Pickleball is a cocktail of racket sports. It uses a rubber paddle similar to table tennis, played on courts just like badminton, and has major squash vibes. You can play it indoors or outdoors, with two or four players, and if you did a double take passing by a game, you might almost mistaken it for tennis. In 2024, Pickleball in Melbourne is popping off, so we did some digging.
An American-born game from the 6os, Pickleball is swiftly becoming the new it-sport in Australia for all-age fun, and we’re seeing it everywhere. The Hilton Hotel Melbourne on Little Queen Street transformed its iconic rooftop lounge into a summer pickleball oasis, new dating app Humpday linked up with the National Pickleball League to host steamy pickleball speed dating, and the trendy sport apparel retailer Stylerunner has pickleball club tote bags on the rack.
Thus started our hunt for where in Melbourne to get your pickleball on, scoping out all the courts around town. Whether you're a beginner with zero understanding or have dabbled in the trend, here is Urban List’s top picks for Pickleball in Melbourne:
The Jar
29 White Street, South Melbourne
The epicenter of pickleball in Melbourne, The Jar in South Melbourne is an Australian first as a dedicated space entirely for pickleball. Open every day and fitted out with four indoor courts, you can do it all at The Jar: get an intro with personalised coaching sessions and kid-friendly classes, hit up the courts day or night for social play, and ladies-only Thursdays for some good ol’ girl fun. Head to The Jar’s website for all the information to get started.
Elsternwick Park Tennis Centre
464 St Kilda Street, Brighton
If you have absolutely no idea what you’re doing when it comes to Pickleball, Elsternwick Park Tennis Centre is the place to get started. The crew here are uber friendly, and will guide you through the basics of Pickleball when you hire a court with your bestie. But if you’ve played a bit and keen for some friendly competition, the venue hosts regular social nights on their brand new floodlit courts for beginner, intermediate and advanced players. To get all the details and book a court, head to their website.
Clifton Hill Tennis Club
2 Hoddle Street, Clifton Hill
Introducing Paddle Zone, Clifton Hill Tennis Club’s Friday night pickleball sesh. Swap out the end of week drinks for a healthy two-hour social hit to close those rings on your Apple watch. If you want to try before you buy, email the club to score your one-off complimentary pass. More details this way.
Civic Reserve Recreation Centre
350 Dunns Road, Mornington
Mornington Peninsula boasts pristine beaches, luxe hotel and day spas, and a slew of boutique wineries, but did you know you can also get your pickleball fix? The Civic Reserve Recreation Centre runs social pickleball sessions on select nights for that added zaz to your weekend away. Keep an on their website and Facebook for the latest timetable.
Every day we're finding new sport clubs, social groups and centres jumping on the pickleball train. You can find your local Pickleball spot here and here.
Looking for more to do in Melbourne? Check out:
Header image credit: National Pickleball League | Supplied