVA foam. Some PVC products aren't suitable for very cold temperatures and can become stiff.
Typical price range in Australia: $18–$50 per metre.
Where to Buy Ice Bath Mats in Australia
Clark Rubber
Clark Rubber is one of the best places to start your search because they straddle both worlds — they sell dedicated ice bath products (they're the retail partner for Crocpad ice baths) and they carry an extensive range of general rubber and wet-area matting that works perfectly around an ice bath.
What to look for at Clark Rubber:
- Wet area matting in their matting section — rolls of rubber or PVC matting designed for showers, pools, and spas. You can buy it by the metre and cut it to fit your setup.
- Anti-slip bath safety mats — affordable TPE rubber mats with suction cups and drainage holes. These work well placed inside the area where you step out.
- Flexi-safe bath mats — soft rubber mats with drainage holes designed for wet areas.
- Custom-cut rubber sheeting — Clark Rubber can cut rubber to your exact dimensions, which is ideal if you need a specific size to go under your tub.
Clark Rubber has stores nationwide across Australia and an online store at clarkrubber.com.au.
Bunnings Warehouse
Bunnings won't have anything labelled "ice bath mat," but they carry a huge range of matting products that work brilliantly for the purpose — often at lower prices than specialist recovery brands.
What to look for at Bunnings:
- Matpro Black Rubber Matting (1.2m x 1.8m) — a versatile anti-slip mat with drainage holes and raised backing. At around $50–60 for a large pre-cut sheet, this is one of the best value options for placing under or around an ice bath.
- NuPlastex Anti-Slip Matting — sold by the metre, this PVC matting is specifically designed for wet areas like bathrooms, pools, and spas. It features anti-microbial treatment and can be cut to size with scissors. Available from around $18 per metre.
- Matpro Anti-Fatigue Mats — if you want cushioned comfort where you stand beside the tub.
- EVA foam adhesive mats (Moroday range) — these can be used for insulation under the tub or cut to create a custom stepping surface.
- Interlocking gym floor tiles — EVA foam tiles in the fitness section work well under and around ice baths.
Bunnings stores are everywhere in Australia, and most of these products are available online at bunnings.com.au.
Amazon Australia
Amazon AU carries a broad range of both generic and ice-bath-specific mats. Search for "diatomaceous earth bath mat," "cold plunge floor mat," or "rubber drainage mat" to find options. Brands like DZY, Lecluse, and various unbranded options are available, typically in the $20–$60 range. The advantage of Amazon is fast delivery and easy returns — the disadvantage is that quality can be inconsistent with lesser-known brands.
eBay Australia
eBay AU is a good source for diatomaceous earth mats at competitive prices, as well as generic rubber and PVC matting. It's worth checking for local sellers to avoid long shipping times from overseas.
Kmart and Big W
For budget-friendly options, both Kmart and Big W stock basic bath mats and rubber non-slip mats that can serve the purpose. They won't be marketed for ice baths, but a simple non-slip bath mat with suction cups placed at your step-out zone does the job for under $15.
How to Choose the Right Mat for Your Setup
Picking the best mat depends on where your ice bath lives and how you use it.
Indoor setup on tiles or timber floors: Prioritise water absorption and floor protection. A diatomaceous earth mat at the step-out zone paired with a large felt or rubber mat under the tub is a solid combination. You want to prevent water damage to your flooring, so a waterproof-backed absorbent mat under the tub is essential.
Outdoor setup on concrete or decking: Durability and UV resistance matter most here. Rubber drainage mats from Bunnings or Clark Rubber are ideal — they handle sun, rain, and temperature extremes without degrading. An EVA foam mat at the step-out zone adds comfort for bare feet on hot concrete in summer.
Garage or shed setup: Rubber matting is your best friend. It protects the concrete floor, provides grip, and can be hosed clean. The Matpro rubber matting from Bunnings is a popular choice here.
Portable setup (you move your ice bath around): Look for lightweight, foldable options. A felt mat with PE backing folds flat for storage, and a roll-up rubber mat can be moved easily with the tub.
Final Thoughts
You don't need to spend $200 on a branded ice bath mat to stay safe. A $30 rubber drainage mat from Bunnings placed beside your tub, combined with a basic rubber sheet underneath it, will do the job for most people. But if you want the premium experience — fast-drying diatomaceous earth, spa-quality timber slats, or cushioned EVA foam — those options are readily available from Australian retailers too.
The most important thing is that you have something between your cold, wet feet and the floor. Cold water immersion is a powerful recovery tool, but a slip on wet tiles after a plunge can undo all that good work in a second. Choose a mat that fits your setup, your budget, and your space — and make sure it's in place before you take the plunge.
