Get Active in Darebin

Tai-Chi.jpg

Spring 2025

Get Active in Darebin is a free community-based exercise program aimed at increasing the physical activity and wellbeing levels of Darebin residents. Our Spring program will run for 6 weeks from Monday 20 October until Sunday 30 November 2025. Most activities cater to people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels, and many are facilitated by qualified instructors and coaches. Some sessions 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, towel, and a mat (if required) and join in 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.

Monday

Chair Yoga

From 10:15am – 11:15am @ La Trobe Village Community Centre, Village Drive, Reservoir

20 October to 24 November 2025*

Chair yoga is a low-impact exercise for older adults or anyone looking for an accessible way to practice yoga. Chair yoga can help to improve strength and balance, and is gentle on the knee and ankle joints, and a great option to begin or return to exercise. This class is neurodiversity friendly and support workers are also welcome to join. No registration required, but spaces will be limited.

*Please note - No session on 17 November.

Go Soccer Mums

From 6:30 – 7:30pm @ Merri Park, 200 Sumner Ave,Northcote

20 October to 24 November 2025

Join Darebin Falcons for Go Soccer Mums - an introductory soccer program specifically for women and gender-diverse people to have fun, meet new people and learn new skills in a social, supportive environment. All equipment provided. Suitable for ages 16+. Shin pads recommended. 

Register via soccer@falcons.org.au

Tuesday

Walking Basketball

From 10:30 – 11:30am @ Narrandjeri Stadium, 281 Darebin Road, Thornbury

21 October to 25 November 2025*

Enjoy low-impact fitness with indoor Walking Basketball! Improve your coordination, stability and balance in a fun, supportive session. Finish with a social game and a cuppa.  Perfect for adults all ages and abilities. Register online via the registration form or by calling 03 9989 5800.

*Please note - No session on 4 November

Zumba Gold

From 11:25am – 12:05pm @ Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre, 180 Victoria Street, Northcote

21 October to 25 November 2025*

Zumba Gold is for active adults looking for a modified Zumba class that recreates the original moves you love, but at a lower intensity. Register by calling 03 9088 4600.

*Please note - No session on 4 November

Barrefusion

From 4:30pm - 5:30pm @ Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre, 180 Victoria Street, Northcote

21 October to 25 November 2025*

Join us for a fusion of ballet, yoga and Pilates. Designed to challenge core stability and balance using body weighted movements, with light hand weights, Pilates rings and balls. Suitable for all fitness levels. Register by calling 03 9088 4600.

*Please note - No session on 4 November

Wednesday

Kinder Tennis

  • From 10:00 – 10:30am @Darebin Community Sports Stadium, 875 Plenty Road, Reservoir
  • From 10:30 – 11:00am @Darebin Community Sports Stadium, 875 Plenty Road, Reservoir

22 October – 26 November 2025

Kinder Tennis has two 30 minute indoor sessions for children aged 3 - 5. It introduces the basics of tennis through fun games that build skills such as throwing, catching, balancing, moving and hitting a tennis ball. All equipment provided. Bring water bottle and wear comfortable clothes and closed shoes.

Register online or by calling 9471 4935. 

MIND Walking Group

From 10:00 – 10:30am @ Reservoir Neighbourhood House, 2B Cuthbert Road, Reservoir

22 October – 26 November 2025

Enjoy a relaxed walk from Reservoir Neighbourhood House to Darebin Creek. Led by a MIND Australia facilitator, this walk allows you to experience the natural environment and build local connection. Suitable for people of all ages and abilities. No registration required.

Social Badminton

From 10:00am – 12:00pm @ Darebin Community Sports Stadium, 875 Plenty Road, Reservoir

22 October – 26 November 2025

Join us for a casual hit of Badminton to see what the fun is all about in the Golden Oldies program! Specifically for those aged over 50. All equipment provided (or you can bring your own). Register online or by calling 03 9989 5800.

Qigong and Walking Meditation

From 11:30am – 12:30pm @ Bundoora Homestead Art Centre, 7 Prospect Hill Drive, Bundoora

22 October– 26 November 2025

Try Qigong, an ancient, holistic practice that brings body, mind and breath together and enjoy a walking meditation around the beautiful Homestead gardens. Sessions will take place outside on lawn and gravel surfaces. Suitable for all ages 18 years+. Registration not required, but encouraged using online form.

