If you’ve walked past a local sports centre recently and heard an unfamiliar popping sound coming from a court, there’s a good chance you’ve encountered pickleball. What was barely a blip on the radar five years ago has become one of the most talked-about sports in Australia and New Zealand — and the growth shows no sign of slowing down.
Here’s where the sport stands in Oceania, why it’s growing so fast, and what it means for players, clubs, and communities.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Globally, pickleball has grown from roughly 3.5 million players to over 50 million in less than a decade. The USA leads this growth, but the Asia-Pacific region — and Oceania in particular — is now one of the fastest-growing markets.
In Australia, Pickleball Australia reports clubs in every major city and most regional centres. New Zealand’s national body has seen club registrations multiply year-on-year since 2022. Both countries now send competitive teams to international events, and local tournaments regularly sell out entries.
Why Pickleball Is Resonating Here
Several factors have made Australia and New Zealand particularly fertile ground for pickleball’s growth.
Court infrastructure is adaptable. Many existing tennis courts — especially in schools, holiday parks, and community centres — can be converted to pickleball courts with minimal investment. Four pickleball courts fit in the space of one tennis court, making the economics compelling for facility operators.
The demographic fits. Australia and New Zealand have large, active over-50 populations who love social sport but have begun managing the physical wear of tennis or running. Pickleball offers competitive, social sport that’s easier on the body — a perfect match.
But the youth are coming too. What started as “tennis for older adults” in popular perception is increasingly a sport for players in their 20s and 30s. Universities, gyms, and corporate wellness programmes are picking up pickleball as a team-building and fitness activity.
The social culture matches Australasian values. The welcoming, inclusive culture of pickleball — where beginners and veterans share courts and strangers become teammates — aligns naturally with the way sport is approached in Australia and New Zealand.
Where to Play
Australia
Most major cities now have multiple dedicated or shared pickleball venues:
- Sydney: Courts in Parramatta, Manly, and inner-west community centres. Several dedicated pickleball facilities have opened in the last two years.
- Melbourne: Strong community in the eastern suburbs and inner north. Regular open-play nights at several venues.
- Brisbane: Growing fast, especially in the southside and on the Gold Coast.
- Perth: Active scene with strong club representation.
- Adelaide and Hobart: Smaller but passionate communities with regular club nights.
To find your nearest court, visit Pickleball Australia or use the court finder at Places to Play.
New Zealand
- Auckland: The largest and most active scene, with multiple venues and regular open-play nights.
- Wellington: A tight-knit community with strong club organisation.
- Christchurch and Queenstown: Growing quickly, particularly among the active outdoor sports community.
Check Pickleball New Zealand for affiliated clubs and events near you.
The Competitive Scene
Both countries now have structured competitive pathways, from club-level social tournaments to national championships. Key events to know:
- Australian Pickleball Open: The flagship national event, attracting both local talent and international players
- New Zealand Pickleball Championships: The premier national competition
- State and regional tournaments: Growing rapidly in every state and territory
For those with competitive ambitions, the talent pool is still developing — meaning this is an excellent time to enter the sport and build your competitive record early.
The Club Experience
One thing that defines pickleball in Australia and New Zealand is the warmth of the club culture. Most clubs run:
- Open-play sessions: Structured rotations where you show up and play with whoever is there. No booking a court for yourself.
- Beginner nights: Clinics and coached sessions for new players.
- Social competitions: Mixed-skill doubles events that prioritise fun over results.
If you’re nervous about turning up alone to a new sport, don’t be. The pickleball community is almost universally welcoming to newcomers.
What’s Next for Oceanian Pickleball
The trajectory is clear: more courts, more players, more competitive depth, and the inevitable arrival of professional play in the region. Several proposals for dedicated pickleball centres are in planning stages across major Australian cities. Sponsorship and media attention is beginning to follow the participation numbers.
For players getting into the sport now, the timing is ideal. The community is established enough to offer infrastructure and coaching — but young enough that you can still be a big fish in a growing pond.
Play Different
DINQ is built for this moment — the rapid growth of pickleball in the Asia-Pacific, with gear designed for how we play here. Whether you’re starting out or levelling up, we’ve got you.