If you want to buy a table tennis bat in Newcastle, the short answer is this: cheap recreational bats are easy to find at rebel, Kmart and Big W, but there is no specialist table tennis shop in the Hunter that we know of. Club players buy their serious bats online from Australian specialists. Before you buy anything, it is worth trying a few bats first, which you can do for free at a club session.
Try before you buy
The most common mistake new players make is buying a fast, expensive bat too early. A fast bat makes the ball fly long and hides the basics you are trying to learn. At Newcastle Table Tennis Club at PCYC Broadmeadow, beginner-friendly bats are free to use during sessions, and most regulars are happy to let you have a few hits with theirs. Play two or three sessions, then buy.
Where to buy a table tennis bat in Newcastle
rebel
rebel carries recreational and entry-level club bats. It has stores at Kotara (30 Northcott Drive), Charlestown (30 Pearson Street) and Glendale. Range varies by store, so use the stock check on rebel's website before you drive over.
Kmart and Big W
Kmart is the cheapest place to start. In October 2026 its table tennis set (two bats, three balls and a clip-on net) was $15, and a single Performance Series bat was also $15. Big W also sells bat and ball sets. These are fine for the garage table or the beach house. They are not built for weekly club play.
Online table tennis specialists
Once you play every week, the real choice is online. Table Tennis World in Caringbah, Sydney, is listed as a Table Tennis NSW sponsor and sells blades, rubbers, balls and tables. Specialists stock ready-made bats from brands such as Butterfly, Stiga and DHS, and they will glue rubbers to a blade for you if you buy a custom bat.
Bunnings
Bunnings has a table tennis and ping pong range too, mostly tables, nets and bat sets for home play. It is handy if you are buying a table for the garage at the same time.
Second-hand bats and tables
Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace usually have used bats and tables listed around Newcastle. A second-hand club bat can be good value, but check the rubbers. If they are shiny, peeling at the edges or no longer grip the ball, budget for new rubbers on top of the price. For tables, check the surface is flat and the folding frame locks firmly before you hand over cash.
How much to spend on a table tennis bat
| Who it suits | Type of bat | Rough price | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backyard and garage play | Recreational bat, thin rubber | $10 to $20 | Kmart, Big W |
| New club player | Ready-made bat with sponge rubbers | $50 to $100 | rebel, online specialists |
| Regular club player | Custom blade with two chosen rubbers | $150 and up | Online specialists |
Prices are a guide only and change often. The jump that matters is from a recreational bat to one with proper sponge rubbers. That is when spin and control start to feel different.
What to look for in your first club bat
- Control over speed. Pick a bat sold as "allround" or "control". It keeps the ball on the table while you learn.
- Red and black rubbers. Competition rules need one side of each colour (or red can be swapped for another approved colour). A bat with rubbers that carry the ITTF approval mark is legal for club competition.
- A grip that fits. Most players use a flared handle. Hold it the way you would shake hands and make sure your fingers do not cramp.
- A case. Rubbers lose grip in sun and dust. A simple case adds years to a bat.
Do not forget the balls
Balls matter more than most people expect. Since 2014 competition balls have been made of plastic and are a little bigger than the old celluloid ones, marked "40+". Club play uses 3-star balls, which bounce evenly and last longer. Cheap 1-star or unmarked training balls are fine for the backyard, but they crack quickly and some bounce unevenly. A box of six 3-star balls is one of the best small upgrades for home play.
Looking after your bat
Wipe the rubbers with a damp cloth after you play, keep the bat out of hot cars, and store it in a case. Sponge rubbers wear out with weekly play. When the surface stops gripping the ball, replace the rubbers, not the whole bat.
Questions about table tennis bats in Newcastle
Is there a table tennis shop in Newcastle?
Not a specialist one that we know of. In the Newcastle area you can buy recreational bats at rebel (Kotara, Charlestown and Glendale), Kmart, Big W and Bunnings, and second-hand bats on Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace. Club-level blades and rubbers are bought online from Australian table tennis specialists such as Table Tennis World in Caringbah, Sydney.
How much should I spend on my first table tennis bat?
For playing at home or in the backyard, a $15 to $20 bat is fine. If you are joining a club and playing every week, a ready-made bat around $50 to $100 with proper sponge rubbers is a big step up. Most beginners do not need a custom bat in their first year.
Do I need my own bat to play at Newcastle Table Tennis Club?
No. The club has beginner-friendly bats you can use for free at PCYC Broadmeadow. Try a few before you buy, and ask the regulars what they use.
Is a ping pong paddle the same as a table tennis bat?
Yes. Paddle, racket and bat all mean the same thing. Australians usually say bat.
Related pages
- Beginner table tennis Newcastle
- Public table tennis in Newcastle
- What to expect on your first visit
- Session fees and registration
Try a bat before you buy one
Club bats are free to use at every session. No booking needed.
See session times