Adult Tennis Guide
Social Tennis vs Cardio Tennis vs Night League: The Adult's Guide to the Tennis Courts in Rushcutters Bay
Five ways to play as an adult at Rushcutters Bay Park, with session times, prices and how to pick your starting point.
If you've searched for tennis courts in Rushcutters Bay as an adult player, the Hot Shots junior program might make it look like a kids-only venue. It isn't. Rushcutters Bay Park Tennis Courts runs five adult formats on the same five outdoor courts at 7 Waratah Street: casual Social Tennis, music-driven Cardio Tennis, a structured Night League competition, small-group adult coaching (groups and clinics), and one-on-one private lessons.
This guide breaks down what each one involves, what it costs, and how to pick the right starting point, whether you haven't picked up a racquet since school or you're after a proper competitive season. Prices and session times are as published on the centre's website in October 2026 and can change, so confirm them when you book.
- Courts5 outdoor courts
- Address7 Waratah Street, Rushcutters Bay NSW 2011
- OpenDaily from 7am (Mon–Thu until 10pm)
- Call(02) 9357 7332
The short version: try Cardio Tennis first if you're unsure, because the first session is free and you don't need tennis experience. Choose Social Tennis if you can already sustain a rally, Night League for a nine-week competitive season, adult groups or clinics for structured coaching, and private lessons for one-on-one attention.
Why there are five different ways to play as an adult here
Adult players want genuinely different things from a tennis session. Some want a workout, some want a competitive ladder, and some just want to hit a ball with other adults after work. Rushcutters Bay has built a specific product for each of those, rather than a single generic "adult tennis" offering.
Where the courts are and when they're open
The five outdoor courts are at 7 Waratah Street, Rushcutters Bay NSW 2011, in Rushcutters Bay Park, close to Sydney Harbour. The centre is open daily from 7am and closes at 10pm Monday to Thursday. Please call (02) 9357 7332 to confirm Friday and weekend closing times. There's a café on site, and the centre is an easy trip from Darlinghurst, Potts Point, Elizabeth Bay, Edgecliff and Paddington.
Court hire rates
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday, 7am–5pm | $31.20 per hour |
| Monday to Friday, 5pm–10pm | $38.30 per hour |
| Weekends | $38.30 per hour |
Courts can be booked up to three weeks ahead through the venue's Mindbody system on the book a court page. Third-party or external coaching isn't permitted on the courts, so every coached format here runs through the venue's own team.
Social Tennis: the casual, coach-fed hit
Social Tennis is the lowest-commitment option: casual matches with other adults, with an allocated coach on hand to give advice. It's built for players who want to play points rather than take a formal lesson, and the centre suggests it for players who can serve and sustain a basic rally.
- When
- Wed 10am–12pm
Fri 6–8pm
Sat 12–2pm and 3–5pm
Sun 2–4pm - Cost
- $32 casual visit
$255 for 10 - Best for
- Players who can sustain a basic rally
See the Social Tennis page to book.
Cardio Tennis: the fitness-first option
Cardio Tennis mixes cardio workouts with fun tennis drills to an upbeat soundtrack. It suits all fitness levels and all skill levels, and you don't need to be good at tennis to take part. Bring a racquet, workout gear, trainers and a water bottle.
- Length
- 45–60 minutes
- Cost
- First session free
$33 per session
$300 for 10 - Best for
- Fitness-first players, all levels
Details are on the Cardio Tennis page.
Night League: structured competition, Monday to Thursday
For players who want an actual season rather than a drop-in session, Night League runs Monday to Thursday nights in doubles and singles. You can join as a team of two or register individually and be partnered up. Balls are provided, and if more than two nights are lost to wet weather, a make-up night is coordinated.
- Season
- 9 weeks plus a final
- Format
- Doubles and singles
- Join
- As a team of two, or solo and be partnered up
Divisions in the 2026 season
| Night | Division |
|---|---|
| Monday | Division 1 |
| Tuesday | Mixed Division 2 |
| Wednesday | Premier League |
| Thursday | Division 2 |
The current season started in mid-October 2026. Contact the centre about the next intake and current entry fees.
Adult groups and clinics: for players who want real coaching
Beyond the casual and competitive formats, Rushcutters Bay runs three coached options for players who want structured improvement.
Adult Groups
Adult Groups are small classes led by Tennis Australia coaches. Beginner and intermediate classes are capped at six players. A 60-minute casual session is $43, with 5-session ($202.50) and 10-session ($385) packs. Ask the centre for 90-minute pricing.
| Level | Length | Session times |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 60 min | Mon 6pm; Tue 6pm and 7pm; Wed 5:30pm, 6pm and 7pm; Thu 7pm |
| Intermediate | 60 min | Mon 7pm; Tue 6pm and 7pm; Thu 6pm; Sat 11am |
| Advanced | 60 or 90 min | Tue 5:30pm (90); Wed 6:30pm (90); Thu 6:30pm (60) |
Adult Clinic
The Adult Clinic mixes practice drills with match play in small groups across multiple courts, with an allocated coach, and you learn how to construct a point.
- When
- Tuesdays, 11:00am–12:30pm
- Cost
- $45 per session
$360 for 10
Ladies Clinic
The Ladies Clinic uses the same drills-and-match-play format, with free coffee or tea afterwards.
- When
- Thursdays, 10:00am–12:00pm
- Cost
- $45 per session
$202.50 for 5
$360 for 10
Private lessons: one-on-one
For players who want individual attention on a specific part of their game, private lessons give you a coach's full focus. Ask the centre about 30-minute options.
