The story of the Yeppoon Pickleball Festival began in 2022 with the club’s first tournament—the Queensland Pickleball Tour (QPT) event. This inaugural competition attracted 90 participants and was a resounding success, sparking the club’s vision to create a multi-day celebration of pickleball.
Building on this momentum, the club launched the first Yeppoon Pickleball Festival in July 2023. This inaugural festival welcomed 250 participants, featuring:
- A QPT-rated tournament.
- The Australian Seniors Tournament, catering to 50+ and above players of all skills.
- Engaging coaching clinics led by some of Australia’s leading pickleball coaches.
- A Festival Dinner and a number social events
The success of the 2023 festival set the stage for even greater growth.
The 2024 Festival: A New Milestone
In July 2024, the Yeppoon Pickleball Festival expanded to a platinum-class event, attracting over 400 participants from regions including New Zealand, Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland.
Key Highlights of the 2024 Festival:
- Australian Seniors Tournament: Competitive events for our vintage seniors players 50+ in a variety of skill levels.
- Queensland Pickleball Tour (QPT): A series of highly anticipated, Australian-rated events.
- Masters and Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) Teams Events:
- Teams of 2 males and 2 females competing in DUPR-rated brackets (14, 16, 18, 20).
- Coaching Clinics: Expert-led sessions for skill development.
Participation and Impact:
- Over 400 registrations across a wide range of events, including:
- 48 events in the Australian Seniors Tournament.
- 21 teams in the Minor League competitions.
- 74 events in the QPT.
- Economic Benefits:
- 60% of attendees traveled to Yeppoon, staying at least four days and contributing to local businesses such as accommodations and restaurants.
A Community Effort:
The success of the festival is thanks to the tireless efforts of:
- The festival committee.
- Dedicated club members.
- Canteen staff, tournament teams, and support teams who made the event seamless and enjoyable.
Looking Forward to 2025
The Yeppoon Pickleball Festival continues to grow, with the upcoming 2025 event promising even more opportunities for competition, learning, and community connection. Mark your calendars for July 18–27, 2025, and join us for another unforgettable celebration of pickleball!