Get Active in Darebin
Summer 2025
Get Active in Darebin is a free community-based exercise program aimed at increasing the physical activity and wellbeing levels of Darebin residents.
Most activities cater to people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels, and many are facilitated by qualified instructors and coaches. There are sessions which are family friendly, specifically designed for parents and children to enjoy exercise together.
Registration is required for many sessions, but some you can simply join in on the day. Bring your own water, towels, and a mat (if required) and join in on the fun.
You can also keep up to date with any of our free and low-cost leisure programs by following Darebin Leisure on Facebook or joining our mailing list.
Summer season program 2025
Check out our Winter season program below. View the downloadable poster(PDF, 2MB).
2025 program details
Aqua Moves
Starts: 3 February to 3 March (No session on Monday 10 March)
Mondays: 9am to 9.45am
Address: Reservoir Leisure Centre, 2A Cuthbert Road, Reservoir VIC 3073
Water exercise in the 25-metre pool to improve muscular strength, cardio-vascular fitness and flexibility with minimal impact on the joints. Bookings are required.
To register, book at Reservoir Leisure Centre reception, or call 03 9496 1050.
Badminton
Starts: 3 February to 3 March (No session on Monday 10 March)
Mondays: 10am to 11am
Address: Darebin Community Sports Stadium, 857 Plenty Road, Reservoir
Note: The session on Monday 17th of February is at Narrandjeri Stadium.
Grab a friend or two and enjoy a game of badminton at Darebin Community Sports Stadium. Stay active with this lively, social sport for all ages and skill levels. All equipment is provided, and bookings are required.
To register, book through the DarebinMOVES app or phone on 03 9471 4935.
Cardio Tennis
Starts: 3 February to 3 March (No session on Monday 10 March)
Mondays: 2pm to 3pm
Address: Narrandjeri Stadium, 281 Darebin Road, Thornbury
Boost your fitness with cardio tennis on the outdoor courts! A fun, high-energy workout combining tennis drills and cardio exercises. Bring your own racquet if you have one. If not, there are some available. This session is facilitated by a trainer.
To register, book through the DarebinMOVES app or phone on 03 9989 5800.
Pickleball
Starts: 4 February to 11 March
Tuesdays: 10am to 11am
Address: Darebin Community Sports Stadium, 857 Plenty Road, Reservoir VIC 3073
Grab a friend and head to Darebin Community Sports Stadium for a game of indoor pickleball. Pickleball is a fun, easy-to-learn game that blends tennis, badminton and ping pong. All ages, fitness and skill levels are welcome.
To register, book through the DarebinMOVES app or phone on 03 9471 4935.
Tai Chi
Starts: 4 February to 11 March
Tuesdays: 10am to 11am
Address: Penders Park, David Street, Thornbury VIC 3071
Experience this ancient Chinese art developed as a tranquil way of keeping fit and improving your health. The class includes breathing and meditation techniques, focus on flexibility, balance and coordination through movement. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Meet on Tharratt St. end of the park. Sessions are held on the basketball court. Sessions may be cancelled due to heavy rain.
Registration is not required, just drop in and enjoy!
Walking Basketball
Starts: 4 February to 11 March
Tuesdays: 10.30am to 11.30am
Address: Narrandjeri Stadium, 281 Darebin Road, Thornbury
Enjoy some low-impact fitness with indoor Walking Basketball! A fun, social game perfect for all ages and abilities. All equipment is provided. This session is facilitated by a trainer.
To register, book through the DarebinMOVES app or phone on 03 9989 5800.
Active Adults Qigong
Starts: 4 February to 11 March
Tuesdays: 12.25pm to 1.10pm
Address: Northcote Aquatic & Recreation Centre, 180 Victoria Road, Northcote, VIC 3070
A gentle class for over 60’s, Qigong, is a mindful movement modality which teaches participants to embody being in the present moment by consciously breathing, gently moving, being still and being aware of the subtle flow of your energy.
To register, book through the Darebin Venues - Client Portal. Once you create an account, you can book Get Active in Darebin sessions. Sessions will be open for bookings ONE week before the class start time. If you need help, please call the customer service team at Northcote Aquatic & Recreation Centre on 03 9088 4600. Places are limited and bookings are subject to availability.
Try Rugby
Starts: 4 February to 11 March
Tuesdays: 5.30pm to 6.30pm
Address: C H Sullivan, 1 Blake Street, Reservoir, VIC 3073
Get Active with the Northern Panthers Rugby Club’s beginner-friendly rugby sessions. Starting with social touch football and learning key skills and drills. This is a family-friendly program, open to all ages and genders.
Registration is not required, just drop in and enjoy. Contact Grant on 0412 154 752 for more details.
Swim Bright Babies
Starts: 5 February to 12 March
Wednesdays: 12.15pm to 12.45pm
Address: Northcote Aquatic & Recreation Centre, 180 Victoria Road, Northcote, VIC 3070
Swim Bright Babies is a water familiarisation session for babies aged between 9 and 18 months. The sessions are facilitated to provide a nurturing environment between parents and/or carers and their little one. The parent/carer must accompany the baby in the water.
To register, book through the Darebin Venues - Client Portal. Once you create an account, you can book Get Active in Darebin sessions. Sessions will be open for bookings ONE week before the class start time. If you need help, please call the customer service team at Northcote Aquatic & Recreation Centre on 03 9088 4600. Places are limited and bookings are subject to availability.
Dodgeball
Starts: 5 February to 12 March
Wednesdays: 2pm to 3pm
Address: Darebin Community Sports Stadium, 857 Plenty Road, Reservoir VIC 3073
Note: The session on Wednesday 26th of February is at Narrandjeri Stadium
Grab a group of friends and enjoy a fun, social game of dodgeball at Darebin Community Sports Stadium. Perfect for a competitive game between friends. Equipment is provided.
To register, book through the DarebinMOVES app or phone on 03 9471 4935.
Table tennis
Starts: 5 February to 12 March
Wednesdays: 2pm to 3pm
Address: Narrandjeri Stadium, 281 Darebin Road, Thornbury
Grab a friend and enjoy a social game of table tennis at Narrandjeri Stadium. Table tennis is a great way to stay active, connect with others and have fun. Equipment is provided. All ages, levels of fitness and experience are welcome.
To register, book through the DarebinMOVES app or phone on 03 9989 5800.
Indoor Cycling Class
Starts: 6 February to 13 March
Thursdays: 9.15am to 10am
Address: Northcote Aquatic & Recreation Centre, 180 Victoria Road, Northcote, VIC 3070
An indoor cycle class where the instructor creates the workout. Sessions may include climbing, sprinting and interval training.
To register, book through the Darebin Venues - Client Portal. Once you create an account, you can book Get Active in Darebin sessions. Sessions will be open for bookings ONE week before the class start time. If you need help, please call the customer service team at Northcote Aquatic & Recreation Centre on 03 9088 4600. Places are limited and bookings are subject to availability.
Chair Yoga
Starts: 6 Feb to 13 March
Thursdays: 2pm—3pm
Address: Keon Park Children's Hub, 1-7 Dole Ave, Reservoir VIC 3073
Chair yoga is a low-impact exercise for older adults or those who want to avoid putting pressure on the joints. Chair yoga can help people not used to exercising to improve their strength and balance which can help to reduce the fear of falling.
Registration is not required! Bring your water bottle, towel, come along and enjoy.
Boccia
Starts: 6 Feb to 13 March
Thursdays: 3pm to 4pm
Address: Darebin Community Sports Stadium, 857 Plenty Road, Reservoir VIC 3073
Join the fun with Boccia at Darebin Community Sports Stadium. Boccia is a Paralympic sport that involves throwing or rolling coloured balls towards a white target ball, known as the ‘jack’. Boccia is an all-ability activity for every age and level of experience. An instructor facilitates this session.
To register, book through the DarebinMOVES app or phone on 03 9471 4935.
Walking Soccer
Starts: 6 Feb to 13 March
Thursdays: 5pm to 6.30pm
Address: Mayer Park, 143 Leinster Grove, Thornbury VIC 3071
Get Active with Darebin United Soccer Club’s Walking Football sessions. Walking Football is a small-sided, low-impact, modified version of the game. Participants will experience physical and mental health benefits and social connectedness. This program has a focus on people aged over 55 years and welcomes all levels of fitness and experience. Bookings are required.
To register, email darebinunitedsc@yahoo.com.au.
Rainbow Pickleball
Starts: 6 Feb to 13 March
Thursdays: 7pm to 9pm
Address: Narrandjeri Stadium, 281 Darebin Rd, Thornbury VIC 3071
Join the fun with Rainbow Pickleball on the outdoor courts at Narrandjeri Stadium. Pickleball is a fun way to connect with others and get active. You don’t need experience to get involved! Grab a friend and come on down. Equipment is provided. Bookings are required.
To register, book through the DarebinMOVES app or phone on 03 9989 5800.
Lunchtime Basketball
Starts: 7 Feb to 14 March
Fridays: 12pm to 1pm
Address: Darebin Community Sports Stadium, 857 Plenty Road, Reservoir VIC 3073
Take a break and shoot some hoops with an indoor, all-weather session of lunchtime basketball at Darebin Community Sports Stadium. It's a quick, fun way to stay active and socialise.
To register, book through the DarebinMOVES app or phone on 03 9471 4935.
