Welcome to the Pickleball Melbourne scene! Life is great with new clubs and courts opening up almost monthly. And more Melbournians are playing their first pickleball game and loving it!
If you love Playing Pickleball, Melbourne is definitely becoming a pickleball hot spot. The pickleball scene is exploding with active communities spreading the word. And local clubs are bursting at the seams with the amount of people that are picking up the sport.
That is why the Bros have assembled this Guide for Pickleball in Melbourne. We cover the Courts, Clubs, Gear and Events in Melbourne. It has everything a new or experienced Pickleball player in Melbourne needs to know.
Let’s kick it in Melbourne!
Key Takeaways:
- Getting started in Melbourne is easy: With plenty of courts, social clubs, and beginner-friendly sessions across Melbourne, new players can quickly jump into the game.
- Pickleball is growing fast in Melbourne: With more clubs, courts, and tournaments popping up, the sport is gaining popularity across the city.
- Finding the right gear in Melbourne is simple: Whether you need a paddle, shoes, or accessories, local and online stores make it easy to gear up, have fun and play pickleball.
Pickleball in Melbourne is Heating Up
Melbourne is becoming a huge part of the Pickleball Australia movement. More than 90k Australian’s played Pickleball last year. And that number is exploding higher. The latest data on pickleball popularity paints an amazing picture. Australian’s LOVE Pickleball. And Melbourne could be the epicenter of that pickleball love.
When looking at Pickleball in Melbourne, our super guide will help beginners just getting started, learning pickleball rules and finding where to buy a local paddle.
For more experienced players, we have paddle guides and the latest and greatest pickleball courts to check out. We touch on Pickleball destinations, and anything related to Pickleball in Melbourne Australia.
Read More: Learn More about about the how Pickleball is expanding across Melbourne with the latest data. We answer the question Is Pickleball Popular in Australia?
Getting Started with Pickleball Melbourne
Pickleball is easy to pick up and difficult to put down. That’s why so many people love the sport. With so many people now playing in Melbourne, we desperately needed more venues. And with Melbourne being a sports mad state, we have pickleball venues opening up all the time. Which is great news for beginners new to the sport.
Holding a Pickleball Paddle
The first challenge for any newbie isn’t the rules, it’s holding a paddle. And getting used to the feel of playing with a pickleball. Most people will get the hang of it within minutes, but it can still get a little getting used to.
And when you get it, you will think “Pickleball… where have you been all my life”. And once you get to grips with the paddle, there are two important rules for starting out that you need to know.
Basic Pickleball Rules to Get Started
The best part about Pickleball is absolute beginners can literally walk onto a court, and be told the basics of Pickleball in under 30 seconds. The 5 basic pickleball rules for beginners can fit on a napkin they are so simple.
But if you want super simple, here are the 2 main rules you need to know to get started.
- All serves are under-arm. This is perfect for any new or experienced player, because it is easy to serve underarm. And as long as the ball lands in the opposing corner of the court, the serve is fine. No special serving technique is needed.
- Beware of the Kitchen: The “kitchen” or “Non-volley zone” is the box closest to the net that you need to be careful of. If you step into the zone and volley the ball, you will lose a point.
But if the ball has bounced into the zone, you can step in to hit it. Then you should step back out of the zone to continue playing.
But don’t worry. Beginners tend to hang back and not worry too much about the non-volley zone. They focus on just hitting the ball back and learning the basic flow of the game.
Players that have played a few times before, may be interested in learning the detailed rules, such as singles pickleball rules game rules. Or Pickleball doubles rules. These are great to understand as you get deeper into the game. Otherwise you will pick up those rules while on the court.
Read More: If you want to go deep on Pickleball Rules, we have them all. Our guides will help you learn every rule you need to know and more.
Beginner Friendly Courts, Sessions & Coaches
If you want to get started, many local courts have beginner friendly programs or social play sessions. They usually have an “intro to pickleball” or a “pickleball 101” session. These sessions focus on teaching pickleball basics to help get you started. These sessions are fun and a nice guided intro to start your pickleball adventure.
