Overview
While older Aussies might be more familiar with bat tennis — from back in the days when it was played around primary schools — the US-born game of pickleball has become far more popular.
That's even more true throughout January when the Australian Open returns to Melbourne, and bars and hotels all over the city set up pop-up courts. And this year, the city has got a heap to choose from.
Rooftop at QT
You've got a court up at the Rooftop at QT — which was first played on by Naomi Osaka, Nick Kyrios and Frances Tiafoe earlier this month — that's been put together in partnership with Red Bull and The National Pickleball League.
This pop-up pickleball court is open every day until Monday, March 3, but those seeking glory (and prizes) should rock up from 4–8pm from Thursday–Sunday. Winners score a round of free Red Bull cocktails and the very best performers have the chance to win an exclusive AO Live Red Bull experience, complete with an overnight stay at QT Melbourne.
If one rooftop pickleball location isn't enough for you, you can also head over to Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street for more of the same action. Up at this sun-soaked space, you'll find another court open until Friday, February 28.
The space is available to non-hotel guests throughout this period, but the best time to arrive is between 4pm and 9pm. This is when the crew gets out the DJ decks and serves curated cocktails at the adjacent Chateau La Gordonne rooftop lounge.
Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya
Lastly, the Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya crew has also joined the pickleball action in 2025, setting up a court on level one. Here, you can battle out with mates while sipping sake cocktails and barrelling through epic sushi platters.
This has been set up in collaboration with the National Pickleball League, so do expect a top-quality court and all the gear needed to have a proper game.
Hilton Melbourne
Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya