Anyone up for spicing up your sporting game?
Dive into these 6 distinct sports in the Highlands – they’re a tad quirky, tons of fun and an awesome way to get together and have a laugh with friends.
1:: PICKLEBALL
The name sounds quirky already, right? And once you’ve had a go, we reckon you’ll be hooked.
Pickleball was invented in 1965 in Seattle by three dads looking for a different summer activity for their families. Nice one, fellas.
The game is a mix of tennis, badminton and ping-pong and can be played both indoors and outside.
You can play singles or doubles, it’s a game for all ages and skill levels which means you don’t need a lot of expertise to get started, love it!
Where can you do it in the Highlands?
We’ve got two spots in the Highlands to get your pickleball on atm.
PCYC Southern Highlands hosts meet-ups for the game on Wednesdays at 10am and 1:30pm where you can learn the basic rules and how to play, as well as social competitions on Tuesday evenings.
Highlands Tennis also run pickleball for adults on Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 3pm to 4:30pm at Moss Vale Tennis Club.
2:: POP TENNIS
Another unique and awesome racquet sport to try is Pop Tennis. The best way to think of it is like tennis with a twist.
The court is a little smaller, the ball is a little slower and the racquet is a little shorter but when you add it all together you come out with a big bunch of fun.
This is a great starter sport for beginners but also fab for social tennis players to add a little spice to their routine. It’s a popular game for doubles but singles can also give it a crack too.
Where can you do it in the Highlands?
Highlands Tennis runs a Pop Tennis session on Mondays from 1:30pm – 3pm. No worries if you’ve never played before. The coach is geared up to introduce you to the game in a fun and supportive way, catering to all skill and fitness levels. So, while it’s perfect for beginners, even seasoned tennis players will have a blast and find it challenging.
3:: FOOT GOLF
The name tells you everything you need to know about FootGolf—it’s golf played using your feet!
Thankfully, the ball you kick is a soccer ball, not a tiny golf ball. Plus, the holes are a bit larger, phew.
Unlike a lot of new sports, the origin of this sport is a little murky but the first 9-hole tournament was played in the Netherlands by professional Dutch and Belgian soccer players.
It’s taken off here in Aus with tournaments being played all over the country and we even had a national team compete in the FootGolf World Cup in 2023, woah.
Where can you do it in the Highlands?
Peppers Craigieburn offers an accredited course for us Highlanders for a [w]hole [hehe get it] lot of fun. You can play 9 or 18 holes and they welcome adults and kiddos.
We love that FootGolf is a family-friendly sport, so save it up for a weekend or school holiday activity with the fam bam!
4:: CLAY SHOOTING
A shooting sport that involves shooting flying targets, this sport feels very Highlands-y to us.
Clay shooting has been going since the 1800s and came from ye olde England.
There are a few different types of clay shooting with one of the most famous being skeet shooting. Skeet is even an Olympic sport, which is pretty cool.
Where can you do it in the Highlands?
Berrima Clay Target Club is an excellent spot to get started. They have certified coaches who offer coaching to new and existing shooters in a few different styles.
Coaching is actually free, you’ve just gotta pay for your own target and ammunition.
They also book corporate events as well as get-togethers like bucks/hen’s parties, Chrissy functions or just as a chance for you and your pals to shoot some clay together, because.. why not?
5:: FLY FISHING
Get out in all our local natural splendour with a fly rod in hand and wading boots.
The Highlands is actually a pretty top spot for catching some trout and takin’ in the serenity.
We love the idea of relaxing, unwinding and clearing our minds whilst also getting the thrill of making a catch.
Where can you do it in the Highlands?
Haul Fly Fishing offers tours with experienced guides who know where to find the best local spots for trout.
In the Highlands, they have land-based fly-fishing tours that cater for ultimate beginners all the way up to master anglers. You can also hire your equipment for the tours through them or even BYO.
6:: KAYAKING
We think kayaking as a sport is truly special. Get those biceps and triceps burning whilst moving along waterways and breathing in the great outdoors. How good’s livin’ right?
It’s also a popular sport because it’s one you can just head off and do by yourself or with pals [providing you have all the necessary gear and safety equipment] or one that can be done on a tour or part of a trip.
Where can you do it in the Highlands?
There are some awesome kayaking and canoeing adventures in Kangaroo Valley.
Loads of companies offer kayak or canoe rentals, guided tours, and safaris along the Kangaroo River, Tallowa Dam, and Lake Yarrunga.
You can start off easy with a two-hour paddle beneath the Hampden Bridge, or go big with an overnight safari through the Sunken Forest.
There are also some epic self-guided adventures exploring Lake Yarrunga, Tallowa Dam, and The Shoalhaven Gorge, they’re actually considered some of Australia’s top must-do trips.
Well ain’t no doubt there’s some serious fun to be had in the Highlands. Why not give one [or all] a crack and let us know how you go?
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