North Melbourne Recreation Centre

the NMRC has loads to offer almost everyone, from pool to gym and even basketball and netball courts!
Personally I am a fan of the pool! There is the usual 25m lap pool divided up in to fast, medium and slow but the big star of the North Melbourne pool isn’t the lap pool. it is the three other, interconnected pools. Starting at a baby pool, which must only be a few centimeters deep and is totally covered by a shade cloth. This is connected by a small pebble path to a toddler pool, with steps and ‘beach entry’ so the little ones can approach it with ease. For those who don’t know, a ‘beach entry’ is just a gentle sloping ramp from the side down to the bottom of the pool so it almost feels like a beach, if you ignore the lack of sand.
The toddler pool is only partially covered by a shade cloth, so parents can get a tan as well as playing with the little ones.
Next is the main pool, also connected by a pebble path to the toddler pool (I don’t know why i found that so cool, maybe it was just the burble of the water or the more natural feel)
The main pool is where all the action is! Like the toddler pool, it has steps and a ‘beach entry’ and steps. It has a few little ledges to sit on and for children to play, In the middle is a huge water umbrella to make sure you stay cool on the 40+ days.
All in all this is a great pool for all ages!

I feel a bit weird reviewing this gym. Sort of like I’m cheating on my long-​time favourite, Virgin Active.
The fact of the matter is however, I no longer work in the city. So making a special trip in for Virgin seems a little extreme. Moreover, at just $ 23 a fortnight, North Melbourne Recreation is a darn sight cheaper than the big V.
Joining North Melbourne Rec gives you access to a surprising number of different facilities for that weeny price too… the basketball stadium (home court of the Melbourne Tigers), tennis courts, Carlton baths, North Melbourne swimming pool and of course, the gym.
I generally go during off-​peak hours so I can’t comment on how busy it gets, but I’ve been impressed at how smoothly things seems to run during the more in-​demand times.
For those who are so inclined, it’s probably also worth noting that as this is the home ground for the Melbourne Tigers (basketball) AND the North Melbourne Kangaroos (AFL) you often aren’t short of eye candy.
What it’s really about for me though, is that it’s clean, new and supervised. The latter being important for those of us who may have a nasty habit of passing out on occasion!