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6 unique sports to try in Brisbane, including pickleball

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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 six unique sports you can try in Brisbane—ones you’ve probably never heard of.

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 growing popularity in Brisbane shows it's easy for all ages and skills 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
  • Dash Street Park, Keperra
  • 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

Walking football, a modified version of the classic game, suits all fitness levels and abilities. 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. Players use plastic discs and aim for baskets, trying to score 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.

Spring Hill has a 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. Once featuring chasers, beaters, keepers and seekers, quidditch now thrives on city ovals worldwide thanks to fans.

Quadball is an official team sport at US colleges like Berkeley. Unlike Harry Potter, players stay grounded, but still hold a broomstick between their legs during play.

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

Discover more outdoor activities in Brisbane

Brisbane offers pools, water play areas, skate parks and bike tracks—plenty to enjoy outdoors.

Download the Brisbane app from your app store to find new places to visit and things to do close to you.