BY GORDON WATSON, CHIEF CORRESPONDENT
If pickleball had a dream holiday, it would look a lot like Queensland. Sun-soaked courts, tropical fruit fuel, reef-fringed coastlines and just enough road-trip chaos to keep things interesting — welcome to the Tropical Pickleball Trek, where every dink comes with a view and every destination has a story.
Stop one: Far North Queensland – Cairns
Touch down in Cairns, the unofficial capital of tropical adventure and the perfect place to loosen up your shoulders after the flight. Between pickleball sessions, you’re spoiled for choice with two World Heritage-listed wonders right on your doorstep. The Great Barrier Reef offers snorkelling and diving among coral gardens and technicolour fish, while the ancient Daintree Rainforest delivers misty boardwalks, crocodile-spotting river cruises and the rare chance to walk through the oldest rainforest on earth. Refuel with local seafood and, naturally, plenty of bananas — Cairns proudly sits in Australia’s banana belt. Morning pickleball, afternoon rainforest, sunset reef cruise… not a bad start.
Stop two: Townsville & Magnetic Island
Rolling into Townsville, pickleball comes with dramatic flair. Castle Hill looms over the city, providing a jaw-dropping backdrop for matches and morning walks. Townsville’s Strand is perfect for a post-game swim or coffee, while nearby courts buzz with a friendly, competitive energy. Just offshore, Magnetic Island is a must-do side trip. Hop on the ferry with your paddle bag and you’ll find secluded beaches, koalas dozing in eucalyptus trees and walking tracks with panoramic ocean views. The region is also known for its tropical produce — rambutans, lychees and mangoes often make their way courtside, proving pickleball snacks don’t need to come in plastic wrappers.
Stop three: Bowen & Mackay – Gateway to the Whitsundays
As you continue south, Bowen and Mackay serve up a delicious mix of small-town charm and big-ticket scenery. Bowen boasts some of Queensland’s most underrated beaches, including Horseshoe Bay, where turquoise water meets white sand and granite headlands. Mackay, meanwhile, is famous for its sugar cane fields, laid-back vibe and proximity to the Whitsunday Islands — a bucket-list destination if ever there was one. Between pickleball games, sail through island-dotted waters, snorkel coral reefs or simply sink your toes into the silica-white sands of Whitehaven Beach. Mango season here is practically a sport of its own, and you’ll quickly learn that post-match recovery tastes better when it’s fresh, sticky and sun-ripened.
Stop four: Rockhampton & Yeppoon – Where Texas Meets the Caribbean
Next up is Rockhampton, proudly wearing its title as Australia’s Beef Capital. This is where hearty meals meet hard-hitting rallies. After pickleball, enjoy a proper steak, explore the historic riverfront or learn about the region’s cattle heritage. Just 30 minutes away, Yeppoon flips the vibe entirely. With palm-lined beaches, offshore islands and a relaxed coastal feel, it’s often described as “where Texas meets the Caribbean.” Pineapples are local royalty here, and sunset pickleball sessions near the ocean feel more like a festival than a workout. Throw in island cruises to the Keppel Islands and you’ve got the perfect balance of inland grit and coastal bliss.
Stop five: Bundaberg – Rum, Relaxation and More Pickleball
Bundaberg is famous for one thing — rum — but it’s also quietly brilliant for travellers who like their adventures mixed with local flavour. Visit the iconic Bundaberg Rum Distillery, stroll through lush botanic gardens or take a short trip to Mon Repos Beach, where turtles nest seasonally. Pickleball here has a wonderfully social feel, often followed by casual dinners and long conversations. Macadamia nuts grown in the region make an ideal snack between games, and yes, a celebratory drink or two is practically mandatory once the paddles are packed away for the day.
Stop six: Hervey Bay – Whale Tales and Calm Courts
Heading further south, Hervey Bay offers a change of pace. Known as one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world, this coastal city pairs calm waters with a relaxed atmosphere. It’s also the gateway to K’gari (Fraser Island), the world’s largest sand island, where freshwater lakes, rainforests and endless beaches await. Pickleball here often feels like a community gathering — friendly, welcoming and ideal for players of all levels. Morning games followed by coastal walks or fish and chips by the water quickly become part of the routine.
Stop seven: Sunshine Coast – Active, Easy and Beautiful
The Sunshine Coast lives up to its name. From Noosa to Caloundra, this stretch is all about outdoor living. Pickleball fits right in alongside surfing, hiking and café hopping. Explore Noosa National Park, paddle the Noosa Everglades or relax on pristine beaches between matches. The food scene here is outstanding, with local produce, seafood and excellent coffee making recovery sessions something to look forward to.
Final stop: Brisbane & the Gold Coast – Pickleball Royalty
The trek wraps up in Queensland’s southeast corner, where pickleball has truly taken off. Brisbane offers riverside courts, vibrant nightlife and cultural hotspots, while the Gold Coast brings iconic beaches, hinterland rainforests and some of the most competitive pickleballers in the country. Between games, climb Burleigh Head, explore Tamborine Mountain or simply soak up the buzz of a region that loves sport as much as sunshine.
Why the Tropical Pickleball Trek?
With courts dotted all along the Queensland coast, this isn’t just a holiday, it’s a moving festival of sport, scenery and social connection. Whether you’re chasing world-class nature, incredible food or new pickleball friends, Queensland delivers it all with a smile. So grab a group of mates, map out the courts and pickle your way through some of Australia’s most stunning locations. Trust us, this is one trek where the journey is just as good as the game.
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Chris Beaumont
Founder and Editor-in-ChiefChris Beaumont is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of World Pickleball Magazine. Chris follows the global game closely, reporting on the latest news, developments, stories and tournaments from all five continents. He also hosts the World Pickleball Podcast, interviewing people at…
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