The pickleball scene on the NSW-Queensland border is heating up this weekend as the Pickleball Cup arrives in Tweed Heads. Taking place on 16 and 17 May 2026 at Voyager Tennis & Pickleball in Cunningham Street, this tournament promises two full days of competition, community, and some serious court action. With many players already registered and events spanning multiple skill levels, this is shaping up to be one of the most exciting local pickleball events of the year.
Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or stepping up to tournament play for the first time, here’s everything you need to know before you head to Arkinstall Park.
Tournament Schedule: Day by Day
Saturday, 16 May 2026 – Women’s & Men’s Doubles
Morning Session – starts 10:00 AM
- Women’s Doubles DUPR 2.99 & Under
- Women’s Doubles DUPR 3.0 – 3.49
- Women’s Doubles DUPR 3.5+
Afternoon Session – starts 1:30 PM
- Men’s Doubles DUPR 2.99 & Under
- Men’s Doubles DUPR 3.0 – 3.49
- Men’s Doubles DUPR 3.5+
Sunday, 17 May 2026 – Mixed Doubles
Morning Session – starts 9:00 AM
- Mixed Doubles DUPR 2.99 & Under
- Mixed Doubles DUPR 3.0 – 3.49
- Mixed Doubles DUPR 3.5+
Each event is scheduled to run for up to 3.5 hours until winners are decided, so plan your day accordingly. Players are guaranteed a minimum of three games per event, giving everyone meaningful court time regardless of how the bracket shakes out.
Format and Rules
The Pickleball Cup uses a round robin format leading into knockout finals:
- Pools of 5 or fewer teams: games to 15 points, win by 2
- Pools of 6 or more teams: games to 11 points, win by 2
- Semi-finals and medal matches: games to 15 points, win by 2
The top two teams from each pool advance to the finals. In the event of a tie, standings are resolved first by total points won, then by head-to-head result.
Players may enter up to two events, but each event must be in a different category, one gendered doubles event and one mixed doubles event. This is a great way to maximise your court time over the weekend.
Prizes: Winners and runners-up in each bracket receive medals plus HUSTL Accessories.
What to Prepare Before You Arrive
- Confirm your DUPR rating. All players must have an active DUPR ID linked to their Pickleball.com profile. Make sure your rating is up to date and accurately reflects your current level as tournament directors reserve the right to review self-ratings and move players to the appropriate bracket if needed.
- Know your events. Registration closed on 11 May 2026, so your events should already be locked in. Check your registration confirmation and note your division and session start times for each day. Registration link: https://pickleballtournaments.com/tournaments/pickleball-cup-tweed-heads
- Pack smart. Tweed Heads in mid-May can be warm and humid. Prepare for that classic northern NSW autumn weather. Bring:
- Comfortable, non-marking court shoes
- Spare paddle (just in case)
- Plenty of water and electrolytes
- Sunscreen and a hat for between-game breaks
- A light jacket for the Sunday morning session, which kicks off at 9:00 AM
- Arrive early. Allow time to warm up properly, familiarise yourself with the courts, and check in with event staff. For the Saturday morning session starting at 10:00 AM, aim to arrive by 9:30 AM at the latest.
- Check the weather.. This is important: if there’s significant wet weather, the tournament will be rescheduled to another weekend. However, if play has already commenced and rain sets in, no refunds are issued. Keep an eye on the Bureau of Meteorology forecast for Tweed Heads leading into the weekend.
Getting There and Parking
The venue is located at Arkinstall Park Regional Tennis Centre, Cunningham Street, Tweed Heads NSW 2486. Parking is available on-site and completely free of charge which is one less thing to worry about on the day. Use Google Maps or your preferred navigation app and search for “Voyager Tennis & Pickleball – Tweed Heads” to get accurate directions.
📍Google Map Link: Voyager Tennis Tweed Heads
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
The tournament director has discretion to adjust start times, merge under-subscribed events with the nearest equivalent bracket, and make modifications due to circumstances beyond their control. Stay flexible and watch for any communications in the lead-up to the weekend.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Weekend
The Pickleball Cup – Tweed Heads isn’t just a competition; it’s a celebration of a sport that’s growing rapidly across Australia. With players converging on Arkinstall Park from across the region, there will be no shortage of exciting rallies, new connections, and spirited competition. Whether you’re there to compete for medals or simply to enjoy the atmosphere and grow your game, this weekend is one worth showing up for.
See you on the courts!
