Sydney’s pickleball boom has reached new heights with a rooftop venue overlooking Darling Harbour. House of Pickle has officially opened an eight-court rooftop venue on the ICC Sydney Event Deck, turning one of the city’s most recognisable spaces into a hub for the sport that’s been rapidly gaining traction worldwide.
Sitting somewhere between a social club and competitive arena, the venue taps into pickleball’s rising appeal as a low-barrier, fast-paced game that blends elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong—or, as some fans put it, the perfect “dink and dash” pastime.
A Sport On The Rise
The launch marks a significant expansion for House of Pickle, which has quickly built a presence across New South Wales, including sites in Alexandria, Wollongong and the Central Coast.
Industry momentum is clearly on its side—pickleball has been widely reported as one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. Participation is surging in the United States and steadily gaining ground in Australia, as new venues open and more leagues come online (USA Pickleball Association; Pickleball Australia).
Set against sweeping harbour views, the Darling Harbour site is designed to be as much about atmosphere as it is about gameplay. Courts run from early morning through to evening, with players able to drop in for casual hits, organise matches or join structured competitions.
The venue is also targeting Sydney’s corporate crowd, with leagues and private bookings pitched as an alternative to traditional team-building activities. Moreover, it reflects a broader shift in workplace culture towards wellness-driven and experience-led events—something operators across Australia’s urban leisure sector have increasingly embraced.
From Baseline to Bar
The addition of a licensed rooftop bar leans into the sport’s social side, encouraging post-game drinks and group gatherings rather than a quick in-and-out session. It’s less Wimbledon polish, more rallies with a sunset spritz in hand.
House of Pickle CEO Ollie Matthews said the Darling Harbour opening is about accessibility as much as expansion. “Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and we’re excited to bring it to such an iconic Sydney location,” he said.
“We want this to be a space where anyone can walk in—whether they’ve never picked up a paddle or they play every week—and feel part of it.”
Looking ahead, the company plans to scale aggressively, with a goal of reaching 30 locations by the end of 2026 and potential moves into New Zealand and Southeast Asia. For now, though, the focus is firmly on Sydney—and on turning a rooftop into one of the city’s most unexpected sporting destinations.
Courts start at $45 per hour on off-peak days and from $50 per hour on weekends.
House of Pickle is open at the ICC Event Deck, 14 Darling Drive from Monday to Sunday, 7am-9pm.
