Where to play pickleball in Brisbane

Pickleball is undoubtedly one of the fastest growing sports in the world, taking over the US by storm throughout the pandemic and now quickly spreading in popularity across Australia. In fact, according to the Clearinghouse for Sport’s 2024 Ausplay results, pickleball has over 155,000 players across Australia making it the 34th most played participation sport/activity in the country, just behind Rugby league and touch football. For a database that also considers bush walking and “virtual based physical activity” as participation sports, this is quite an accomplishment.

And whether you’re a seasoned player scoping out a new venue or a complete beginner wondering where to start, you’ll be surprised by just how many places around Brisbane you can grab a paddle and jump in. From free public courts in little neighbourhood parks to club-run sessions and indoor courts for hire, pickleball is making its mark all across the River City.

Pickleball is kind of the ultimate racquet sport mashup. It borrows the best bits of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, but dials down the intensity just enough to be accessible, social, and… really addictive.

You can play singles or doubles, indoors or out, and all you need is a paddle, a whiffle ball, and a little bit of court space. It’s fast-paced without being too intimidating, and once you get the hang of it it’s hard not to come back for more.

In this guide, I’ve rounded up some of the best places to play pickleball in Brisbane, including casual drop-in spots, clubs for the more committed players, and even some hidden gems where you can BYO net and make your own fun. Whether you’re looking to practice big drives or just dink around with friends, there’s a spot for you.

Here’s Beyond the Court’s ultimate guide to pickleball in Brisbane.

The best way to start out in any participation sport is by having all your gear, someone to teach you the rules, and a supportive group to do it all with. Brisbane has some elite pickleball clubs — with more popping up regularly — that can give you all of that and more.

So if you’re looking to join a community of pickle-obsessed players, here are some of Brisbane’s top clubs hosting daily sessions across Brisbane for all skill levels.

If this is your first time picking up a paddle and have no clue what 0-0-2 means, Brisbane Pickleball Club is the best place to get you started. They have an incredibly knowledgeable and dedicated team that host regular ‘Come and Try’ sessions all over Brisbane’s suburbs including Wavell Heights, Mt Gravatt, Rockies, Aspley, and more. BPC provide all equipment needed as well as teach you all about the rules, scoring, and how to play pickleball. Find out more information via their website here.

If you’re in Brisbane’s Northside, look no further than the iconic Pickle Kit serving all ages and abilities through weekly coaching sessions and coaching clinics. Pickle Kit currently serve two venues located in Mitchelton (covered courts) and Arana hills (indoor courts), offering ‘Come and Try’ sessions with all equipment included, beginner practice, social pickleball, junior pickleball, courts for hire and even local tournaments for those who want to put their skills to the test. Find out more information via their website here.

If you’re after more Southwest Brisbane pickleball action, check out Pickle Hub offering match play for players of all ages and skill levels in Yeronga and Jindalee. Pickle Hub have built a true pickleball community, offering all sorts of sessions from round robins, competitive play, introductory lessons, drills & skills practice and more. Find out more information via their website here.

For those in the gorgeous Redland Bay Area, the Redlands Pickleball Club offers a number of permanent pickleball sessions each week across their three venues: Ormison State School, Wellington Point Tennis Courts, and PCYC Redlands in Capalaba.

If you have the skills, confidence and equipment to go out on your own, here’s a list of additional pickleball courts and venues across Brisbane.

Brisbane City Council has made a massive effort to add public pickleball courts to a number of neighbourhood parks all around town, with more being announced! The best part is they are completely free to use and operate as first come, first served.

So far, they can be found at Amazons Place Park in Sinnamon Park, Bonemill Road Park in Runcorn, Boyd park in Nundah, Joachim Street Park in Holland Park West, and a few other spots. Note that these are mostly multi-use courts, so you’ll typically find painted pickleball court lines but you will need to bring your own portable net, ball and paddles. Be sure to stay up to date with Brisbane City Council for the latest court additions.

As a sneaky little update – Amazons Place Park in Sinnamon Park has installed permanent pickleball nets on both of their courts. I’ve also found a free pickleball play Facebook group where players are organising games at Amazons Place and other free spots around Brisbane. Go check them out!

In March 2024, the Turbot Street Underpass became home to Brisbane’s first free pickleball, basketball and handball court. As the name suggests, the fully fenced-in court is located in the underpass just near King George Square. A net is provided, you’ll just need to put it up and take it down with each use.

This court is accessible to everyone daily from 7am-7pm with bookings available in one-hour slots. You’ll also find bleacher-style seating, a drinking fountain, and plenty of cafes nearby. If you’re keen to check it out, courts can be booked through Heritage Lanes.

The University of Queensland offers two dedicated outdoor pickleball courts in their UQ Sport Tennis Centre along with paddles for hire and balls for sale in their Pro Shop. Courts can be hired via UQ here. Note that bookings must be made ‘at an even multiple of 60 minutes’ (i.e., 12.00 – 1.00pm rather than 12.30 – 1.30pm) and are available for $23/hour.

The Brisbane City Indoor Sports facility offer a number of multi-sport surfaces within an indoor venue located in Coorparoo (South Brisbane). Courts can be hired here, but there’s a hefty price tag at $50/hr for a full court hire. Alternatively, they offer a casual play option for registered and non-registered players.

Grand Slam Pickleball is located in The Gap’s Health & Racquet Club precinct (The Gap, Brisbane), hosting eight dedicated pickleball courts for hire as well as viewing areas and a club house in their premium facility. This venue is great for anyone in Ashgrove, Bardon, Paddington, Newmarket, Toowong, and beyond. Grand Slam offers casual court hire as well as membership options for the seriously committed!

If you’ve participated in one of the major pickleball tournaments in Brisbane, chances are you’ve heard of Redcliffe’s Focus Tennis Centre! This venue offers 12 dedicated pickleball courts, including 4 exhibition courts with grandstand seating. The facility also includes a pro shop & cafe, a clubhouse, BBQ area, and flood lights for night play. In addition to hosting professional pickleball tournaments, Focus Redcliffe hosts social sessions and weekly intermediate doubles and singles play. Courts can be booked via the OpenSports app.

There is clearly no shortage of options when it comes to playing pickleball in Brisbane! So, what court are you hitting up first?