Swim Bright Babies
Starts: 7 February to 14 March
Fridays: 12.15pm to 12.45pm
Address: Northcote Aquatic & Recreation Centre, 180 Victoria Road, Northcote, VIC 3070
Swim Bright Babies is a water familiarisation session for babies aged between 9 and 18 months. The sessions are facilitated to provide a nurturing environment between parents and/or carers and their little one. The parent/carer must accompany the baby in the water.
To register, book through the Darebin Venues - Client Portal. Once you create an account, you can book Get Active in Darebin sessions. Sessions will be open for bookings ONE week before the class start time. If you need help, please call the customer service team at Northcote Aquatic & Recreation Centre on 03 9088 4600. Places are limited and bookings are subject to availability.
Street Ball
Starts: 7 Feb to 14 March
Fridays: 7pm to 8pm
Address: Narrandjeri Stadium, 281 Darebin Rd, Thornbury VIC 3071
Experience the energy of Street Ball Basketball on Narrandjeri Stadium's outdoor courts - fast, competitive, and perfect for all skill levels.
To register, book through the DarebinMOVES app or phone on 03 9989 5800.
Body Step
Starts: 8 Feb to 15 March
Saturdays: 8.15am to 9.15am
Address: Reservoir Leisure Centre, 2A Cuthbert Road, Reservoir VIC 3073
A full-body cardio workout set to a mixture of upbeat, rhythmic stepping, with squat and lunge patterns to work the legs. Combine this with movements like burpees, pushups and weight plate exercises and the result is a fun, uplifting, full-body workout. Plenty of options for all fitness levels. Bookings are required.
To register, book at Reservoir Leisure Centre reception, or call 03 9496 1050.
Cricket Blast pop-up sessions
Starts: 9 Feb to 16 March
Sundays: 10am to 11.15am
Address: Preston City Oval, 11 Cramer Street Preston VIC 3072
Kids!!! Get Active and join 6 weeks of Cricket Blast activities with Preston Cricket Club. Cricket Blast is designed for children aged 10 years and under to unite kids in a frenzy of fun and excitement. Kids will make new friends, learn new skills and experience the thrill of being part of a team. Bookings are essential.
To register, book through Play HQ and use voucher number C5BECE7F for free registration.
Yoga
Starts: 9 Feb to 16 March
Sundays: 11.30am to 12.30pm
Address: Reservoir Leisure Centre, 2A Cuthbert Road, Reservoir VIC 3073
Improve your strength and flexibility with this mind and body workout. Walk out with better posture, breathing awareness and a meditated, relaxed mind. Bookings are required.
To register, book at Reservoir Leisure Centre reception, or call 03 9496 1050.
DarebinMOVES App
Download the DarebinMOVES app.
- Register for the Summer Get Active in Darebin program.
- Keep up to date with WHAT’S ON at our Darebin leisure facilities.
- Join virtual fitness challenges and go in the draw to WIN great prizes!
How to download and use the app
- Download from the app store
- Create an account
- Wait for your account be approved by email notification
- Open Weekly Timetable
- Book a class
Approval can take minimum 1 business day. Note, you won’t be able to book any classes until approved. Classes you’ve booked can be found in the ‘My Movement’ tab (tab 2).
Registrations can also be taken by calling reception at:
Free exercise with at-home workouts
If you’re on a tight budget or prefer exercising in your own time, here are some more free exercise options:
Outdoor equipment
Looking to get active outdoors in our parks and build more strength, cardio and stamina? Why not try our outdoor gym equipment at a time that suits you.
Now available to a range of local Darebin parks including:
- A H Capp Reserve, Halwyn Crescent, Preston
- All Nations Park, Separation St, Northcote
- Bundoora Park, Playground Drive, Bundoora
- C H Sullivan Memorial Park, Blake St, Preston
- Edwardes Lake Park, Griffiths St, Reservoir
- I W Dole Reserve, Dole Ave, Reservoir
- J C Donath Reserve, Harmer St, Reservoir
- Mayer Park, Normanby Ave, Thornbury
- T W Andrews Reserve, Fordham Rd, Reservoir
- W R Ruthven V C Reserve, Malpas Street, Preston
Walking and running
It's important to try to exercise for at least 30 minutes per day, so why not try walking around local Darebin parks and streets. Get your free Heart Foundation Personal Walking Plan and get moving today.
Find a walking group near you, visit the Heart Foundation website for more information to search via suburb for your closest groups to join.
For those up for more of a jog or run, why not try parkrun. A free and social community event coordinated by volunteers where you can walk, jog or run 5kms. Parkrun is held each Saturday at CT Barling Reserve (Plenty Rd) in Reservoir from 8—9am. Find out more about parkrun and register.
Reduced gym membership
If you’re having financial difficulties, you might be able to get a subsidised gym membership. This will give you access to Reservoir Leisure Centre from 6am—4pm.
To find out if you're eligible, please call 03 9462 4611 and enquire today.