Pickleball, which takes all the best bits of tennis, badminton, and table tennis and mashes them into a single game, is the latest sport-obsession to sweep the Harbour city. Here are the top six places to get a game.
Pickleball is as simple as it is addictive, and don’t be fooled by the cute ball – things can get pretty competitive. Sydney even has its own National Pickleball Championships, with heats leading into the national league and $100,000 of prize money to be won. That is some serious pickle money. Here’s where to play pickleball in Sydney.
With a reservation just a few clicks away, it’s super easy to book one of Sydney’s world class courts and enjoy what has becoming the biggest group sports phenomenon over the past decade. Some of the world’s biggest cities are absolutely papered in pickleball courts now, and it’s about time Sydney started to catch up.
The rules of pickleball
Pickleball is a simple sport, really. There are numerous outdoor courts and indoor courts around Sydney that’ll help you with the rules. But for the most part, it’s expected that if you rock up, then you at least know the rules of pickleball. They are simple:
Each rally beings with a serve
Obviously you’re going to need to hit the ball to the other side of the net if you’re going to have any hope of playing pickleball properly. The player on the right side of the court always starts the serve, hitting the ball diagonally to the other side. It must be hit with an underhand forehand or backhand stroke with contact below the waist.
The ball must bounce
Before any player can hit a volley, the ball must be bounce once on either side of the net. This is known as the double-bounce rule. If you hit a volley straight out of the air, you will lose a point because you didn’t let the ball bounce on your side first.
Each point continues until a fault
Each round continues until a rally is won, either by someone hitting a winning shot or a when a fault is committed. A fault ends the rally and there are four types of faults. They are:
- The serve falls beyond the kitchen or outside the service area.
- The ball lands out of bounces.
- The ball hits the net and falls back on your side.
- The ball bounces twice on one side – it should only bounce once
No volleying in the kitchen
This one’s important. There’s a seven-inch zone on each side of the net that marks the non-volley zone. This is referred to as the kitchen. You can’t hit a volley while any part of your body is in the kitchen or on the line that separates the rest of your side from the kitchen. This is the struggle of pickleball; you just can’t let your momentum push you into the kitchen so you need to stay grounded.
You can only win points on your serve
You can only win points on your serve in traditional pickleball scoring and you continue serving until you lose a rally. After each point is won, players switch sides.
Here’s where to start your pickleball journey
1. Five Dock Leisure Centre, Five Dock
Located in the vibrant Inner West, Five Dock Leisure Centre is a hotspot for pickleball. It’s got a welcoming atmosphere and modern amenities, making it ideal for both casual games and serious matches. Book your court up to four weeks in advance via their website.
Courts: 1
Opening Hours: Monday – Tuesday (9:30am – 12:30pm); Wednesday (6am – 10am); Thursday (times vary); Friday (9:30am – 12:30am)
Cost: $11 per hour
Where: Cnr of Queens Rd and William St, Five Dock
2. King George V Recreation Centre, The Rocks
Situated in the heart of Sydney, the King George V (KGV) Recreation Centre offers top-notch indoor and outdoor facilities. It’s a central hub for pickleball players and has a modern gym if you’re keen to work on your fitness. Come by yourself or bring a friend, everyone will share the courts when they play.
Courts: 3
Opening Hours: Monday (9am – 11:15am); Wednesday (9am – 11:15am); Friday (9:30am – 12pm; 12:30pm – 2:30pm); Sunday (10am – 12pm)
Cost: $6.20 per hour
Where: 15 Cumberland Street, The Rocks
3. Centennial Parklands Sports Centre, Moore Park
For the past 15 years, Centennial Parklands has been Sydney’s go-to for all things sports. With its extensive facilities just 10 minutes from the CBD, it’s a prime location for pickleball, with a league – beginner (recreational) or experienced (intermediate). The league may be reseeded mid-season so all teams can enjoy healthy, matched competition. If enough teams register for each skill level, you will be playing against teams to match your experience.
Courts: 9
Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday (10am – 10pm); Friday (9am – 7pm); Saturday (7am – 6pm); Sunday (9am – 6pm)
Cost: $22-$30 per hour
Where: Cnr Anzac Parade & Lang Rd, Moore Park
4. Ryde Community Sports Centre (YMCA), North Ryde
This centre embodies YMCA NSW’s commitment to community health. It’s more than just a sports facility; it’s a centre that supports vital youth and community programs. Check out their website for availability and bookings. Ryde Community Sports Centre is one of the most popular places to play, with two dedicated indoor wood courts.
