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World Class Ice Skating In Melbourne

World Class Ice Skating In Melbourne

Going ice skating at the Rockefeller Center Ice Rink in New York City was one of the top items on Amy’s 25 Before 25 List.

We had planned to be there on opening weekend (which coincided with our last weekend in the USA) until Mother Nature decided otherwise. Warm weather delayed the opening of the rink by one week which meant that we regrettably missed out on ticking it off the list.

This gave us the perfect excuse to visit the Medibank Icehouse in the Docklands precinct of Melbourne and make up for that missed opportunity. Not that we needed one, of course!

The Bradbury Rink at Medibank Icehouse

This facility has been open since 2010 and features two Olympic-sized ice rinks as well as state-of-the art sound and light systems and a café and bar for those non-skaters.

But we were here to get out on the ice and after receiving our entry tickets and locker token, we proceeded to the Skate Hire area to be fitted for our skates.

Skate Hire from Medibank Icehouse

We excitedly put our skates on and then stumbled over to the Bradbury Rink ready for our first taste of ice skating in over a decade. We were determined not to embarrass ourselves too badly and then we saw this…

Speed Skater at Medibank Icehouse

Victorian junior speed skaters in action! It was an unbelievable sight watching these children zip around the ice at an amazing speed and somehow we suddenly felt grossly inadequate. But that wasn’t going to stop us from giving it a go as we stepped out onto the rink and slowly started to make our way around it, ensuring that we were within arm’s reach of the side walls at all times.

We quickly discovered that ice skating is a LOT harder than it looks! But after a few minutes on the ice, we began to find our balance and eventually had the confidence to venture away from the edges of the rink.

Well, Kieron maybe not so much.

Kieron at the Medibank Icehouse

Okay, we’ll admit that the photo above is a slight exaggeration but be prepared for a fall or two when you’re learning how to skate and make sure you take your time.

We certainly were glad to be learning how to skate at the Icehouse though as it’s arguably the best ice skating facility in Australia. Amy picked up the technique quite easily and was soon wandering off around the rink by herself while Kieron stepped off to “take photos”. Great excuse, K.

Amy at the Medibank Icehouse

We’ll definitely be back at the Medibank Icehouse sooner rather than later and will be sure to take advantage of one of their free 15 minute beginner lessons next time. If you’re in Melbourne and looking for a unique experience, a visit to the Icehouse might be right down your alley!

There’s also Ice Hockey and Curling that you can check out as well as a whole range of promotional nights from Date Night Thursdays to Disco Fever Saturdays.

The Details

Address: Medibank Icehouse, 105 Pearl Road, Docklands (Google Maps)
Ticket Prices: Adults $25 with Skate Hire, $21 with No Skate Hire. For full prices visit  www.icehouse.com.au.

Disclaimer: We received complimentary admission and skate hire from the Medibank Icehouse. As always, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

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