Sport
23 August, 2026
Fledgling sport takes off across the region
CAIRNS has hosted nearly 150 pickleball players from across Australia as the rapidly growing sport continues to attract interest in the Far North.
The tournament formed part of the Queensland pickleball tour, which features 10 tournaments across the state each year, with Cairns selected as one of the host locations.
Cairns Ultimate Pickleball’s head coach Wayne Fielder said the event attracted players from around the country and was one of the major tournaments on the Queensland circuit.
“We had 100 and nearly 150 players from all over the country involved. It’s one of the major Queensland tournaments,” he said.
“It’s on the Queensland pickleball tour. There are 10 tournaments a year and Cairns was one of them across the state.”
Fielder said interest in pickleball was continuing to grow locally as more people discovered the sport.
“Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in Australia at the moment and pickleball in Cairns is experiencing very rapid growth,” he said.
Cairns Ultimate Pickleball is now encouraging more adults to try the sport, offering free trials to newcomers.
“What we’re doing now is offering a free trial to anyone, including adults, who want to get involved,” Fielder said.
“We have beginner to advanced options.”
The organisation currently offers nine sessions each week, with options starting at $50 per month for unlimited sessions.
Fielder said the sport catered for players of all experience levels and encouraged Cairns residents interested in trying pickleball to get involved. “We, you know, welcome people to sign up for a free trial and get involved in the sport,” he said.
“It’s a great sport for people of all ages and standards, from beginners onwards.”
The next major pickleball tournament is expected to be held next year, while Cairns Ultimate Pickleball will continue running its regular sessions and offering free trials to adults interested in taking up the sport.
