Game4Padel Docklands

Game4Padel Docklands sits inside Shed 21 at 206 Lorimer Street, Docklands VIC 3008, directly on the Yarra River waterfront. Opened in early 2022 as Melbourne’s first dedicated padel venue, the club has grown from three courts to seven and now welcomes more than 75,000 visitors each year.

It is the flagship Australian site for the Game4Padel group, which also operates a second Melbourne club in Richmond.

Four local founders - Jason Gasper, Austin Simms, Cory Jimmieson and Matt Levey - brought padel to Melbourne after discovering the sport overseas. They partnered with the UK-based Game4Padel network and secured the Docklands waterfront site through Development Victoria during the 2020 lockdowns.

The venue has since hosted two FIP Silver Australian Padel Open tournaments and established itself as the centre of competitive padel in Victoria.

The courts

The venue features seven full-size panoramic padel courts, all built on poured concrete beneath Shed 21’s permanent 16-metre-high roof. Every court uses artificial grass surfacing and glass back walls, giving players and spectators clear sightlines across the entire facility. The covered design means play continues in all weather without exposure to rain or direct sun.

All courts are floodlit to competition standard, supporting play from early morning through to midnight on weekdays. The panoramic design and waterfront setting provide views of the Melbourne city skyline from the court. Four pickleball courts also operate alongside the padel courts for those who want to try a second racquet sport on the same visit.

Booking and access

All court bookings are made through the Playtomic app, with slots available up to two weeks in advance. Off-peak court hire (weekdays before 4 pm) is $65 per hour per court, which works out to around $16.25 per player when split four ways. Peak sessions (evenings and weekends) cost $85 per hour per court, or roughly $21.25 per person.

Racket hire is available at $7 per racket, and balls can be purchased at reception. The pro shop stocks rackets, accessories and apparel for those looking to buy their own gear.

No membership is required to book. The G4P Day Pass at $120 per month gives members free weekday off-peak court time, priority booking and the ability to reserve courts up to 21 days ahead.

Opening hours run Monday to Friday from 8 am to midnight and Saturday to Sunday from 8 am to 11 pm. The venue sits a short walk from Southern Cross Station (2.6 km) and offers free on-site parking. Disabled access is available throughout the facility, with accessible pathways to courts and amenities.

Programme and social

The G4P Academy runs group coaching sessions and private lessons for players at every level, from complete beginners to competitive tournament players. The club uses a G1 to G5 grading system so players can find sessions and opponents matched to their ability. Weekly social mix-in sessions give newcomers an easy way to meet regular players and get comfortable on court.

A structured league programme runs throughout the year, offering competitive doubles play in a friendly format. The club also hosts regular tournaments and championship events at both Docklands and Richmond. Corporate days, team-building sessions and private venue hire are available for businesses looking to use the waterfront setting for group activities.

Around half of all play at Docklands takes place between 4 pm and 11.30 pm, reflecting the venue’s popularity as an after-work destination. Spectator and social areas provide space to watch matches, catch up with friends or wind down after a game. The on-site snack bar keeps players fuelled between sessions.

Best for

Game4Padel Docklands suits anyone looking for a well-run, weatherproof padel venue with genuine community energy. First-timers benefit from accessible coaching, affordable racket hire and welcoming social sessions. Experienced players will appreciate the competition-grade panoramic courts, structured leagues and regular tournament hosting.

The waterfront location, free parking and late opening hours make it a strong choice for after-work groups and weekend players alike. With seven courts, four pickleball courts and a full coaching programme under one roof, it is the most complete padel facility in Melbourne.

The G4P Academy offers private lessons and group coaching for all levels, led by international coaches including head coach Manu Martin. Sessions cover beginners through to competitive tournament preparation using a G1-G5 player grading system.