4 budget-friendly sporting venues in Melbourne
IF you’re passionate about sport but are finding it difficult to find venues to play, we’ve heard your frustration. Kai Yi Wong has compiled a comprehensive list of sporting venues around Melbourne.
Are you starting to make friends with your couch and bed? Have you entered the Guinness Book of World Records for the highest number of TV hours watched? Or you simply want to go out on a bright and sunny Sunday morning with some mates to get your blood flowing?
If you want to start on a sport, or have always wanted to know where to play a certain sport you love, Meld has the answer for you. Below is one half of our list of the top sports that we think you might want to play, and have come up with some details for your benefit.
Squash
Where can I play?
Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC), 1 Aughtie Drive, Albert Park VIC 3206
La Trobe University (LTU), Bundoora, VIC 3086
When are they open?
MSAC: Monday – Friday (6.00am to 11.00pm), Weekends and Public Holidays (7.00am to 8.00pm)
LTU: Monday – Friday (6:00am to 10:00pm), Saturdays 8:00am to 6:00pm, Sundays 10:00am to 10:00pm
How much will it cost?
MSAC: Click here for pricing details
LTU: $16.80/hour (public), $14.30/hour (LTU community), $12.60/hour (LTU students)
Contact details
MSAC: Dial (03) 9926 1555 to book or for more information.
LTU: Dial (03) 9479 2973 to book a court or to find out more.
Basketball
Where can I play?
Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC), 1 Aughtie Drive, Albert Park VIC 3206
When are they open?
Monday – Friday (6.00am to 11.00pm), Weekends and Public Holidays (7.00am to 8.00pm)
What can I play?
1. Casual – drop in and shoot some hoops. No bookings required, pay on day at a reception point in the Centre.
2. Multi-visit passes – purchased in conjunction with a Melbourne Sports Hub Membership at main reception, provides savings with multiple visits
3.Full court and stadium bookings – Single court bookings can be done at main reception. Should be done in advance of booking date.
How much will it cost?
Click here for pricing details.
Contact details
Dial (03) 9926 1555 to book or for more information.
Bowling
Where can I play?
Choose from either AMF, which hosts birthday parties, corporate functions or league games, or Strike, an entertainment powerhouse complete with karaoke, cocktail bar and funky lights.
AMF Clayton: 1866 Princes Highway, Clayton VIC 3168
AMF Chadstone: 1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone VIC 3148
Strike QV: 245 Lt Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, 1300 787 453,
Strike Melbourne Central: Level 3, Melbourne Central, 211 La Trobe St, Melbourne VIC 3000
When are they open?
AMF Clayton: Every day, 9.00am till late
AMF Chadstone: Every day, 9.00am till late
Strike QV: Every day, 10.00am till late
Strike Melbourne Central: Every day, 10.00am till late
How much will it cost?
AMF: 10% off if you book online. Click here for more details.
Strike: (10am – 4pm) $14/game, $22/2 games
(4pm – late) $16/game, $26/2 games
Additional family packages apply. Click here for more details.
Contact details:
AMF: 03 9544 5789 (Clayton), 03 9568 7921 (Chadstone)
Strike (QV and Melbourne Central): 1300 787 453
Badminton
Where can I play?
Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC), 1 Aughtie Dr, Albert Park VIC 3206
Altona Badminton Centre, Paisley Park, 271 Mason St, Altona North VIC 3025
La Trobe University (LTU), Bundoora, VIC 3086
Opening hours:
MSAC: Monday – Friday (6.00am to 11.00pm), Weekends and Public Holidays (7.00am to 8.00pm)
Altona North: Monday – Friday (10.00am to 11.30pm), Weekends (10.00am to 9.00pm)
LTU: Monday – Friday (6:00am to 10:00pm), Saturdays 8:00am to 6:00pm, Sundays 10:00am to 10:00pm
How much will it cost?
MSAC: Click here for pricing details
Altona North: Click here for pricing details
LTU: $16.80/hour (Public), $12.60/hour (LTU Student)
Contact details:
MSAC: Dial (03) 9926 1555 to book a court or find out more
Altona North: Dial (03) 9391 0880 to book a court or find out more
LTU: Dial (03) 9479 2973 to book a court or find out more
Are there any other sporting venues you’d recommend? Tell us in the comments box below!