Melbourne weather can change in an afternoon, so it helps that many of the city's padel courts are indoor or undercover. Here is where to play across the city, and what to bring once you are hooked.
Two racket ranges to grow with, plus the basics for every session.
Softer, forgiving rackets for your first months of play.
Court shoes and socks that grip on quick turns.
Pressurised padel balls for lively, consistent bounce.
Court skirts, shorts, tops and caps that suit padel.
Tacky and dry overgrips for a confident hold.
More power and control once your game develops.
Indoor, undercover and open-air courts, so there is an option for every forecast.
A Game4Padel club on Plummer Street with nine indoor courts. Weekly socials match you with other players, so you do not need a partner.
Good to knowIts Academy runs small coaching groups of four players per coach, across a few skill levels. Rackets can be hired at Game4Padel clubs.
A Game4Padel club on Lorimer Street with seven undercover courts, so you can keep playing when the weather turns.
Good to knowIt runs coaching and academy programs and weekly socials for new and returning players. The City of Melbourne's listing also mentions junior academies.
A Game4Padel club on Vickers Drive with six open-air courts. A good choice on a fine Melbourne day.
Good to knowBeginner coaching and academy programs are available. Weekly socials are an easy way to meet other players.
An indoor padel club on Carrick Drive in Melbourne's north-west, with five courts under one roof.
Good to knowIt offers coaching, events and league play for all skill levels.
A padel club on Talinga Road in the south-east with seven indoor courts. There is a dedicated Intro to Padel session for first timers.
Good to knowDemo rackets and balls are available to hire. Junior coaching runs for a range of ages, plus socials for adults.
A lighter racket with even balance is easier to handle and kinder on your arm. Head-heavy rackets add power but take more control. Most beginners do better starting light.
Most padel courts use sand-filled artificial grass, which needs grip without too much bite. A herringbone or omni sole works well on it and on hard courts. Look for cushioning too, as you are on your feet the whole game.
Melbourne evenings can cool down fast, even after a warm day. Wear a breathable top and bring a light layer for warm-ups and the trip home. On open-air courts, a cap helps on bright days.
Padel balls slowly lose pressure once the tube is opened. A fresh tube gives a livelier, more predictable bounce off the glass. Keep an older set for warming up.
When you book, note whether the court is indoor, undercover or open-air. On a wet day, an indoor or undercover court keeps the game on.
Padel is full of quick starts and stops. Spend a few minutes loosening your shoulders, hips and ankles, especially on cool evenings.
Serves are underarm, bounced first and hit at or below waist height, diagonally into the opposite box. Your coach or opponents will happily walk you through it.
| Item | Why | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Padel racket | Solid face, made for the walls and glass | Try a hire racket before buying your own |
| Court shoes | Grip on artificial grass | Avoid running shoes, they tend to slide |
| Padel balls | Lower pressure than tennis balls | Bring a fresh tube for a social hit |
| Light layer | Melbourne nights cool down quickly | Take it off once you are warm |
| Breathable top | Keeps you dry during long rallies | Pack a spare for back-to-back games |
| Overgrip | Firmer hold on the racket | Change it when it starts to feel slick |
| Water bottle | You sweat more than you think, even indoors | Fill it before you leave home |
Yes, several Melbourne clubs hire rackets, so you do not need your own to start. Hiring for your first few games lets you feel the difference between lighter and heavier rackets. When you buy, a beginner racket with a soft face and round shape is the easiest place to begin.
Court shoes are the most important item, ideally with a herringbone or omni sole for artificial grass courts. Clothing just needs to be breathable and easy to move in, such as a court top with shorts, a skirt or a skort. In Melbourne, bring a light layer for cooler evenings and open-air courts.
Yes. Serves are underarm, the racket is short and solid, and the walls keep the ball in play, so you get long rallies quickly. People who have played tennis or squash will find it familiar, but it is just as friendly to complete beginners. An intro session or a small group class is the quickest way to learn the basics.
Yes, if you book an indoor or undercover court, which many Melbourne clubs offer. Open-air courts can become slippery or closed in wet weather, so check the club's policy before you head out. Indoor courts are also more comfortable on cold winter nights.
Club socials are the easiest way in, as many Melbourne clubs run weekly sessions that match you with other players. Booking apps such as Playtomic also show open matches where you can join a group looking for a fourth. Leagues and academy groups are a good next step once you are hooked.
Pick a court that suits the forecast, hire a racket for your first game, and visit us when you want gear of your own.
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