And if you want to step it up a level, a pickleball coach or lessons could help improve your technique. There are plenty of coaches and programs around Melbourne. Some coaches have started their own pickleball venue, and have regular classes. While sometimes, big names like Collin Johns come out and hold special programs.
No matter your skill level, learning the basic pickleball rules is easy. And not knowing all the details doesn’t stop you from playing and having fun. And the rules will become second nature the more you play and progress playing the game.
So get out there and have some fun.
Where to Play Pickleball Melbourne
In Melbourne we spoiled for choice when it comes to finding where to play pickleball. The places to play have evolved over the last few years as pickleball has gained popularity. There are four places you can play Pickleball in Melbourne.
Melbourne Pickleball Clubs & Social Groups
Pickleball clubs play in community centres, halls and even tennis courts across the state. These local community clubs continue to flourish across Melbourne in regional and metro areas.
These clubs will play where ever they can find a space. They are great places to get started and play your first game. Pickleball clubs are super friendly. And they are happy to help help guide new players through the rules and ger started.
Unfortunately, pickleball clubs are usually small with limited playing times. And smaller clubs are overflowing with players, so it can be difficult to get a game.
Pickleball Clubs and Social groups are amazing because you will meet some great players and some fantastic people within the pickleball community. So check out your local clubs and see if you can play a session there.
Read More: Go on a Pickleball Holiday and check out regional towns and their courts. Learn about our Pickleball Ballarat family adventure where we uncover the local courts and tourism of Ballarat.
Multi-Sports Venues in Melbourne
Multi-sport venues are usually bigger venues. Some have more sessions to play and they also have more courts to play on. These venues share their space with other sports like basketball, badminton or cricket.
Bigger venues will have set pickleball sessions similar to a pickleball club. And your can meet local players and get started playing the sport.
Melbourne Pickleball Venues
Melbourne has had a Pickleball venue boom over the last year. The USA pickleball scene has provided some inspiration for local pickleball only venues. Some venues are social places, were you can play pickleball and get a beer or pub food afterwards. And there are smaller, more focused venues where you can play on pro-level courts.
These venues all vary, but are family friendly and great to take your friends and family for a social hit. They also have beginners social play events and competitive leagues for all players.
Pickleball only venues continue to pop up around Melbourne. They are a fantastic sign of the increased demand for more pickleball courts in Melbourne. And all players should support their local court and join the pickleball community.
Read More: For a full guide on the Where to Play Pickleball in Melbourne, take a look at the latest guide by the Bros.
Pickleball Friendly Parks in Melbourne
The ability to buy a cheap net and set up at a local park is gaining popularity in Melbourne. Open spaces, outdoor basketball courts and rage cages are great options to have a hit and rack up some practice hours.
You don’t even need a net or court lines to enjoy a practice hit. Will street pickleball become the next street cricket? Lets see. But it is a great way to enjoy some pickleball fun without needing to book a court or social play session.
Melbourne Pickleball Tournaments & Events
Melbourne is fast becoming the place for Pickleball tournaments in Australia. Competitors and spectators alike, are flocking to any Melbourne based event
Amateur Pickleball Tournaments
Pickleball clubs and venues hold amateur tournaments for local players. These venue tournaments are a great way to get some practice competing, and to test your skill against players at your club. Any amateur competition is the best way to improve but also, to gauge your skill level and club ranking.
And it’s fun to compete and have a go in a competition setting.
Melbourne Ranked & Professional Tournaments
While bigger tournaments like the recent Proton Australia Pickleball Open 2025 are ranked tournaments. Players from across Melbourne and other states come together to compete. This is a fantastic way to meet other players, compete against the best and test your pickleball skills on a bigger stage.
Melbourne is also the home of the National Pickleball League (NPL). And we have the Major League Pickleball (MLP) teams. This is great for Melbournians because there are always Professional Aussie tournaments throughout the year.
