Melton Waves - Courtesy of the Melton Waves Website
Some people are insane enough to take a dip in the ocean during the middle of winter, catching a wave or two until numbness sets in. Perhaps their wetsuits mitigate the effects of what would certainly feel like sub zero temperatures, but there's a better alternative if you're not game enough. It's called Melton Waves, or as some are more familiar, Melton Waves Leisure Centre. Some children could possibly call it, "Melting Waves," which is really cute.
According to the
Melton Waves website:
"Melton Waves has seven swimming pools for you to enjoy, two toddler swimming pools, a seasonal outdoor 50 metre swimming pool, 25 metre indoor lap lane swimming pool, hydrotherapy swimming pool, spa pool and Melton Waves is the only Leisure Centre in Melbourne's west with a wave pool".There was no better way to describe such a unique place except letting the website speak for itself. However, if you didn't find anything fancy above, you might just be intrigued by what a wave pool is.
Basically, this is the main attraction and where the leisure centre gets its name from. Try to think of it as an artificial, tiled beach indoors. The only item missing is the sand. But cheer up, there's no need to be concerned about emptying sand from your shoes and needing to wash it all off after taking a swim. Moreover, you don't need to be concerned about underwater snags. They simply don't exist.
It's been a while since I went to Melton Waves, but I always remember it as possibly being the most exciting thing to do on a Friday night following a fun-filled day at high school. The waves machine would be activated every half hour or so, and swimmers are warned by alarm to stay away from the back of the pool. Somehow, in the minds of some "invincible" individuals, swimming away from where the waves are generated doesn't seem to be appealing enough. Unless you don't want to be sucked under and turned into a wet piece of flat flesh, it is highly recommended that you stay away when the wave announcement is made.
There's a small circular canal thingamajig to the far left of the pool. That's probably the best place to lie on your back and allow the waves to carry you. There tends to be less people congregated in this area. Whenever I go to Melton Waves, it's usually on a Friday night and it can get quite busy.
If man-made waves aren't your thing, spa baths are available to the right of the waves pool. Just make sure that you confirm with leisure centre staff whether or not those hot tubs are specifically for adults aged 18 years or older. I will never forget how I was greased off by some old codgers when I energetically climbed into the spa bath at age 15, only to be tenderly and gingerly lifted out by one of the older girls in my group who was old enough to dip in those waters. It's the story of my life to land myself in hot water, and not just the hot water of spa baths at Melton Waves.
In recent times I obviously didn't have this issue and didn't bother to check any age restrictions. Bottom line: Please don't allow any minors among you to be hasty about diving into a hot tub full of stuffy fuddy duddies. Always check with staff to see if age regulations have changed unexpectedly, especially if you haven't been to Melton Waves in a while.
The leisure centre also comes with a fitness department and there are a range of different programs to suit specific recreational purposes. To find your niche, simply enquire within.
Here is a list of prices and costs associated with entry based on age, discounted family packages and concession card holders.
