Pickleball Down Under: Your Guide to Australia’s Biggest Summer of Pickleball
Late November to February. While much of the world kicks off its sweet slumber cosy season (also known as winter), things in Australia are just heating up.
The sizzling of the barbecue, the waves crashing on the shore, and, more recently, the iconic pop of a plastic ball sounding out from courts scattered down the East Coast and across to Melbourne mark the start of Australia’s 2025 Summer of Pickleball.
The National Pickleball League (NPL) is partnered with DUPR — the universal rating system now used worldwide — to deliver a summer of racquet sports energy across Australia that promises to be the most thrilling pickleball destination this season.
Keen for a trip down under? Check out seven of the most iconic pickleball tournaments, activations, pop-ups and more our country has to offer. Whether you’re after the culture, the sport, the ranking points, or a bit of everything, come be part of the moment.
1. NPL Season 4 Finals (Melbourne, VIC)
“The biggest weekend in Australian team pickleball.”
When & where: The Jar (South Melbourne). 21 – 23 November, 2025
The scoop: 3 states. 9 teams. $100,000+ total prize money.
Our summer of pickle kicks off with none other than the NPL Season 4 Finals, bringing together the best players and teams from across the league to decide this season’s national champions competing for a first place prize of $50,000.
Read more about the league, teams, format, and prize pool here.
For those after the ultimate tunes, nibbles, vibes, and high-quality pickle, join the NPL S4 Finals Party on Sunday at the Jar from 12pm — first drink on the house. What more could you ask for?
2. SYPIK Australia x NPL Pickleball Invitational (Kooyong, VIC)
“Pickleball meets one of Australia’s most iconic sporting venues.”
When & where: Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club, 4 – 7 December, 2025
The scoop: A premium invitational marking pickleball’s arrival on an elite stage.
For the first time ever, pickleball takes centre stage at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club, a venue steeped in Australian sporting history. This premium invitational is set to showcase the sport at the highest level, giving fans a taste of top-tier pickle in a premium setting.
The weekend will feature a progressive knockout format, kicking off with the Round of 32 on Thursday and culminating with a Championship Sunday to crown our medalists. Players are competing for a $30,000 prize pool; NPL, Pickleball Australia, and Global Alliance ranking points, and perhaps a final chance to reach year-end DUPR goals.
This also is the first partnered event between NPL. & Sypik Australia; a subsidiary of the popular Sypik (Vietnam) brand.
Dust off your best tennis whites and brimmed hat, and join us on the lawn. Read more about this iconic event here.
3. Kooyong Classic Pickleball Activation (Kooyong, VIC)
“Try it. Watch it. Fall in love with it.”
When & where: Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club (Kooyong). January 13 – 15, 2026
The scoop: A pop-up activation bringing pickleball to tennis fans and the wider public.
Step into the Kooyong Classic carpark and you’ll find a full-size pop-up pickleball court, metres away from one of tennis’ most famous events. Fans can try the sport for free, watch exhibition matches, and meet some of Australia’s rising pickleball stars.
As the fastest-growing racquet sport in the world, pickleball is carving out its own spotlight even among tennis aficionados. Players and spectators alike get a taste of what makes this sport fun, social, and competitive, all in the heart of Melbourne’s summer sporting culture.
Come experience the crossover of tennis and pickleball all in one.
4. The 2026 Australian Open (AO) (Melbourne, VIC)
“When the world comes to Melbourne, summer gets a pulse.”
When & where: Melbourne Park (Melbourne). 15 January – 1 February 2026
The scoop: The AO brings global fans, energy, and exposure that spills over into pickleball.
There’s not much quite like a Melbourne summer. This cool, vibey city transforms into a racquet sports festival every January with the AO as the centrepiece. Tens of thousands of tennis fans flood the city, bringing energy, excitement, and curiousity about other sports.
Pickleball taps into this crowd with social play, club activations, and pop-ups all around the city.
And since its first partnership in 2025, the AO experience now also gives fans and players a front-row seat to pickleball. From casual come-and-try sessions to watching the best of the best compete on the legendary courts of Melbourne Park, this event once again shows the blossoming crossover between two of our favourite racquet sports.
And once the excitement of a pop-up becomes too much; just head down to The Jar South Melbourne 10 minutes away to use a full size court!
5. AO Pickleball Slam (Melbourne, VIC)
“Three days. Six teams. $100K on the line.”
When and where: Melbourne Park (Melbourne). Jan 30th – Feb 1st
The scoop: A partnership event officially recognised within the AO ecosystem, showcasing top-level international talent.
The AO Pickleball Slam made waves as one of the most exciting additions to the Australian Open in 2025. Now, it’s back for the second year in a row.
Six teams of four (2 male, 2 female) battle it out across three days for $100,000 in prize money and complete bragging rights. Come check out the AO Slam’s unique format and star-studded lineup of players, including 8+ NPL players, 4 international APP players invited via the Global Alliance, and plenty more top athletes from across Australia, the US, and Asia.
The event promises thrilling action in an inclusive environment that promises fun for the entire family.
If you can’t join us in person, be sure to check out the livestream on Tennis Australia’s YouTube channel.
6. Social & Pop-up Pickleball Culture (Australia)
“Pickleball + rooftops = vibes.”
When & where: Across Melbourne, Perth, and other major cities from November ’25 – February ’26
The scoop: The rise of rooftop courts, pop-ups, and lifestyle activations makes pickleball a core part of the Aussie summer scene.
If there’s one thing NPL knows how to do, it’s throw a heckin’ good pickle party. From Kooyong Classic social nights to QT Hotel rooftop activations, pickleball is THE iconic event of Aussie summer culture.
This summer, NPL is teaming up with QT Hotels for the third year in a row, this time with a Pickleball campaign across Melbourne and Perth, where fans and enthusiasts can play, watch, and mingle with players and celebrities alike.
For the last two years, Nick Kyrgios, Naomi Osaka, and Francis Tiafoe have played on the mini pop-up pickleball court featured at QT Melbourne. Stop by yourself, and you may just be lucky enough to spot them!
These activations highlight the blend of sport, summer, and social life unique to Australia. Whether it’s a casual evening game or a high-profile event, pop-ups show the energy, accessibility, and fun that make Australian pickleball culture truly one-of-a-kind.
CONCLUSION
Whether you’re chasing those juicy DUPR rating bumps or just some fun in the sun, Australia’s summer of pickleball truly has something for everyone. From elite tournaments in iconic settings to rooftop pop-ups and activations galore, the season is packed with ways to play, watch, and experience the sport we can’t seem to get enough of.
As we sprint to summer, watch this space. More events and activations are on the horizon, and there’s plenty of opportunity to be part of the fastest-growing sport in the world.
Grab your sunscreen, load up your paddle, and come join us for a summer of pickle to remember. While you’re at it, compete smarter, and get your DUPR rating.
Be sure to follow @NPLpickleball across socials to follow along the action in real time all summer long.
