Warm weather means Brisbane players often hit early in the morning or under lights after work. These tennis centres from Hamilton to Mount Gravatt make a good start, along with kit that keeps you cool and comfortable.
The essentials first, then gear that helps you stay cool and keep a firm grip.
Racquets for first timers, juniors and regular players.
Multi-court shoes with grip for quick changes of direction.
Match and practice balls, plus junior balls for kids.
Mostly caps and visors, plus headbands and wristbands.
Shorts, skorts and skirts that move with you.
Tacky and absorbent overgrips for sweaty hands.
Tennis centres north, south, east and close to the city.
Twelve courts on Beverley Street in the east, with 8 hard courts and 4 synthetic grass courts, and lights for night play.
Good to knowCourt and racquet hire are open to the public as well as members. There is coaching, fixtures and social play for juniors and adults, including cardio tennis.
Six floodlit hard courts at Frew Park on Milton Road, on the site of the old Milton Tennis Centre and close to the city.
Good to knowThe courts are available for public use, and the centre runs a full range of coaching and play programs.
A six-court tennis centre in Brisbane's inner north-east, with coaching programs for both kids and adults.
Good to knowSocial tennis sessions run through the week on the adult timetable, so it is easy to find a game at your level.
Twelve floodlit courts on Sports Road in the south, open for casual play with friends and family, as well as lessons.
Good to knowCoaching covers adults and juniors aged 5 to 17, with social leagues for regular games. The pro shop sells racquets and offers restringing.
Council tennis courts on Brunswick Street, managed by the New Farm Neighbourhood Centre and handy for inner city players.
Good to knowCourts are hired by phone through the neighbourhood centre. They are one stop on Brisbane City Council's Tennis Trail, which celebrates the city's tennis history.
In the heat, a heavy racquet tires your arm quickly. A lighter frame with a comfortable grip is easier to swing for a full session. Try a few if you can before you choose.
A cap or visor keeps the glare out of your eyes when you look up to serve. Pair it with sunscreen, and reapply on longer sessions.
Humid days make handles slippery. An absorbent or tacky overgrip helps you hold the racquet without squeezing. Wristbands help stop sweat running into your palm.
Look for tennis or multi-court shoes with a breathable upper and a sole that suits hard courts and synthetic grass. Your feet stay cooler and more stable.
Early morning and evening sessions under lights are more comfortable for most of the year.
Bring a full bottle and sip at every change of ends rather than waiting until you stop.
If you need to cross behind another court, wait until their point ends and walk through quickly.
| Item | Why | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Tennis racquet | Your key piece of kit | Choose a lighter frame for long, warm sessions |
| Tennis shoes | Grip and side support | Breathable uppers keep feet cooler |
| Tennis balls | Lively bounce for rallies | Keep spares in the shade, not in the car |
| Cap or visor | Shade for serves and overheads | Add sunscreen and reapply on long sessions |
| Overgrip | A drier hold on humid days | Change it as soon as it feels slick |
| Shorts or skort | Room to lunge and stretch | Pockets help hold a spare ball |
| Water bottle | Heat and humidity add up | Freeze half the night before for a cold drink |
| Small towel | Dry hands and face between points | Keep it on the bench at the change of ends |
No. Some centres offer racquet hire with court bookings, so you can play a few times before deciding. Once you are hitting regularly, a racquet of your own helps, because the same weight and grip every time makes your timing more consistent. A light adult racquet is a comfortable first choice in warm weather.
Choose light, breathable clothing that dries quickly, such as a tennis tee with shorts, a skirt or a skort. Wear a cap or visor and sunscreen, and proper tennis or multi-court shoes for grip and support. Dark, heavy fabrics hold heat, so lighter colours are usually more comfortable on summer days.
Yes. Brisbane centres run coaching for adults and kids, plus social sessions where new players are welcome. Start with short rallies near the net and work back to the baseline. A handful of lessons gives you a simple technique that protects your arm and makes the game more fun sooner.
Many Brisbane courts are run by local tennis centres on council land, so search for a centre near you and check how it takes bookings, online or by phone. Most centres also list social sessions, cardio tennis or fixtures on their timetables. These are an easy way to meet players at your level and get regular games.
Play early or under lights in the warmer months, drink water before and during play and rest in the shade between sets. Wear a hat and sunscreen, and take a break if you start to feel dizzy, sick or overly tired. If symptoms do not settle after cooling down, seek medical help.
Choose a centre near you, book a cooler time slot, and come back to us when you are ready to kit out for regular games.
Free delivery on orders over $150. Members get our lifetime warranty.
