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 2025, 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 first ever AO Pickleball Slam took place at the Australian Open, 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 are Urban List’s top picks for Pickleball Melbourne has to offer:
The Jar
29 White Street, South Melbourne
Image: The Jar Pickleball South Melbourne | Supplied
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 pickleball 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 or even one of their Pickle & Prosecco nights where the booze is flowing.
It's also home to the National Pickleball League where you can get your eye in and watch the pros go at it during the championships and other pickleball tournaments.
TLDR; if you want to play social pickleball at indoor courts in South Melbourne, this is the spot.
PicklePlay
1 South Drive, Bentleigh East
Image credit: PicklePlay | Supplied
Words by: Rogue Rubin
Melbourne's largest indoor pickleball haven has arrived in Bentleigh East, and trust us—PicklePlay is everything you didn’t know you needed in a pickleball spot. Entirely family-run, dare we say this place is a game-changer. Imagine what feels like endless indoor courts (goodbye, runaway balls) where pickleball pros, rookie players, and the whole fam can rally and smash to their heart’s content.
The fun doesn’t stop at the court. PicklePlay has all the fun perks: two infrared saunas, a cold plunge, a cinema room with those ultra-comfy recliners, a poker room, on-hand massage therapist, and plenty of refreshing coffee frappes. Throw in a BBQ-ready outdoor area primed for parties and corporate events, and this place pretty much ticks all the boxes.
And for something a little whimsy—meet Pickles, the not-so-real but totally lovable mascot dog who’s there for all your quirky selfie needs.
Swing & Serve
906 Plenty Road, Bundoora
Swing & Serve is the type of place that’s responsible for the uptick in pickleball players. With snazzy new courts, this might be the best pickleball court hire Melbourne has to offer. Hire costs $45 for non members, or you can jump on their introductory pickleball membership for discounted rates. After your pickleball sesh, slow the heart rate with a drink and snack enjoyed in the beer garden. Does it get any better?
The plan is to get some pickleball competitions up and running at this joint, so stay tuned for updates. And if you’re up for a day packed with activities, you can get in a round of mini golf or take a swing at the golf simulator at Swing & Serve as well.
Pickleball Palace
2 Attercliffe Avenue, Pascoe Vale
Open day and night with five indoor courts, this might be your new go-to pickleball court (especially if you’re looking for pickleball in Brunswick and surrounds). There’s intro sessions and social play, and you can even hire a ball machine if none of your mates are free for a hit.
But it’s not just about the game at Pickleball Palace. There’s also an onsite SportsWell Revival Centre where you can partake in hot/cold therapy with the plunge pool and sauna, hydrotherapy spa, compression boots and individual reformer pilates. A little self care after your pickleball sesh? Yes please.
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 a great place to get started. The crew here are uber friendly, and will guide you through the basics of Pickleball. You can do a one hour beginner coaching session where you learn the fundamentals of playing and rallying. Not gonna lie, it's a pretty cute date idea with your bestie.
But if you’ve played a bit, there are coaching session for slightly more advanced players like the Cardio Pickleball class where they guarantee you'll get your heart pumping alongside some bangin' tunes. For those who are keen for some friendly competition, the venue hosts regular social nights on their brand new floodlit courts for intermediate and advanced players.
Clifton Hill Tennis Club
2 Hoddle Street, Clifton Hill
Introducing Clifton Hill Tennis Club’s social pickleball sessions. Swap out the end of week drinks for a healthy two-hour social hit to close those rings on your Apple watch. Players of all levels are welcome at these sessions and the crew here are super welcoming and patient. Learn as you go while making new friends and getting advice from those who've played a game (or fifty). There are multiple sessions on Friday nights and Sundays, as well as during the day on Tuesday.
Or if you like a more structured way of learning, there are introductory classes starter sessions and even drill classes. You can become a member or book in the classes and sessions one by one. The regular social sessions come in at $15 for non-members plus $5 to hire a paddle, and you need to register online.
Level Up Pickleball
Westfield Knox Shopping Centre, Wantirna South
The Melbourne social pickleball scene hit a new peak when Level Up Pickleball came to town. Each night of the week is open to different levels so you can rest assured you’ll be playing with those on a similar playing field. Or join on a Saturday when anyone and everyone is welcome to partake. There’s also a ladies night on Tuesdays and an intro session for complete beginners on Saturday mornings.
If you want to take your play to the next level, get a coaching session from professional player and coach Daniel Kouznetsov.
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. Or there's pickleball court hire available if you already have your pickleball crew assembled.
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.
Main Image Credit: National Pickleball League | Supplied
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Header image credit: National Pickleball League | Supplied