Whether you’re a seasoned tennis player, keen to restart your game, or picking up a racquet for the first time, autumn is the perfect season to hire a court and have a hit with some family and friends. Luckily, there are hundreds of great tennis clubs to choose from across Canberra and the NSW South Coast.
Here’s our pick of some of the best.
OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE TENNIS CLUB
The Old Parliament House Tennis Club is arguably the most iconic tennis club in Canberra, situated at Old Parliament House and surrounded by the tranquillity of the site’s 87-year-old rose gardens. Boasting five great courts for hire all year round, the club offers a variety of coaching and social competitions and events for all ages and abilities. Social visits are welcome, but if you’re playing more than once a year then you’ll save if you become a member.
NAROOMA TENNIS CLUB
The Narooma Tennis Club is located on MacMillan Road and has five good-quality synthetic grass courts for hire, all with lights for night matches. This active and friendly community tennis club offers mixed and ladies-only social tennis several times a week, as well as competition opportunities and coaching most days. Visitors and members alike can participate in workshops and lessons, plus there’s a ball machine to help you hone your tennis skills.
Photography by Moises Alex
MANUKA TENNIS CLUB
Located only moments away from the Manuka township, the Manuka Tennis Club (previously known as Flinders Tennis Club) is a convenient and friendly spot for a match of tennis. Established in 1942, this popular longstanding club offers four quality courts – two grass and two clay – equipped with light towers to cater for night games. The site also has a clubhouse with kitchenette, bathrooms and special needs access. Players of all ages and abilities are welcome.
CANBERRA TENNIS CENTRE
Canberra Tennis Centre in Lyneham is regarded as one of the best tennis venues in the capital. Boasting 24 outdoor courts and 4 indoor courts, this premier club has world-class facilities and offers court hire for casuals as well as members. The centre has highly skilled and qualified coaches available for lessons for beginners to professionals in one-on-one or group settings. The club also offers a range of programs including social leagues, competitions, cardio tennis and school holiday camps for children aged 4 to 12.
"Locals and visitors are welcome to enjoy a match or two on one of the 12 synthetic grass courts, each with lights for night games."
Photography by Darko Nesic
SOUTH COAST TENNIS ACADEMY
The South Coast Tennis Academy operates from Tomakin Sports and Social Club and Batemans Bay Tennis Club. This academy is run by local resident and head coach, Brad Baranowksi, a highly experienced tennis professional who has worked alongside the world’s top tennis coaches and trained and competed with international players of the highest standards. Brad offers workshops for adults and children, school holiday camps, as well as one-on-one and group lessons.
FORREST TENNIS CLUB
Situated in the leafy suburb of Forrest just moments from Manuka shops, Forrest Tennis Club is the perfect spot for a match on one of the six well-maintained synthetic grass courts. The club offers social tennis, in-house competitions as well as pennant competitions. Expect to find floodlights for night tennis, a practice wall to brush up on your skills, plus a recently refurbished clubhouse with kitchen, change rooms, dining tables, lounges and TV. The site also boasts outdoor facilities including a BBQ area and seating to relax pre or postgame. Players of all ages and abilities are welcome, and group or individual coaching classes are also available.
BROULEE TENNIS CLUB
The Broulee Tennis and Social Club is located on Imlay Street, just moments from Broulee town centre. This popular club has three synthetic grass and sand courts for hire, with two courts decked out with lights for night matches. The complex has a clubhouse with kitchen and toilets, and is surrounded by outdoor seating and picnic tables. This close-knit tennis community runs competitions, three social tennis sessions per week, regular member BBQs as well as coaching for all ages and experience levels.
BATEMANS BAY TENNIS CLUB
The Batemans Bay Tennis Club is one of the most popular tennis locations along the beautiful NSW South Coast. Locals and visitors are welcome to enjoy a match or two on one of the 12 synthetic grass courts, each with lights for night games. The club offers social tennis all year round, coaching for visitors and members of all ages, night competitions, senior’s tournaments, a kid’s program, practice wall and ball machine. There’s also free parking onsite.
