Picklr Launches Australian Expansion with First Purpose-Built Indoor Pickleball Club in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire

Global indoor pickleball network Picklr has officially entered the Australian market, launching its flagship venue in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire as part of a commercial strategy to establish up to 50 clubs across Australia and New Zealand.

Located in Caringbah, Picklr Cronulla opened its doors to players featuring 11 permanent indoor courts, professional coaching infrastructure, structured competitions, a licensed café, pro shop, and dedicated community spaces.

The milestone responds to surging domestic participation rates, with AusPlay data identifying pickleball as Australia’s fastest-growing sport by participation, creating unprecedented commercial demand for dedicated recreational facilities.

Sharing the rationale behind selecting the Sutherland Shire for the network’s first Australian footprint, and noting established local enthusiasm where players previously relied on shared community venues.

“We could have opened this club anywhere in Sydney.”

“We chose the Shire because the players were already here, borrowing court time in community venues and waiting for a premium purpose-built facility.”

“Highlighting the long-term corporate vision for the region, he added, “Cronulla is the first of 50, and it sets the standard for every club that follows,” Pistilli said. 

The Australian and New Zealand operations are spearheaded by GM Lara Giltinan, a professional player on the Professional Pickleball Association Tour, alongside brand ambassador and former Socceroos captain Charlie Yankos.

Giltinan emphasised the universal accessibility driving the sport’s rapid commercial evolution across diverse demographics.

“Pickleball is the most welcoming sport I have played.”

“It doesn’t matter whether you are eight or 80, or whether you have ever held a paddle.”

“Watching people finish their first game and immediately ask when they can come back is the reason we built this,” Giltinan shared.

To celebrate the official launch, Picklr Cronulla is hosting a community open day featuring free court access, beginner coaching sessions, family activities, and exhibition matches involving professional players Mitch Hargreaves and Andie Dikosavljevic.

Following the Caringbah launch, a second regional facility is already planned for Brookvale to service Sydney’s Northern Beaches, as private investment floods into purpose-built sports real estate across the country.

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