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Where to Play
Melbourne Park
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Outside of tournament dates, the venue for the Australian Open serves as a superb public tennis facility, with 22 outdoor courts (including three show courts), four indoor courts, changing rooms with lockers and a pro shop. The Rebound Ace courts are open to the public daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., with reservations taken by phone up to six days in advance. Hourly rates range from AU$20 to AU$39. Melbourne Park (formerly known as Flinders Park), is near the southeastern corner of the central business district, easily accessible by tram, taxi or on foot from any centrally located hotel. |
Albert Reserve Tennis Centre
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Nine Rebound Ace courts with changing rooms are available at this public facility on the eastern edge of Albert Park adjacent to the Albert Cricket Ground. The center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and courts may be reserved in advance by phone. The cost is AU$25 per hour weekdays before 6 p.m., AU$34 on weekday evenings, and AU$28 on weekends. |
Fawkner Park
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Fawkner Park, a large municipal recreation area about 2 miles southeast of central Melbourne, has six lighted synthetic grass courts with a pro shop, cafe and changing rooms. Court time may be booked by phone up to two weeks in advance, with hourly fees of AU$25 an hour weekdays before 5 p.m. and on weekends, or AU$32 an hour for evening play. The facility is generally open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and weekends from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., though it's best to phone in advance as hours may vary. |
Carlton Gardens Tennis Club
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Four lighted artificial grass courts are available for public use at this local club in Carlton Gardens, a World Heritage-listed Victorian garden a few minutes north of Melbourne's central business district. The courts are open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. with a nonmember fee of AU$16 per hour before 4 p.m. or AU$20 after 4 p.m. (plus AU$4 per hour for lights when required). The club welcomes visitors to participate in its ongoing schedule of social tennis activities, which include mixed doubles matches on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings (AU$5 for nonmembers). Courts may be reserved in advance by phone, and flat-soled tennis shoes are mandatory. |
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