- Length
- 60 minutes
- Cost
- $130 single
$615 for 5
$1,120 for 10 - Best for
- Targeted coaching and flexible scheduling
Comparison table: which one is for you
| Format | Style | Commitment | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Tennis | Casual, coach on hand | Drop-in | $32 casual; $255 for 10 | Players who can sustain a basic rally |
| Cardio Tennis | Fitness-focused, music-driven | Drop-in (first session free) | $33 per session; $300 for 10 | Fitness-first players, all levels |
| Night League | Competitive league | 9-week season + final | Contact the centre | Players wanting a real season |
| Adult Groups / Clinics | Coached, small group | Casual or packs | $43 (60-min group); $45 (clinic) | Players wanting technical improvement |
| Private lessons | 1-on-1 coaching | Per session or pack | $130 per 60 min | Targeted coaching |
How to get started, step by step
Decide what you want
A casual hit (Social Tennis), a workout (Cardio Tennis), a competitive season (Night League), coaching (groups or clinics), or individual attention (private lessons).
Check the times and prices
Use the sections above, or call (02) 9357 7332 or email info.rbtc@ssmgroup.com.au to confirm the next session or intake for your format.
Try Cardio Tennis if you're unsure
It's the only adult format with a free first session, so it's the lowest-risk way to try the venue.
Register solo for Night League
No doubles partner? You can register on your own and be partnered up.
Book court hire separately
If you just want a hit with friends, book a court online. Rates start at $31.20 per hour on weekdays until 5pm.
Who's coaching
All coaching at Rushcutters Bay is delivered by accredited Tennis Australia coaches, under Sydney Sports Management Group. You can read each coach's full profile on the adult tennis page and the About Us page.
Mike Etherington
Head Coach
30 years of coaching experience, including 7 years abroad. USPTA certified since 1994, and coached former world number 1 Andy Roddick at the Rick Macci Tennis Academy.
Samantha Loveridge
Tennis Coach
First Class BA (Hons) in Sport Management, with Advanced and Development coaching certifications from the Australasian Academy of Tennis Coaches.
Martina Caliari
Senior Coaching Professional
Former European semi-professional player with 22 years in the sport, and a Diploma in Sport Coaching.
Common mistakes adult players make
- Assuming Rushcutters Bay is kids-onlyHot Shots is well known, but five distinct adult formats run on the same courts.
- Booking court hire when you want Social TennisCasual hire gets you a court to use with whoever you bring. Social Tennis is a run session with other adults and a coach on hand, and they're priced and organised differently.
- Starting Social Tennis as a complete beginnerThe centre suggests it for players who can serve and sustain a basic rally. Beginners may prefer Cardio Tennis or a Beginner adult group first.
- Skipping Cardio Tennis's free first sessionIt's the lowest-risk way to try the venue's coached adult programming before committing to anything else.
- Waiting for a Night League partnerIndividuals can register and be partnered up, so you don't need to find a doubles partner first.
- Bringing your own coachExternal coaches can't use the courts. Any structured coaching here goes through the venue's own team.
Summary
Rushcutters Bay Park Tennis Courts isn't just a Hot Shots venue. It runs five real adult formats on the same five outdoor courts: Social Tennis for a casual hit, Cardio Tennis for a fitness-first workout (with a free first session), Night League for a genuine nine-week competitive season, adult groups and clinics for structured coaching, and private lessons for one-on-one attention. Picking the right one comes down to what you actually want from your time on court, not whether you're "good enough" to turn up.
FAQs
Is Rushcutters Bay only for kids' tennis?
No. Alongside Hot Shots junior programs, it runs five adult formats: Social Tennis, Cardio Tennis, Night League, adult groups and clinics, and private lessons.
What is Social Tennis and when does it run?
Casual matches with other adults, with a coach on hand for advice. Sessions run Wednesday 10am–12pm, Friday 6–8pm, Saturday 12–2pm and 3–5pm, and Sunday 2–4pm. It costs $32 per visit or $255 for 10.
Is Cardio Tennis good for beginners?
Yes. You don't need to be good at tennis, and it suits all fitness levels. The first session is free, then $33 per session or $300 for 10.
How does Night League work?
Teams of two play doubles and singles across a nine-week season plus a final, Monday to Thursday. Individuals can register solo and be partnered up.
What's the difference between Adult Groups and the Adult Clinic?
Adult Groups are small classes (up to six players at beginner and intermediate level) grouped by ability. The Adult Clinic, on Tuesday mornings, mixes drills and match play and teaches you how to construct a point. The Ladies Clinic uses the same style on Thursday mornings.
Can I just hire a court instead of joining a program?
Yes. Casual court hire is $31.20 per hour Monday to Friday 7am–5pm, and $38.30 per hour on weekday evenings and weekends, bookable up to three weeks ahead.
Are private lessons available?
Yes. A 60-minute session is $130, a 5-pack is $615 and a 10-pack is $1,120. Ask about 30-minute options.
Can an outside coach use the courts with me?
No. Third-party or external coaching isn't permitted on the courts.
Who runs the adult coaching programs?
Head Coach Mike Etherington (about 30 years of coaching experience, USPTA certified since 1994) leads a team that includes Samantha Loveridge and Martina Caliari. All coaching is delivered by accredited Tennis Australia coaches.
Where is the centre and what are the opening hours?
7 Waratah Street, Rushcutters Bay NSW 2011, with a café on site. It's open from 7am daily and closes at 10pm Monday to Thursday. Please call (02) 9357 7332 to confirm Friday and weekend closing times.