Padel lands on the forecourt of the Sydney Opera House this weekend (August 15 & 16) and if you’re one of the many keen to take up this sport, here’s 9 places you can play padel and everything you need to know.
If you needed any more proof that the racquet sport padel is aiming to take over Sydney this summer, then the evidence will be sitting right there outside the Sydney Opera House this weekend, August 15 and 16.
A custom-built padel court will be installed on the Northern Broadwalk overlooking Sydney Harbour to stage the inaugural – and now sold-out – Padel Invitational. Tennis legends and padel converts Pat Rafter and Casey Dellacqua, plus a field of international stars, will take part in the biggest professional padel event ever staged in Australia.
It’s a not so subtle statement from a sport, touted as the world’s fastest-growing, which seems to be positioning itself to claim a spot on an even bigger stage. Hello Brisbane Olympics 2032 perhaps?
The invitational is a reflection of a trend that’s already underway. More than 90,000 Aussies have now played padel – up 50 per cent in just one year – and there are now more than 100 courts around the country. That count is also expected to double this year.
Not only that, the sport is now officially recognised by the Australian Sports Commission and with the likes of Rafter, who won back-to-back US Open titles, now playing for the Aussie Crocs, Australia’s national padel team, this sport isn’t just a fad.
“Padel is unlike anything else I’ve played,” the former Tennis No. 1 said. “It’s fast, dynamic, incredibly entertaining to watch and fun and social to play. Once you try it, you understand why millions of people around the world have fallen in love with it.
“To be able to showcase the sport at the Sydney Opera House is pretty special. It’s one of the most recognisable locations in the world, and we’re bringing some of the best players on the planet here to show Australians what padel is all about.”
If the Opera House spectacle has peaked your curiousity or you’re wanting to up your padel game, here’s everything you need to know about the sport that’s easy to play and even easier to book.
What is padel?
Tennis with walls. Squash in the sun. Padel is like the lovechild of tennis and squash and a whole lot friendlier to newcomers than its parents. It has become a global phenomenon, played by more than 38 million people across more than 170 countries. According to the International Padel Federation, more than 105 million people will participate in the sport by 2030.
It’s played as doubles – men, women and mixed – on an enclosed glass court that measures 10m wide by 20m long, which is roughly about a third the size of a tennis court. Like squash, you can play the ball off the surrounding walls, which keeps the ball in play, creating long rallies, spectacular sharp angles and an exciting, fast-paced spectacle that is easy to enjoy and learn.
The racquet is solid and stringless, serves are hit underarm and scoring works just like tennis. The underarm serve is one of the elements of the game that helps beginners get into it right from their first game – something that can’t be said for tennis or squash.
How is padel different from pickleball?
Padel is very different from pickleball. They get lumped together because both are booming social racquet sports and they are both pretty easy to pick up – but that’s about where the similarity ends.
The court: Padel is played in a glass-walled enclosure with walls in play while pickleball is played on an open, badminton-style court with a low net and no walls.
The ball: Padel uses a low-compression tennis ball. Pickleball uses a perforated plastic wiffle ball that moves slower through the air.
The feel: Padel is fast and you’re thinking about rebounds off the walls and building points throughout a game. In pickleball, you’re thinking tactics in a compact court, deploying soft “dink” shots into the non volley zone.
The scoring: Padel has the same scoring as tennis – 15, 30, 40 then game. A set is won by the first pair to reach six games, with at least a two-game lead (e.g., 6–4) and a match is usually the best of three sets. At 40–40, play continues until one side gains a two-point advantage. Pickleball games are normally played to 11 points and you need a two-point lead to win.
Where can I play padel in Sydney?
Sydney is fast becoming the padel capital of Australia with courts popping up across the city. Prices vary from centre to centre and depending on the time you book, so find a padel court near you from our list below.
1. The Padel Lounge, Greenacre
The Padel Lounge has three full-sized, internationally approved courts and Australia’s first training-sized private court. They have all the equipment needed and welcome players of all skill sets. There’s a cafe and chill zone on site.
thepadellounge.com.au
Where: Unit G, Estate Road, Greenacre, 2190
2. Indoor Padel Australia, Alexandria & Cromer
The Alexandria branch of Indoor Padel is Sydney’s largest padel facility with 10 courts – eight indoor and two outdoor. It runs leagues, coaching and social sessions and has plans to expand. Their Nothern Beaches operation in Cromer has four indoor courts with equipment hire and free parking.
indoorpadel.com.au
Where: Unit 1C – Building 1/85 O’Riordan St, Alexandria NSW 2015 and Warehouse 2/4 Inman Rd, Cromer NSW 2099
3. Padel Club, North Rocks
This modern centre brings together padel and pickleball on purpose-built courts and caters to beginners and competitors alike. Off the court there’s a lobby and cafe area, complete with a smoothie bar.
padelclubaus.com.au
Where: 19-21 Loyalty Road, North Rocks, 2151, NSW
4. Padel Point, Bankstown
Situated in Sydney’s south-west with panoramic courts and AI match cameras to watch back highlights and review your performance, Padel Point offers world-class courts plus wellness facilities under one roof. Caters for a casual hit with friends, competitive training, and a structured recovery,
padelpoint.com.au
Where: Unit 4/35 Starkie Dr, Bankstown Aerodrome NSW 2198
5. Sydney Racquet Club, Moore Park
There’s three outdoor courts nestled here inside the Entertainment Quarter that cater to both padel and pickleball. From casual hits to corporate events, lessons, and club socials, there’s also a bar on site.
racquetclub.com.au
Where: 17 Park Rd N, Moore Park NSW 2021
6. Tribe Padel Sydney, North Ryde
Boasting four outdoor courts, with regular social games and coaching available, this centre creates a good social vibe and an easy entry point for beginners.
tribe.club
Where: 16/18 Epping Rd, North Ryde NSW 2113
7. Sidewall Social Padel Club, Marrickville
Located in Sydney’s thriving suburb of Marrickville, this club has a social-first bent – as the name suggests – with the aim of creating a space where sport, design and good energy come together. Their motto is competitive when you want it, casual when you need it – always social.
sidewall.com.au
Where: 20-28 Carrington Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204
8. Racqueteer Pickleball & Padel, Lidcombe
It’s the best of both worlds here, with the club claiming to be the biggest pickleball and padel centre in the country. It has six indoor courts built to international competition standards plus hangout spaces, a pro shop, cafe and members amenitites. It offers onsite coaching, structured programs and social leagues and events for all levels.
racqueteer.playbypoint.com
Where: 10 Carter St, Lidcombe NSW 2141,
