Melbourne plays tennis in every season, with indoor courts for wet days and local courts you can book online. Find places to play from the inner north to the west and east, then pack the kit that keeps you going.
Start with a racquet and shoes, then add what makes cool mornings and warm afternoons easier.
Racquets for beginners, juniors and regular club players.
Multi-court shoes for hard courts, clay and synthetic grass.
Yellow match balls plus junior balls for kids.
Breathable tennis tees and tops for men, women and kids.
String sets and reels to refresh your racquet.
Tennis bags and backpacks for racquets and spare layers.
Big tennis centres and local council courts across the city.
Courts at the home of the Australian Open, with 8 indoor hard courts, 23 outdoor hard courts and 4 European clay courts. Its sister site, Albert Reserve, adds 9 outdoor hard courts nearby.
Good to knowNon-members can book casual courts, which open a short time ahead of play. The pro shop has racquets to hire, and Tennis Lab next to indoor court 8 handles stringing.
Six synthetic grass courts at McDonnell Reserve in the inner north, managed by Darebin City Council and open for public hire.
Good to knowBook and pay online and you receive a gate access code. Coaching is run on site by a local coaching team.
Two floodlit Plexipave courts run by Glen Eira City Council for hourly public hire.
Good to knowAll bookings and payments are made online through the Play Tennis system. Glen Eira also has free hit-up walls in several parks for solo practice.
An 18-court council tennis centre, including two show courts, at the Glen Waverley Sports Hub in Melbourne's east.
Good to knowCourt bookings are handled through the Glen Waverley Sports Hub. A local tennis club also uses the pavilion, so ask about joining if you want regular games.
A tennis centre at the Caroline Springs Leisure Centre in the west, shared between the local club and council-run public courts.
Good to knowCourt hire is open to the general public as well as club members. You can also join the Caroline Springs Tennis Club for regular play.
Adults usually start with a full-length racquet, while kids move up through junior lengths as they grow. A lighter frame is easier to control in your first months. Ask a coach if you are unsure which length suits.
Melbourne has hard courts, synthetic grass and some clay. A multi-court sole handles most of them well. If you mainly play on one surface, look for a shoe made for it.
Mornings can start cold and warm up fast. A breathable tee with a light layer over the top lets you warm up comfortably, then strip back once you are moving.
Strings lose tension over time, even if they do not break. If your shots feel dead or harder to control, it may be time for a restring.
Clay and synthetic grass play differently from hard courts. Ask when you book and wear shoes that suit.
Many council courts use a gate code or PIN, so give yourself a few minutes to get in and set up.
Collect your balls, cans and bottles at the end so the next group can start on time.
| Item | Why | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Tennis racquet | The one thing you cannot play without | Hire or borrow for your first few hits |
| Multi-court shoes | Support for quick side steps | Choose a sole that suits your usual surface |
| Tennis balls | Good bounce keeps rallies going | Open a fresh can when the old ones go flat |
| Light layer | Cold starts and changeable weather | Take it off once you are warm |
| Breathable top | Keeps you drier while you move | Pack a spare for long sessions |
| Water bottle | You lose fluid even on cool days | Drink at every change of ends |
| Tennis bag | Racquets, balls and layers together | A shoe pocket keeps grit off the rest |
Yes. Some larger centres have racquets to hire, so you can try the game before you buy. Friends and coaches are often happy to lend one for a first hit too. Once you are playing most weeks, your own racquet gives you a grip and weight you can get used to, which helps your shots become more consistent.
Choose tennis or multi-court shoes, as Melbourne has hard courts, synthetic grass and some clay. They give you grip and side support that running shoes do not. For clothing, wear a breathable top and shorts or a skirt, and bring a light layer for cool mornings and evenings that you can take off once you warm up.
It takes a little practice, but it is very welcoming. Start with short rallies close to the net, then move back as your timing improves. Many Melbourne centres and clubs run beginner lessons for adults and kids, and a few early sessions with a coach help you build a swing that is easy on your shoulder and arm.
Start with your local council website, as many list public courts that you book online through the Play Tennis system and enter with a PIN. Local clubs often allow casual hire and run social sessions where you can meet other players. Larger centres also offer coaching groups and competitions if you want regular games.
Yes, with a little planning. Indoor courts are a good option for rainy or very cold days. Outdoor courts can be slippery when wet, so wait for the surface to dry before playing and avoid damp clay or synthetic grass if it feels slick underfoot. On hot days, play early or late and keep drinking water.
Book a court close to home, pack a light layer and fresh balls, and come back to us when you want to build out your kit.
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