MIND Walking Group

From 12:00pm – 1:00pm @ Darebin Parklands, End of Smith Street, Alphington

22 October – 26 November 2025

Connect with nature as you walk around Darebin Parklands. Led by a MIND Australia facilitator, you will experience the beauty of the space while connecting with others. Suitable for people of all ages and those with good mobility. Meet at Smith St entrance. No registration required.

Lunchtime Come N Try Boxing with Brizzi Bros

From 12:00pm – 1:00pm @ Brizzi Brothers Gym, 2 Browning St, Kingsbury

22 October – 26 November 2025

Join us for a Lunchtime Come N Try Boxing Class with Ben Brizzi from Brizzi Brothers. Have fun while learning the boxing basics (no contact) in a welcoming and inclusive environment. People of all ages, abilities and fitness levels are welcome. All equipment is provided, so bring a towel and water and be prepared to have a great time! No registration needed.

Active Adults Aqua

From 1:30pm – 2:15pm @ Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre, 180 Victoria Street, Northcote

22 October – 26 November 2025

Enjoy a slower pace Aqua class using a variety of Aqua equipment to fun and upbeat music. Registration required by calling 03 9088 4600.

Dance for Health

From 2:40pm – 3:15pm @ Reservoir East Senior Citizen's Centre, 7A Strathmerton Street, Reservoir

22 October – 26 November 2025

Join us for seated dance classes for older bodies. Classes are led by a trained instructor and are fun, accessible and social. We dance to many types of music from many different cultures. Activities focus on flow, release of tension, core strength, balance, coordination and control. Suitable for all abilities.

Leamington Lay Ups

From 2:40pm – 3:15pm @ Leamington Lounge/Reservoir Skate Park, Leamington Street, Reservoir

22 October – 26 November 2025

Come along to Leamington Layups! Learn or improve your basketball skills in a fun, inclusive session delivered by Darebin Basketball Association and Darebin Youth Services. Meet at Leamington Lounge located at the Reservoir Skate Park. Open to all skill levels aged 12-16 years. Registration required. Contact Darebin Youth Services - Outreach team on 0407 282 981 or youthservices@darebin.vic.gov.au for more info.

Women's Sixes Cricket

From 5:30pm – 6:30pm @ CT Barling Reserve, 880 Plenty Road, Reservoir

22 October – 26 November 2025

Join Reservoir Cobras cricket club for Social Sixes Cricket! It's a fun, fast-paced social cricket session for all skill levels taht boosts fitness and teaches key skills. Sessions focus on activities to get your heart pumping and teach you cricket skills. All equipment provided. Suitable for those aged 14+.

Contact Brenda to register on 0413 248 186 or nmca.cobras@gmail.com.

Body Balance

From 8:00pm – 9:00pm @ Reservoir Leisure Centre, 2B Cuthbert Road, Reservoir

22 October – 26 November 2025

Try Body Balance, a combination of Yoga, Feldenkrais, Pilates, and Tai Chi with set to great music. It will stretch and strengthen your muscles, improve posture and flexibility, and teach you valuable relaxation techniques. Suitable for all fitness levels. Register at RLC reception or call 9496 1050.

Thursday

All Abilities Tennis

From 10:00 – 11:00am @ Narrandjeri Stadium, 281 Darebin Road, Thornbury

23 October – 27 November 2025

Join our inclusive All Abilities Tennis sessions, designed to support and celebrate players living with a disability. Whether you're a wheelchair tennis user, a para-standing athlete, or someone looking for an inclusive and adaptive environment to enjoy the game — these sessions are tailored to meet your needs. Led by experienced coaches, sessions focus on skill development, fitness, and fun. All equipment provided. Register by calling 9989 5800 or completing the online form.

Social Table Tennis

From 10:00 – 11:00am @ Narrandjeri Stadium, 281 Darebin Road, Thornbury

23 October – 27 November 2025

Enjoy a social, relaxed game of Table Tennis at Narrandjeri Stadium—perfect for connecting with others while staying active and having fun. All ages and abilities welcome. No coach at this session.