These tournaments are always an amazing way to compete or just check out the local talent. You are guaranteed to see some amazing matches. The Bros recommend any Pickleball player or fan get out there and see the Pros play. There is nothing better than sitting courtside and enjoying a pickleball battle. And supporting our local Aussie legends is always fun too.
The recent Proton tour also brought together Aussie and International players alike. The Pickleball battles were EPIC. The 6 day tournament was unbelievable and and the set up was the greatest. It was so much fun seeing the Aussies take on the World in Pickleball. There was also a great vibe and the skill level of the pro matches was legendary.
And the event had Tyson McGuffin… LEGEND.
Pickleball Events Melbourne
And let’s not forget the Big Events, such as the AO Pickleball Slam 2025. Recently held in Melbourne, it was an international all-star cast. It also had Tyson McGuffin and Collin Johns, both legends of the game.
These special events are fantastic. And the Bros had the pleasure of playing against Collin Johns and Tyson McGuffin. What the HECK? What an experience!! And seeing these guys play was greatest moment of our Pickleball lives. For Real.
And let’s not forget our local Aussie players. They were unbelievable playing on the famous Court Three at the Australian Open. Another amazing tournament on the Melbourne pickleball tournament schedule. We are spoiled for choice in good old Melbs.
Where to Buy Pickleball Equipment in Melbourne
At some point in your pickleball adventure, you will need to buy some pickleball equipment. You may notice a borrowed paddles isn’t great. Or the paddle you use is limiting your performance. Or maybe you just have paddle envy! You will want to buy your own pickleball paddles, shoes or gear.
Online & Instore Options for Paddles, Balls and Gear
There are many stores in Melbourne that sell Pickleball equipment. And we have local manufacturers that make their own paddles, and sell them via their website. There are many choices, but it can be overwhelming.
Absolute beginners who have no idea where to start should go into a store to get some expert advice. Pickleball retailers know all the brands and gear available. They can narrow down your selection and help you find the perfect paddle or shoes based on your needs, budget and skill-level.
A beginner doesn’t need to buy a top of the range, signature paddle to play once a month. Unless a beginner has money to burn. You can get a great paddle in the $50-100 price point. This is a perfect price range for beginners when starting out.
Read More: Absolute Beginners looking for Cheap Pickleball Sets under $50, we have 7 sets that are perfect. These sets are Super Cheap!
More experienced players may want a more expensive paddle in the $100+ range. They will also know the brands better and know exactly what they want. An experienced player may want to try out a new paddle in a store. Or they may just jump online and buy a paddle.
There are many online stores and brands to buy pickleball paddles and gear across Melbourne and Australia. You just need to know where to find them.
Read More: For a full guide on Where to buy Pickleball Paddles in Australia, take a look at the complete guide by the Bros.
Melbourne Paddle Makers
New paddle makers are popping up across Melbourne. These local paddles are great value and perfect for beginners and experts alike. And like a local brewery, it’s great fun to try local paddles to find the next greatest thing.
The local manufacturers all use the latest pickleball technology. And they aren’t as pricey as some of the International paddles. So the Bros say, give the local paddle makers and brands a go.
And if you can’t find a local Melbourne brand that tickles your fancy, there are other great paddle makers in other states. They make great paddles and have amazing stories about their paddles and brand.
Check out Obelisk pickleball and read about Vinh and his amazing paddles. His story in the pickleball community is fantastic. Or take a look at our paddle reviews and see if you like any paddles we have covered.
Final Wrap: Pickleball Melbourne
Pickleball in Melbourne is exploding so why not get involved? With so many pickleball venues, clubs and stores, it’s so easy to get started. And there are so many friendly people to meet at your local pickleball venue or club.
Pickleball is lots of fun and great for your health. It is a sport for all players, of any age and every skill level. Anyone can play and everyone should play.
And if you are super-keen, you can go next level and play a tournament and test your pickleball skills. Maybe you can join the NPL or MLP and become a pickleball Pro!
Join the Pickleball Melbourne community today! Play a game, have a blast and then get your family and friends to play too. You will love it. and don’t forget, tell your friends that the Bros sent you.
Pickle On!
The Aussie Pickleball Bros.