6 unique sports to try in Brisbane, including pickleball

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. So 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, table tennis and tennis got together to create a combination of the three, pickleball would be the result. This paddle ball sport, which originated in Washington in 1965, takes some of the best bits of well-loved classic sports, uses wooden paddleboards and follows five basic rules (similar to tennis). And while it only hit Aussie shores a few years ago, its growing popularity in Brisbane is a testament to how easy it is to play and its suitability for all ages and fitness levels.

Brisbane City Council has delivered a new, purpose-built pickleball court at Joachim Street Park, Holland Park West. Council will be adding courts to four more parks:

• Enoggera Creek Sport and Recreation Precinct, Newmarket
• Greenway Esplanade Park, Greenways Esplanade, Parkinson, 
• John Magee Park, Seventeen Mile Rocks
• Sheriff Park, Habitat Drive, Wakerley.

Where to play pickleball

• Amazons Place Park, Sinnamon Park
• Boyd Park, Boyd Road, Nundah
• Brisbane Albion Indoor Sports Centre, Burdett Street, Albion
• Davies Park, Montague Road, West End
• Ferguson Park, Barrett Street, Bracken Ridge
• Joachim Street Park, Joachim Street, Holland Park West
• 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. Whether you're returning to team sport after a break or trying it for the first time, this low-impact game gives you the endorphin boost from playing as a team, while dialling up your physical and mental wellbeing.

Where to play walking football

• Perry Park, Folkestone Street, Bowen Hills
• Sandgate Bowls Club, Keogh Street, Sandgate

3. Disc golf

Tired of the same 9-hole game with your clubs? Up the ante on your golf days with a round of disc golf. Also known as frisbee golf, players use concave, plastic discs and targets aiming to get the disc from the tee area to a basket in as few throws as possible. Simple, right? 

Where to play disc golf

• Cadogan Street Park, Meadowlands Road, Carindale (18-basket course)
• Freney Street Park, Freney Street, 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. And with a dedicated parkour park in the heart of the city in Spring Hill and the jungle gym-style obstacle course at Guyatt Park, St Lucia, 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

It's the sport that got its start in the fictional pages of J. K. Rowling's iconic Harry Potter, but the mythical 'quidditch' game involving chasers, beaters, keepers and seekers, has evolved to the ovals and fields of cities worldwide as fans bring it to life. Recognised as an official team sport for several United States colleges including Berkeley, it is played on foot while using one hand to hold a broomstick between your legs. 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? 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 swimming pools and water play areas to skate parks and bike paths, there's plenty to see and do outdoors in Brisbane.

Check out more Brisbetter Explore articles and/or download the Brisbane app from your app store to find new places to visit and things to do close to you.

Related links

• Brisbane's best venues for small weddings and special events
• Find more things to see and do in Brisbane
• Your list of best playgrounds for Brisbane kids