Melbourne: Play Tennis at Melbourne Park & AO Tickets

Summary

Hit the blue courts at Melbourne Park then wander through sports history with a local

You’ll start your day exploring Melbourne’s sports heart with a local guide before stepping onto the iconic blue courts for your own tennis match—gear provided. Stroll past legendary stadiums and hear stories behind Australia’s sporting culture. If you come in January, Australian Open tickets are included. Expect laughs, local color, and maybe even a little awe standing where champions play.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the bounce — not just from the tennis balls, but under my own feet on those almost-too-blue courts at Melbourne Park. There was this faint smell of fresh paint mixed with sunscreen in the air, and someone nearby was laughing about their backhand (honestly, mine wasn’t much better). Our guide, Mark, had that dry Melbourne humor — he pointed out where Nadal warmed up last year and told us how locals call it “the Happy Slam.” I tried to say it with his accent and failed; he didn’t let me forget it.

We’d started out at Federation Square, weaving past joggers along Birrarung Marr while Mark explained how Indigenous games shaped Aussie sport — I hadn’t known half of it. The city felt alive even before we reached the courts: trams dinging in the distance, a kid kicking a footy under one of those big gum trees. When we finally got to Melbourne Park for our tennis experience, they handed us racquets and balls (all included), so you really just need sneakers and a bit of nerve. I didn’t expect to feel so small standing on the same surface as Grand Slam legends — there’s something about that shade of blue under an open sky that sticks with you.

After our hit (and a few embarrassing serves), we wandered through the Olympic precinct. You pass all these club headquarters — rugby, soccer, Aussie Rules — and Mark kept tossing out stories about wild matches or famous players who grew up blocks away. The whole area is wheelchair accessible too; we saw a couple of families pushing prams without any trouble. By the time we reached the MCG, that massive stadium looming like some kind of modern colosseum, I could almost hear echoes from old cricket matches. It’s not a neat ending; you just sort of stand there looking at it all and realize how much sport means here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Melbourne sports and tennis tour

• Start at Federation Square
• Walk down Birrarung Mar
• Learn about Aboriginal sports and games
• Tour Melbourne Park Tennis Centre
• Play tennis on blue courts
• Walk through Olympic Precinct
• See headquarters of six football teams
• Learn about indigenous football game
• Visit Melbourne Cricket Ground

Top questions

Can I play tennis on the actual Melbourne Park courts?

Yes, court hire is included except during December when preparations for the Australian Open may limit access.

Are Australian Open tickets included?

Yes, if you book during January when the tournament is on—tickets are part of your experience.

Is equipment like racquets and balls provided?

Yes, racquets and balls are supplied; just bring your sneakers.

Where does the tour start?

The tour begins at Federation Square in central Melbourne.

Is this tour suitable for kids or people using wheelchairs?

Yes, it’s wheelchair accessible and infants can join in prams or strollers.

What happens if court access isn’t available?

You’ll be notified ahead of time if courts aren’t available due to Australian Open preparations; prices are discounted then.

How long is the walk from Federation Square to Melbourne Park?

The walk is short—just across Birrarung Marr parkland into the sporting precinct.

Do I need to be good at tennis?

Nope! All fitness levels are welcome; it’s more about enjoying being there than winning points.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to all venues mentioned on the route plus court hire at Melbourne Park with racquets and balls provided. In January you’ll also get Australian Open tickets as part of your booking. Everything is designed for easy access—just bring yourself (and sneakers) to Federation Square to start off with your local guide leading the way.