Register by calling 9989 5800 or completing the online form.

Post Natal Exercise Class

From 10:30 – 11:15am @ Reservoir Leisure Centre, 2A Cuthbert Road, Reservoir

23 October – 27 November 2025

A session that combines elements of cardio, toning, strengthening, and core work tailored for birthing parents to return to exercise. Excellent for Beginners. Suitable for all fitness levels. Babies’ that are not yet crawling are welcome! Limited spaces - book at reception or call 9496 1050.

Women's Walking and Exercise

From 2:00pm – 3:00pm @ East Preston Community Centre, 7 Newton Street, Reservoir

23 October – 27 November 2025

Starting at East Preston Community Centre, we will walk around the neighbourhood. Returning to the centre, you can join in a range of functional, core strength and cardio exercises in a fun, relaxed and supportive environment. All abilities welcome. Suitable for people with little to no spoken English. We especially welcome women from the East Preston/East Reservoir area. No registration required.

Chair Yoga

From 2:00pm – 3:00pm @ Keon Park Children's Hub, 1-7 Dole Avenue, Reservoir

23 October – 27 November 2025

Chair yoga is a low-impact exercise for older adults or anyone looking for an accessible way to practice yoga. Chair yoga can help to improve strength and balance, and is gentle on the knee and ankle joints, and a great option to begin or return to exercise. This class is neurodiversity friendly and support workers are also welcome to join. No registration required, but spaces will be limited.

QSA Q League Pickleball

From 7:00pm – 9:00pm @ Narrandjeri Stadium, 281 Darebin Road, Thornbury

23 October – 27 November 2025

Join us for social Q league pickleball hosted by Queer Sporting Alliance at Narrandjeri Stadium's outdoor courts. Pickleball - the racket sport which is a combination of tennis, badminton and table tennis and played on a smaller court, is a fun way to get active and connect with others. Games are beginner-friendly, so everyone can participate at their own pace. All equipment provided.

Register by calling 9989 5800 or using the registration form.

Friday

Tai Chi

From 10:00am – 11:00am @ Edwardes Lake Park Shelter, Griffiths Street, Reservoir

24 October – 28 November 2025

Try Tai Chi – an ancient Chinese exercise that helps your body and mind. In the class, learn how to breathe deeply and meditate with movements that help you stretch, improve your balance and coordination and move smoothly. It is good for people of all ages and all fitness levels. Meet at the shelter near the BBQs on Griffiths Street. No registration required. Classes will be cancelled in the case of poor weather. We will try to contact participants ahead of time.

Saturday

All Abilities Cricket

From 9:30am – 10:30am @ Hayes Park, Flinders Street, Thornbury

25 October to 29 November 2025

Join Holy Trinity Cricket Club for All Abilities cricket – a fun, inclusive session where everyone can learn cricket basics in welcoming, supportive environment. All equipment provided. Suitable for people of all abilities and ages. To register call Emily on 0433 658 203 or email holytrinitycricketclub@gmail.com.

Zumba

From 12:30pm – 1:30pm @ Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre, 180 Victoria Street, Northcote

25 October to 29 November 2025

Join Zumba - a dance-based class using Latin and World rhythms for a total workout, combining all elements of fitness – cardio, muscle conditioning, balance, and flexibility. Suitable for all abilities. Call 9088 4600 to register.

Parent and Child Swim sessions

Reservoir Leisure Centre, 2A Cuthbert Road, Reservoir

1:30pm – 2:00pm for 6 months to 1 year

2:15pm – 2:45pm for 1 year to 2 years

3:00pm – 3:30pm for 2 year to 3 years

25 October to 29 November 2025

Join your child (6 months to 3 years) in water familiarisation classes at RLC! Learn water safety and ways to teach your child to feel at ease in the water, guided by an experienced swim instructor. Limited spots—book the week before at RLC or call 9496 1050.

Sunday

Body Step

From 11:25am – 12:05pm @ Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre, 180 Victoria Street, Northcote

26 October to 30 November 2025

Try Body Step - a full body cardio step workout to upbeat music. Steps (adjustable height), cardio blocks and simple movements are used to adapt the workout intensity. Suitable for all fitness levels. Call 9088 4600 to register.

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:

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.