6 unique sports to try in Brisbane, including pickleball
Explore unique sports to try in Brisbane, including the exciting game of pickleball. Discover new ways to keep active and find a sport as unique as you.
We're a nation of sports lovers with some of our favourite sports including football, netball, swimming and cricket. But we're also lovers of things that are quirky and a little bit different.
We've compiled a list of 6 unique sports (that you've probably never heard of) that you can do right here in Brisbane.
1. Pickleball
If badminton, tennis and table tennis got together, pickleball would be the result. This paddle ball sport started in Washington in 1965 and combines elements from popular classic sports. Similar to tennis, players use wooden paddles and follow five basic rules.
The game arrived in Australia just a few years ago. Its rising popularity in Brisbane shows how easy it is to for people of all ages and skill levels to play.
Where to play pickleball
You can find purpose-built pickleball courts at the following parks in Brisbane:
- Amazons Place Park, Sinnamon Park
- Bonemill Road Park, Runcorn
- Banyo Memorial Park, St Vincents Road, Banyo
- Boyd Park, Boyd Road, Nundah
- Davies Park, Montague Road, West End
- Downfall Creek Reserve, Virginia
- Ferguson Park, Barrett Street, Bracken Ridge
- Greenway Esplanade Park, Greenways Esplanade, Parkinson
- Joachim Street Park, Holland Park West
- Keong Park, Appleyby Road, Stafford
- McCook Park, Finsbury Street, Newmarket
- Mulbeam Park, Muller Road, Boondall
2. Walking football
A modified version of the game we all know and love, walking football is the winning ticket for all levels of ability and fitness. A beginner or returning to team sports?
This low-impact game provides the benefits of team play, boosting your physical and mental well-being. Experience the endorphin rush while improving your overall fitness.
Where to play walking football
- Perry Park, Folkestone Street, Bowen Hills
3. Disc golf
Looking for a more exciting golf experience? Give disc golf, also called frisbee golf, a go. Instead of clubs, players use plastic discs and targets to aim and get the disc into a basket with the fewest throws possible. A fun and straightforward game to elevate your golf days.
Where to play disc golf
- Cadogan Street Park, Carindale (18-basket course)
- Freney Street Park, Rocklea (12-basket course)
4. Parkour
Born in France and based on military obstacle course training, parkour is a sport of skill and agility. Players hone their ability to complete obstacle courses in an urban environment featuring running, climbing, swinging, jumping and rolling.
In Spring Hill there is a dedicated parkour park, while Guyatt Park in St Lucia features a jungle gym-style obstacle course. Why not book an intro class with the Brisbane Parkour Association and discover the basics.
Where to do parkour
- Brisbane Parkour Park, Gregory Terrace, Spring Hill
- Carl Street Park, Woolloongabba
- Guyatt Park, Laurence Street, St Lucia (11-obstacle course)
5. Quadball
The sport that got its start in the fictional pages of J. K. Rowling's iconic Harry Potter. While 'quidditch' involved chasers, beaters, keepers and seekers, it has evolved to the ovals of cities worldwide as fans bring it to life.
Quadball is an official team sport at US colleges like Berkeley. While unlike Harry Potter, players keep their feet on the ground, however still hold a broomstick between their legs while competing.
Harry Potter fever runs wild in Australia. With several clubs playing across Brisbane, your only choice is which position you'll play?
Where to play quadball
- City Botanic Gardens, Alice Street, Brisbane City (QUT Quidditch Club)
- Guyatt Park, Laurence Street, St Lucia
- Raymond Park, Wellington Road, Kangaroo Point
6. Foot golf
Kicking off in 1920, the game of foot golf is for playing with friends. Played on a golf course, foot golf sees players kick a football (soccer ball) into a series of large holes. Your aim is to finish the course using the fewest possible shots.
Where to play foot golf
- Mt Gravatt Mini Golf and Foot Golf, Mt Gravatt Showgrounds, Mt Gravatt (enter off Broadwater Road)
- Virginia Golf Club, Elliot Road, Banyo
Discover more outdoor activities in Brisbane
From pools and water play areas to skate parks and bike tracks, there's plenty to see and do outdoors in Brisbane.
Download the Brisbane app from your app store to find new places to visit and things to do close to you.