Where to play tennis in the Byron Shire
Across the Byron Shire, tennis is thriving. From Bangalow to Byron Bay, Suffolk Park, Ocean Shores, Mullumbimby and Brunswick Heads, you’ll find courts buzzing with social games, drills and matches most days of the week.
Why Tennis Might Be the Ultimate Longevity Sport
It’s no secret that regular exercise helps us live longer, but did you know tennis could add nearly ten years to your life? Here in the Northern Rivers, we’re lucky to have a thriving tennis community with fantastic courts, clinics, and classes across Byron Bay, Bangalow, Brunswick Heads, Mullumbimby, and beyond.
I only discovered tennis a few years ago. Back when I lived abroad and travelled constantly for work, tennis became my go-to sport. It kept me positive and in shape on the road, and—best of all—I could play just about anywhere in the world. Wherever I landed, there was always a local clinic or club to join, and friendships formed quickly (there really is a tennis court in every port).
The Proven Health Benefits of Tennis
Research backs up what tennis players have always felt: it’s one of the healthiest sports you can play. The Mayo Clinic has shown that regular tennis lowers body fat, blood pressure, and cholesterol, while improving cardiovascular, metabolic, bone, and heart health. It’s also a major boost for aerobic fitness.
And when it comes to longevity, tennis is in a league of its own. A long-term Danish study compared several sports and found that tennis players added an average of 9.7 years of life expectancy—far more than badminton (6.2 years), soccer (4.7), cycling (3.7), swimming (3.4), jogging (3.2), and even gym workouts (1.5). Another UK study confirmed that racket sports don’t just help you live longer compared to sedentary lifestyles—they even outperformed solo exercise like running or biking.
Why Tennis Works
Experts suggest tennis is so effective because of its combination of short bursts of high-intensity movement and natural interval training. Add to that the mental sharpness required—every rally demands focus and fast decision-making—which is thought to strengthen neural pathways and support brain health.
Then there’s the social side. Tennis naturally brings people together, offering connection, community, and a sense of shared etiquette that makes it both fun and uplifting.
Tennis at Any Age
From my own experience, tennis is a full-body workout that keeps you agile, light on your feet, and strong through the core, upper body, and legs. It’s also wonderfully ageless. Visit any local club and you’ll see players well into their eighties and nineties still competing—and playing brilliantly. Unlike contact sports such as rugby or football, tennis is something you can take up at any stage of life.
(For the record, I picked up a racket in my late forties.)
My Kind of ‘Zennis’
These days, tennis has become my “zennis.” It’s one of the rare activities where you’re completely in the zone—no time for daydreaming, just presence and play. The mood-boosting benefits are real, too: studies show tennis players report lower levels of depression, anger, and anxiety than other athletes, while scoring higher on confidence, optimism, and self-esteem.
An Outdoor Sport for the Times
Tennis also shines as an outdoor activity. During the pandemic, court bookings across Australia doubled, with NSW recording a 230% increase. It’s one of the few sports that naturally supports social distancing while still being fun, energising, and safe.
Article by Judy Chapman
Game On
The Byron Shire is home to several wonderful tennis clubs, offering everything from casual social tennis to competitions and clinics. All you really need is a racket, a pair of shoes—and the willingness to give it a go.
Game, set, longevity.
Byron Bay – https://mullumbimbytennisclub.com https://byronbaytennis.com
Mullumbimby – https://mullumbimbytennisclub.com
Brunswick Heads – https://play.tennis.com.au/brunswickheadstennisclub.
Bangalow – https://bangalowtennisclub.com.au/
There’s also a great little court up near Federal store also…
P.S. A ‘Your Advantage’ tip from coach Denis Hopkin at the Kyogle Tennis Club is to practice nasal breathing! Hopkin explains we breathe deeply and healthily while rallying and running, but when recovering, breathing through the nose will boost oxygen in the body. Apparently, all the top players are keeping their mouths closed and are breathing through their nose for oxygen advantage!
