Do you love to play tennis? Or maybe you haven't played for a while and would like to get back into it? Whether you are in Nelson Bay on holidays or you are a local wanting to try it out, there are tennis courts for hire all around the region. Nelson Bay itself has a large tennis complex with 8 courts and anyone can book a court to play. As a tourist to the area, most courts cost around $20/ hour to hire, which is a reasonable price for a family activity or if you are sharing the cost with friends. If you live locally and think that you may play more than a few times a year, then joining a club as a member is a cost-effective alternative to playing casually.
Many people get inspired to play every summer, as we watch the Australian Open on TV (myself included!). I have found that it's a fun way to get fit, have a laugh with friends and get better at a sport that I enjoy. It is also a sport that you can teach your kids and then they can play it their whole life - whatever their age. Why don't you book a court this weekend?
Aerial shot of Nelson Bay Tennis Courts, behind Nelson Bay Bowling Club. Image: Nelson Bay Tennis Club Facebook
has 8 synthetic courts and a range of junior and senior competitions, if you would like to join the club and get involved. If you would like to hire a court for a game of tennis, court hire is available 7 days a week with all 8 courts fully lit for night play. For bookings you can request a court online or call 4981 4090 or 0403 634 667. The cost is $20 an hour (non-members) for daytime court hire and then $10 per hour afterwards (night play is $25 an hour). If the office is unattended when you arrive, they have an honesty system whereby you put your cash in the envelope at the front window and place it through the slot, then choose your court. See
here for details.
Soldiers Point Tennis Club has 3 synthetic courts and has social games, junior coaching and court hire. If you would like to book one of the courts, you need to register with your details online and then book one of the courts in an available time slot. After payment, you are then texted a specific code for your booking, which you use at the gate to get in. The cost for non-members is $10 for half an hour/ $20 an hour (more at night). The pin-code system is very easy and the courts are in great condition. Racquets and balls are provided and included in the price. See
here for details.
Court 3, Soldiers Point Tennis Club
has 2 courts to hire and it is managed by Shoal Bay Newsagency. These community courts cost $22.50 per hour to hire for non-members, with $2.50 racquet hire. There is a security deposit of $25 (refundable) plus you need to provide driver's licence details. This court is popular during the summer school holidays in particular, with tourists staying at
holiday parks in the area. See
here for details.
Also check out Fingal Bay Tennis Club (2 courts),
Boat Harbour Tennis Club (2 courts),
Tilligerry Tennis Club (3 courts),
Medowie Tennis Club (5 courts),
Raymond Terrace & District Tennis Club (10 courts) and
Stockton Tennis Club (5 courts).
It doesn't matter how old you are or how good (or bad!) at tennis you are, the sport of tennis is a fun way to get fit, laugh with friends and be part of the local community. If the sun is shining and the weather forecast is good - why don't you
"Get Your Racquet On" this weekend!
Image: Medowie Tennis Club Facebook
