It was an exciting time once again for 14 ladies from the Bairnsdale Tennis Club Wednesday ladies’ social tennis on their annual Melbourne trip.
Some had a very early start to be able to catch the 6am train to Melbourne, but the first day was just settling into the city, catching up with each other after the Christmas break, finding accommodation at The Batman’s On Collins, just across the road from Southern Cross Station.
“Some keen tennis goers headed straight off to the Australian Open, enjoying their day passes to some really exciting matches,” group member Julie Webb said. “We all do our own thing for the few days catching up at certain intervals.
“We all meet to go to the Australian Open for the night matches. This year we were in Rod Laver Arena and very lucky to see Australian Alex de Minaur win all his sets.
“The tennis grounds this year seemed to have a lot more entertainment for families to enjoy, also to be able to sit in the beer gardens and watch the big screens.
“The next day, some went shopping in the DFO, our group hopped on and off the City Tourist Tram, walked around Victoria Market, Federation Square, then a cruise on the Yarra, always quite an interesting experience.
“We all caught up again for dinner at The Mitre Tavern Steakhouse, then onto The Regent Theatre to enjoy the live performance of Sister Act.
“The final day, some ventured to the shops, a visit to the National Gallery of Victoria, then all home on the midday train.”
The group has kick-started its year by deciding to have a go at the new craze – pickleball.
“It was a fun morning held guided by Angie and Brian McKail,” Julie said.
“A very different game to our usual tennis, interesting shorter courts, different scoring, a good alternative to keeping fit.”
Anyone interested in joining the Wednesday ladies can call in to the Bairnsdale tennis courts on a Wednesday morning.
“We welcome you to join us in a team, fill ins are always needed. Drop in for morning tea and a chat,” Julie said.