Courts: 2
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday (9am – 11pm); Saturday (6am – 10:30pm); Sunday (7am – 10:30pm)
Cost: $10 for three hours
Where: ELS Hall Park, 109 Kent Road, North Ryde
5. Binalong Tennis Courts, Toongabbie
In Old Toongabbie, these courts offer a lively spot for tennis and pickleball, thanks to their versatile setup. Managed by the City of Parramatta Council, with a healthy pickleball following, it’s a great place to immerse yourself in the local sports scene. There are four outdoor hard courts, the lines are permanent, and portable nets are available. You’ll need to pay a one-time fee in order to play, and then you just need to book online to reserve your spot.
Courts: 4
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday (8am – 10pm)
Cost: $11 per hour
Where: 197 Binalong Road, Old Toongabbie
6. Margaret Whitlam Recreation Centre, Bondi Junction
Located at Waverley Park on Bondi Road, this centre is a hub for sports enthusiasts. With its spacious indoor court and community-focused facilities, it’s a fantastic venue for pickleball and more. There are two indoor hard courts, and a one-time fee is required to play. You can make a booking online.
Courts: 2
Opening Hours: Monday and Wednesday (9:30am – 12pm)
Cost: $10 per hour
Where: Waverley Park, Bondi Junction
7. Kim Warwick Pickleball, Waitara
Located at Waitara Oval, Kim Warwick offers pickleball slots on Wednesday afternoons for you to get a smash in. Make sure you book online two weeks ahead, as there are limited bookings available! You can book your court here on their website.
Courts: 4
Opening Hours: Wednesday (6:30pm – 7:30pm)
Cost: $10 per session
Where: Cnr Edgeworth David Ave & Park Ave, Waitara, NSW 2077
8. The Jar, Pyrmont
The Jar in Pyrmont is one of the most modern, and playful, places to play pickleball in Sydney. It’s right next to the city, standing in the heart of the waterside neighbourhood, and has a boutique vibe with two premium courts and a fully stocked bar. Pickleball may be picking up in popularity, but there are very few dedicated spaces that really embody the trend and offer a unique, fun atmosphere. Their tagline is “where pickleball meets personality,” and that’s a perfect description for what’s on offer at this stylish Sydney pickleball court.
Courts: 2
Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday (4:30pm – 6pm)
Cost: $20
Where: level 1/100 Bulwara Rd, Pyrmont
9. Perry Park Recreation Centre, Alexandria
Perry Park Recreation Centre have built a dedicated extension for pickleball, called Play Pickle, with 4 indoor wood courts. Portable nets are available and you only need a one-time fee to play. It’s only 900m from Green Square train station, and there’s a bus station close by, so it’s very accessible.
Courts: 4
Opening Hours: Mondays and Wednesdays (11am – 1pm)
Cost: $8 per hour
Where: 1B Maddox St, Alexandria
10. Camellia Indoor Sports Centre, Camellia
Camellia Indoor Sports Centre is one of the most popular places to play pickleball in Sydney, given not many people outside of Camellia actually know about it. You’ve got 3 indoor acrylic courts to play around with with portable nets available. You’ll only need to pay a one-time fee to play.
Courts: 3
Opening Hours: Monday (6pm – 9pm), Wednesday (5:30pm – 7:30pm), Saturday (3pm – 6:30pm)
Cost: $25 per hour
Where: 9 Grand Ave, Camellia
11. Bernie Mullane Sports Complex, Kellyville
If you want to play pickleball in Kellyville, this is where you’re heading. Bernie Mullane Sports Complex are completely free and there are 6 indoor wood courts to choose from. So plenty of space. Players have access to all the necessary facilities and these beautiful, polished courts look great with fully sprung, high-quality wooden flooring.
Courts: 6
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday (7am – 10pm)
Cost: Free
Where: 10 Marella Ave, Kellyville
12. Sydney Racquet Club, Moore Park
Sydney Racquet Club caters to every kind of player when it comes to competitive sports, but pickleball has become increasingly important for the iconic venue. Located inside Entertainment Quarter, the courts come with a fully stocked bar, offer lessons for beginners, and training for any upcoming tournaments on those beautiful outdoor courts. It’s also one of the only Pickleball spots that throws regular social events like Pickle & Pizza. It’s pricey, but these are also the only pickleball courts that are open until midnight. You can book a game online.
