Pickleball bookings open riverside at 1 Hotel Melbourne during AO
A riverside pickleball court has opened at 1 Hotel Melbourne, with public bookings available throughout the Australian Open period. The installation sits directly on the banks of the Yarra and operates as a half-sized outdoor court designed for hourly sessions.
The activation places pickleball at the centre of Melbourne’s summer tennis calendar during the Australian Open. As a result, visitors can book sessions during the tournament window while activity across the city peaks. The court operates daily and accepts public bookings through the hotel.
Pickleball has expanded rapidly in recent years, and the riverside court introduces a bookable experience of this scale during the Australian Open period. Consequently, the court provides on-site access for players and spectators in a central riverfront setting. Each booking includes premium equipment and on-court support.
The experience operates in partnership with Rodd & Gunn. The collaboration aligns courtside activity with a hospitality-led setting that includes food and beverage service before and after play. Additionally, each registered player receives a complimentary glass of rosé.
Following sessions, patrons can move to Crane Bar and Lounge, located on the hotel’s riverfront. The venue serves food and drinks during the Australian Open period and hosts DJs and live music across the schedule. Therefore, the bar functions as a pre- and post-match destination connected to the court.
A dedicated water taxi service also operates during the period, providing river transport to Australian Open venues. The service includes food and beverage on board and delivers guests via the Yarra. This option offers an alternative route to the precinct during peak event days.
Exhibition match and operating details
On 15th January 2025, the pickleball court hosted an exhibition appearance by Jannik Sinner and Naomi Osaka. The appearance took place during the Australian Open period and attracted attention to the riverside installation.
The pickleball court operates daily from 12pm to 6pm, with the final booking available at 5pm. Each booking provides one hour of court hire for up to eight players. In addition, bookings include a reusable drink bottle for each participant.
The court remains active throughout the Australian Open season, aligning play sessions with peak visitor movement along the river. As the tournament continues, bookings are available across the full operating window.
Location: 1 Hotel Melbourne, Yarra Riverfront
Dates: Australian Open period, January 2025
Times: Daily from 12pm to 6pm
Access: Public bookings via 1 Hotel Melbourne website