Nine courts with two different court surfaces make this one of the largest and most accessible…read moretennis centres in the area - though access is also one of its limitations, as it is right up the top of the hill above the Manly dam, and only really reachable by car. The centre has qualified coaches and covers both adult and child coaching, though several afternoons a week it is actually used by schools from all over the lower north shore so it's difficult to get bookings during term time without a regular arrangement. Wakehurst hosts camps during school holidays, local tournaments, and even some junior international events giving the kids good exposure to some high level competition in their age groups. Considering the facilities, the pro-shop is pretty dinky, but you can grab a drink after your game and the pro's are well connected so can advise and get hold of equipment for you. Shelter is pretty limited but the audience can get a good perspective on all the courts from up near the pro-shop or watch individual players at work from seats between the two rows of courts. I personally avoid the little wooden huts though - they give you some shade, but the bench seats are uncomfortable and you can't see much without twisting round - seems an odd way to have introduced shelter.

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.

Nestled against Edwards Park in Concord, Greenlees Tennis Centre is a small establishment offering…read morecheap, healthy, outdoor fun. There are four synthetic courts on offer, and generally, at least one, if not all the courts will be available. If you don't want to risk it, you could always call before you arrive to book a court. The owners are very welcoming and friendly. Unlike many tennis courts I've been to, Greenlees will not make you buy new tennis balls if you forget to bring your own. They gladly lend out balls for free, and rackets for a small fee. The courts are located across from Massey Park Golf Course, and within walking distance of public transport and Majors Bay Rd.

This is Sydney's best course.... by miles. Think Dr Alistair McKenzie, the designer of Augusta,…read moreCypress Point, and Royal Mexico. (Doug Walters - "The rain in Spain falls mainly in Melbourne") Think couch, on sand, in perfect condition - year round. Dig a hole and theres a bunker. Think National Park, pristine bush and a course that was just lying in wait for Al to unearth it. Bent grass greens as good as ....anywhere. A pure links course - water on three sides or something like that. Who cares, it is just a stunning course in an amazing location. Imagine cresting the hill on the 5th and there's an 80 year old shipwreck on the rocks. Imagine having to cross a bridge over the Pacific Water Hazard to an island tee and hit a shot back onto Australia. It will nearly always eat your lunch the first few times. Rarely will the wind not factor - all par fives and threes face a different direction. The members are smug, nah - being honest that's just the voice of pure green envy, in fact they are super friendly and bloody good golfers on the whole (leave the pun alone - drop the weapon and slowly walk away from the pun!) Play it whenever you can, never turn down an invite or an opportunity. The most memorable golf course you will play in Australia.

This is a well deserved top Australian course. Beautiful…read morescenery, lovely club house with great menu and staff. The course is incredibly well maintained - honestly I have seen greens not as well kept as the fairways on this course. However it is punishing - to be a top course means to be a tough course and that it is. Take your medicine like a grown up...

I have played at the South Turramurra netball courts for many years, ever since I was about 7 years…read moreold. Last year I started playing again and was surprised to see the netball courts buzzing with players and in good condition. There are courts further than the eye can see and plenty of parking. Players come from all over NSW to play here, but the majority come from the North Shore area. There are plenty of umpires and supervisors on hand and a shop which sells drinks and lollies. It was always a favourite past time to buy a bag of lollies after a long game of netball when I was young (and still is). The courts and games are very well run and the umpires are professional. The games are played every Saturday (except public holiday weekends) and ages range from very young to ladies in the mid 40's and 50's.

Oh the rolling hills of Prince Alfred, may you soon become beautiful and complete…read more Right now, Prince Alfred is a bit filled with constructiony stuff, a bit muddy, and generally just a place to pass through on the way to somewhere else. BUT - City of Sydney Council are certainly working on it. They've got cycle-maintenance stands, interactive artworks, rather fetching play equipment and green, lush grass. They're sexing up the tennis court office place, which is apparently a heritage building. This park is a good spot for a weekend BBQ, and has a large set of busy tennis courts, as well as a few basketball courts, though you'll have to involve yourself in a play-off in order to get some use of the latter. The Strawberry Hills end of the park has a "native reserve" presumably for native plants, although right now there are just seem to be big fig trees and patches of longer grass. I have a few issues with the placement of the walking paths in this park, as I don't think they properly echo the "desire paths" of pedestrians. (When I say pedestrians I probably just mean "me", but there it is.) The result is -- I often end up walking through the "native reserve" and getting wet and muddy, rather than staying on the path. I am already anticipating updating this review in mid-2012, which is when the fancy new Prince Alfred Park pool is opened, or so they say....

Prince Alfred Park has felt a little incomplete since the demolition of the swimming pool in 2009,…read morebut Sydney City assures that the general population will be able to the enjoy the new improved pool in early 2012. With an advanced temperature control system and filter, a splash pool for toddlers, and lush greenery surrounding both the pool and sunbathing areas, it shouldn't fall short of impressive. But there are other reasons to love Prince Albert Park, even as we anxiously await the renovation completions. Are you a fitness buff? The park's jogging path isn't massive (you've have to loop like a hamster in a wheel to get any sizable sweat), but there are several workout stations with pull up and push up bars. Each circuit comes with instructions so you'll know exactly how to get that burn. And what about for the little ones? Apparently the kids attractions are still being worked on, but for now, you can make use of the swings and teeter-tooter. Otherwise, bring your sun blanket, bring some meat for the barbie (public BBQs available), or bring your racket for a match on the tennis courts and I'm sure Price Alfred will cater to a lovely afternoon. If not, stop back by in early 2012 and you might feel differently.

As a student at one of the nearby schools, I regularly played tennis at the Kim Warwick Tennis…read moreAcademy. The tennis club is located right opposite Hornsby Westfield, with the train station and bus stops nearby. I would train weekly at the academy and compete with other students at the club. There are plenty of tennis courts and snacks and drinks are available. With a small shop, customers can purchase balls, tennis rackets and other items. There is a changing room which is available for use and is convenient if you are going straight to work after your lesson. The owner Kim, is a six time grand slam champion, so you know the trainers are good! All the coaches we had were calm, professional and good players. Private lessons are available, but I cannot comment on pricing due to the fees paid by our school. Summer programs are also available. Their website has a list of pricing, which varies depending on the experience of the coach. For half an hour with Kim, it will cost you $45. Other coaches are $35 an hour. Coach profiles are also listed on their website.

Newly renovated public tennis courts in Coogee. They are great even though there is a bit too much…read moresand on the artificial grass carpet surface.