Game, Set, Pickle: Melbourne’s Chicest New AO Hangout Is on the Yarra
Melbourne does summer sport better than just about anyone, but this Australian Open season, the city has officially outdone itself. Enter the 1 Hotels Open — a riverside pickleball court that has quietly (and then very loudly) become one of the most talked-about destinations of the tournament.
Set directly on the banks of the Yarra at the newly opened 1 Hotel Melbourne, this half-sized outdoor pickleball court is serving match-point energy with a side of five-star polish. Open for public bookings throughout the entire Australian Open period, it’s a rare chance to step off the sidelines and into the action — racquet in hand, river views ahead, Rosé waiting courtside.
Pickleball, the world’s fastest-growing sport and the social set’s favourite new obsession, has officially found its Melbourne moment. While the city buzzes with Centre Court drama, the 1 Hotels Open offers a more relaxed — but no less competitive — alternative. Think sun-drenched rallies, effortless style and a distinctly Melbourne blend of sport, culture and design.
The experience comes to life in partnership with Rodd & Gunn, whose refined, laidback aesthetic feels tailor-made for riverside play. The result? A courtside scene that’s equal parts athletic and aspirational, where crisp serves segue seamlessly into post-match drinks by the water.
Bookings are expected to be among the most coveted of the season, and for good reason. Each hourly session includes premium equipment, space for up to eight players, and the support of a dedicated courtside concierge — ensuring everything from first serve to match point runs smoothly. Players also receive a complimentary reusable 1 Hotels drink bottle and a celebratory glass of Rodd & Gunn Rosé, because winning (or simply surviving) deserves a toast.
Once play wraps, the scene shifts just a few steps away to Crane Bar and Lounge, where riverside lounging becomes an art form. Signature native-inspired cocktails, a bespoke courtside snacks and drinks menu, and a rotating line-up of DJs and live music make it the ideal pre- or post-tennis perch during AO fortnight.
For those doing things properly — which, frankly, is everyone here — 1 Hotel Melbourne has also introduced a dedicated water taxi service, ferrying guests up the Yarra to the Australian Open precinct. Expect bubbles, canapés and a VIP arrival that feels far more glamorous than any tram ride.
As if the buzz needed amplifying, the 1 Hotels Open cemented its status on January 15 when Jannik Sinner and Naomi Osaka stepped onto the court for a surprise exhibition match. Two global tennis icons, one riverside pickleball court, and a city already in full tennis fever — consider it the moment Melbourne collectively took notice.
From golden-hour rallies to leisurely hangs that blur the line between sport and socialising, the 1 Hotels Open is less about keeping score and more about soaking up the season. It’s unmistakably Melbourne, effortlessly stylish, and exactly where you want to be when the Australian Open comes to town.
The 1 Hotels Open pickleball court is open daily from 12pm–6pm (last booking). Each booking includes one hour of court hire for up to eight players, premium equipment, a complimentary reusable 1 Hotels drink bottle and a glass of Rodd & Gunn Rosé per player.
