Pickleball is just one of the lesser-known sports being played around the ACT.
01 May 2026
In brief:
- There are plenty of out-of-the-ordinary sports you can play in Canberra.
- It's easy to get active and challenge yourself by trying a team or individual sport.
- This story contains a list of some interesting sports you may have never heard of, right here in the ACT.
Looking to get active in the new year? If the inside of a gym gives you nightmares, and running isn't your thing, why not try something with a bit more personality?
Canberra offers plenty of fun and unique sports to explore.
These sports are a great way to stay active while trying something new, exciting and potentially a bit addictive.
Dodging, ducking and diving – dodgeball will test your endurance, stamina and skill, all while you have a blast!
Urban Rec Canberra hosts a dodgeball league. You can get a team together or register as an individual and make new friends along the way.
It may be low-profile in Australia, but handball is kind of a big deal. One of the most popular team sports in Europe, over 183 countries play handball – and it’s even in the Olympics!
This isn’t your traditional schoolyard foursquare. Handball is a fast-paced, full-contact indoor sport that resembles a mix of soccer, netball and basketball.
Canberra Handball have a variety of competitions, including a social competition that runs all year round – perfect for a novice looking to give the sport a try.
Broomball is a unique sport that blends elements of ice hockey and field hockey. Instead of skating, players run on the ice wearing special broomball shoes.
In Canberra, ACT Broomball runs a summer and a winter season. The summer season runs from mid-October until early April, and the winter season typically runs from late April/early May until early October.
Quadball is a fast-paced, full-contact sport played by hundreds of people across Australia (and thousands more worldwide).
Inspired by the fictional sport ‘quidditch’ in the Harry Potter series, the rules of quadball are similar to their source material, with some modifications (and a little less magic).
If you’re keen to jump on a broom and get involved – the Canberra Quadball Club is ready to help you get started.
Combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball is a favourite with players of all ages and abilities.
Played indoors or outdoors on a badminton-sized court, pickleball is gaining popularity across the ACT – including at ‘The Pickledome’ in Fadden.
Pickleball ACT runs daily social play, both northside and southside. There are also tryout sessions.
Padel (often called Paddle)
While pickleball and padel are equally addictive and sometimes confused, there are key differences.
The two sports also use different racquets and balls and padel is only played on an enclosed court, allowing for rebounds. Additionally, padel is almost always played in doubles.
If you'd like to get involved, you can find a range of options at Canberra Racquet Club, the ACT's Canberra’s dedicated padel and pickleball facility.
Rogaining
Rogaining is a team adventure sport that's all about cross-country navigation. Together, you use a map and compass to find checkpoints in the bush and score points within a set time.
Teamwork and decision-making are as important as speed, making it as much a mental exercise as a physical one.
Why not try a night-time event to take the adventure up a notch? The ACT Rogaining Association offers great beginner’s options.
Not into team or partner sports? No problem – there are plenty of exciting individual sports to explore.
Deep water running (or aqua jogging)
Ready to try running with a difference? Get in the water!
With its low impact, deep water running has long been used for rehab and recovery. You can increase the intensity too, making it an excellent option for building strength and endurance.
Deep water running is best done with a flotation belt for stability. Then, simply find a lane in a public pool and DIY. Or get some direction through a class or program.
Nordic walking transforms a simple walk into a full-body workout. Far more than just walking with poles, this low-impact and affordable exercise is a fun and effective way to stay fit.
In Canberra, the Capital Nordic Walking community offers beginner courses, skill enhancement lessons, and group walks.
Looking to unleash your inner Viking? Axe throwing sounds like the sport for you.
Axe throwing a fun sport where participants throw steel axes at a target to try and receive the highest score. More than just a backyard hobby, axe throwing is a competitive sport with a global following.
As members of the International Axe Throwing Federation, Maniax Axe Throwing hosts a weekly axe throwing league in Canberra.
Circus
Ever wanted to run away and join the circus? Ok, that may not be possible, but you can gain skills in things like tumbling, acrobalance and aerials, right here in Canberra! Warehouse Circus has a comprehensive timetable of classes spanning tiny tots to adults.
While circus is not exactly a sport in itself, circus skills are a great foundation for sports like juggle volley, unicycle hockey, mountain unicycling and circus competitions.
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