Courts: 2
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday (6am – 12am)
Cost: $30 per hour
Where: 17 Park Road North, Moore Park
13. Bondi Racquet Club, Bondi Junction
You’ll find Bondi Racquet Club up on the sixth floor of Bondi Junction, shaped with a highly social design that feels fun and vibrant. Comfortable, functional flooring is perfectly designed for both beginners and advanced players, so no one should be feeling overwhelmed here. You’ve also got plenty of bars around Bondi Junction now so this would be a great pickleball sport for date nights. You can book a court online.
Courts: 2
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday (9am – 9:30pm)
Cost: $40 per hour
Where: Level 6, Bondi Junction Westfield, 500 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction
14. GO Pickle, Campbelltown
You’ll find Sydney’s biggest indoor pickleball arena out in Campbelltown. Go Pickle has six indoor courts for anyone after something to do on a rainy day in Sydney. All skills are welcome with sessions split by introductory, beginner, intermediate and advanced. Plus, it’s one of the few pickleball courts in Western Sydney that has enough capacity for social events. Making new friends over a game of pickleball? It’s a popular way to meet people around the world so we’re glad the already deep communal vibe of Western Sydney has yet another spot to meet and greet over some competitive sports. You’ll just need to book online.
Courts: 6
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday (8am – 10pm)
Cost: $25 per hour
Where: 2/1 Tindall Street, Campbelltown
15. Evolve Pickleball, Narrabeen
This is the best pickleball club on the Northern Beaches. It’s one of the only ones, as a matter of fact, with Evolve Pickleball sharply dedicated to the game. It’s been built on the grounds of Narrabeen Sports High and comes with a host who helps players keep track of their scores and basically acts as a concierge to anyone who wants to play. They’ll even handle equipment for you.
Courts: 8
Opening Hours: Timetable differs and can be found online.
Cost: $15 for 1.5 hours
Where: 10 Namona Street, Narrabeen
How do you play pickleball?
Pickleball is played on a compact court with a low net and a plastic ball with holes. You’ll use a solid paddle to hit this ball, and the game usually revolves around doubles. You serve underhand, let the ball bounce once on each side, and then volley back and forth. The goal of pickleball is to score points by hitting the ball over the net and within the boundaries of the court and to prevent your opponent from doing the same. The first player or team to reach 11 points and have a lead of at least two points wins the game.
A full set of rules can be found at the Pickleball Australia Association website if you need more information.
How is pickleball different from tennis?
Pickleball is played on a smaller court than tennis and with a lower net. The ball is slower and easier to control and pickleball is also played with solid paddles instead of strung rackets.
What is the double-bounce rule in pickleball?
After the ball is served, it must bounce once on the receiving side and once on the return. After the return, players can hit the ball out of the air before it bounces on their side, as long as they are not standing in the non-volley zone (also adorably called the “kitchen”.)
What is the difference between outdoor pickleballs and indoor pickleballs?
Outdoor pickleball balls have 40 holes and indoor pickleball balls have 26 holes. Both balls look similar and can be any colour for visibility or court conditions.
Where can you play pickleball in Sydney?
Since Pickleball is a growing sport, we’re bound to see more pickleball courts pop up around Sydney in the coming years. For now, some of the top places to play include Centennial Park, Pyrmont, Perry Park in Alexandria, and Margaret Whitlam Recreation Centre in Bondi Junction’s Waverley Park. You also have lesser known pickleball courts in places like Ramsgate Beach, North Sydney and Waitara.
What are the 5 rules of pickleball?’
The five major rules of pickleball are the double-bounce rule, serving underhand and diagonally, no volleying in the kitchen (aka the non-volley zone), scoring only on your serve, and the serve must land beyond the kitchen.
What is the golden rule of pickleball?
The golden rule of pickleball is “no volleying in the kitchen.” In this sense, the kitchen refers to the dedicated non-volley zone that’s closer to the net. Your serve must land beyond the kitchen.
How much does it cost to play pickleball in Sydney?
If you want to play pickleball in Australia, you’re looking at
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