Monday, June 22, 2015

Australian Open Guided Tours, Rod Laver Arena

We recently booked a guided tour of Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena and tennis court hire.
Our morning began at the Tennis Pro shop, where we picked up our racquets and balls and set off to the outside courts for a hit.

Australian Open Tennis Rod Laver Arena
Melbourne turned on the blue sky to match the Plexi cushion surface of the courts. 
Australian Open Tennis Rod Laver Arena

 The crowd cheered when I hit an ace.
Australian Open Tennis Rod Laver Arena
We joined the small group on the tour and our friendly guide took us exploring.
Australian Open Tennis Rod Laver Arena
The player change rooms were our first stop. You can just imagine the atmosphere in the place when the final 2 of the Australian Open are preparing to head to Centre Court. Some of the players have their favourite locker that they use each time. Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer both have their preferred space, with their photos on the locker door.
Australian Open Tennis Rod Laver Arena

Australian Open Tennis Rod Laver Arena
 Past the trophy cabinets and along the Walk of Champions to Rod Laver Arena.

Australian Open Tennis Rod Laver ArenaAustralian Open Tennis Rod Laver Arena
The Media room was next, where the players conduct their post match interviews.
Australian Open Tennis Rod Laver Arena

The quiet emptiness of Rod Laver Arena. When not in use for the Australian Open, the arena hosts a variety of events. From Disney on Ice to Pearl Jam, the 15,000 seat venue is popular with the crowds and the touring artists.
Australian Open Tennis Rod Laver Arena
Once the original outdoor court, Margaret Court Arena has undergone a refurbishment and even has a brand spanking new rectractable roof, which opens or closes in just 5 minutes. At the time of our visit, the blue flexi cushion had been covered in a layer of temporary flooring and the name of the game was no longer tennis, but basketball. And not just any old basketball team - The Harlem Globetrotters were in town to play a couple of gigs here.
Australian Open Tennis Rod Laver Arena

Australian Open Tennis Rod Laver Arena 

Australian Open Tennis Rod Laver Arena


A collection of Instagram photos, taken at this year's Open, have been turned into a huge mosaic of famous players.
Australian Open Tennis Rod Laver ArenaAustralian Open Tennis Rod Laver Arena
The gardens are brightened by Birds of Paradise and other native blooms.
Australian Open Tennis Rod Laver Arena

Australian Open Tennis Rod Laver Arena
Former champions are honoured with rows of busts. Rod Laver, Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong Cawley, the Woodies - they're all here. 


Australian Open Tennis Rod Laver Arena

The tour was great and it was heaps of fun playing (badly) and doing my best McEnroe hissy fit when I kept missing the ball. 
I give it a thumbs up. Bewdy Newk!
Australian Open Tennis Rod Laver Arena
Where:Rod Laver Arena, Olympic Boulevard
When:Daily 
Why: tennis, Australian Open
How Much: $18 tour ( court hire extra)

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