The bright blue courts in between the main road and the harbour means that an actual street number…read moreis unnecessary for Lyne Park Tennis Centre, you can't exactly miss them! Home to 6 all-weather, synthetic grass (aka astro) courts - 5 of which are in blue and one was resurfaced in a "Wimbledon" look, in other words, it's now green - means that you can play tennis in any weather, which is great if it's hammering down and you MUST have a hit! They also have floodlights, so no more blaming the fading light for missing the ball. One weather aspect that can cause a few issues with my otherwise "flawless" game, is the wind that comes off the harbour! It can play havoc with a rally! Although not sure that's any excuse for it hitting the bottom of the net (especially when you're playing with the wind!). The centre runs all the usual kids courses and tuition sessions, so if you're looking for a bit of coaching, then this is another option! And now for the money bit: CASUAL HIRE Mon - Fri 7am to 5pm: $25 per hour Mon - Fri 5pm to 10pm: $30 per hour Sat, Sun, public holiday's all times: $30 per hour You can also permanently hire courts - I imagine that's useful if you've got a regular group of you who get together and play, not just because you have a deep desire to have your own tennis court. Bookings can be made online or over the phone, or you may just be able to turn up if you're playing during a week day, but I wouldn't risk it at the weekend!

Lyne Park Tennis is the place that I first got a summer job, whilst I was in School, one afternoon…read morea week I would come and restock their fridges for $15. It was not as a tennis coach as I wished, but it was close enough to the action, and kept me going back. Now-a-days, it's a great place to go for a quick game, if you remember to book in advance. Either that, or if you're or someone you know is learning, it's a great after-school style tennis training, with very capable coaches. Keep in mind that they have tennis camp style coaching during the school holidays, which is a great place for the kids to mingle with other likeminded tennis enthusiasts. Mums, they also have a great little cafe that sticks out the side of the tennis courts, perfect for a quick coffee or even a family sit down lunch onlooking into the park. They serve great coffee, and a healthy range of vegetarian options for breakfast.

Should you be looking for a spot of tennis in the city then try Millers Point Tennis courts which…read moreare avaliable for hire to the public. This synthetic tennis court is cut into a sandstone cliff and can be hired by either visiting the Concierge Desk at The Observatory hotel across the road or by calling them on 9256 2222. The court is hired for a mininum of 1 hour at $25 per hour. It is popular with the big corporates around the area so make sure you book ahead should you wish to have a game during lunch times. This little sport gem is accessible and a great way to sweat up some endorphins before, during or after work.

Whereas my local courts in Rushcutters Bay are set beautifully next to the harbour, Cooper Park…read moreTennis courts have the equally picturesque setting of being in the middle of a forest. Bondi Junction may be a short stroll, but tall trees on sloping hills give you a feeling of secluded-ness, that make playing here and extremely pleasant experience! The high trees also offer a protection from the sun - when it's not at it's midday point - as well as the wind, so you can't go blaming a shanked backhand on a strong breeze. There's also a café and pro shop, along with changing rooms, and if you feel you're in need of a little tuition, coaching sessions can be booked. For parents out there, children's courses are held during the holiday period. It's advised that you book in advance, just to make sure you can get a court, especially on the weekends, with prices ranging from $25/hour before 5pm Monday to Friday, and $30/hour after 5pm and all weekend.