Billiards is a cue sport that involves striking balls on a felt-covered table using a cue stick. While "billiards" is often used as a general term, it actually refers to a family of games played on a table without pockets (in the case of traditional English or carom billiards), with six pockets (like pool and snooker). or nine holes (bar billiards)

There are three main types of billiard games:

1. Pool (American-style) – The most common type, featuring games like 8-ball and 9-ball, played on a six-pocket table with 16 balls.
2. Snooker – A precision game played on a larger table with smaller balls and 21 object balls.
3. Carom (French Billiards) – Played on a pocketless table with three balls; the aim is to bounce the cue ball off both object balls.

I personally like to play 9-ball pool , but all forms of billiards offer a fun blend of strategy, precision, and focus. They're also a great way to socialise, relax, and challenge friends in a casual yet competitive setting.

Why I Love Playing Billiards

Billiards is more than just a game; it's a blend of strategy, precision, and social interaction. Personally, I love the mental challenge of working out the best shot and planning what my next shot would be. The game is pretty immersive so it's also a form of mindfulness for me and a really good stress buster. I also love improving my hand-eye coordination - it gives me a thrill when I strike the cue ball and it does what I hope it will! Lastly, but definitely not least, I love the chance to catch up with my friends for a little friendly competition and also to meet new people through a shared hobby.

Where to Play Billiards in Sydney

I personally learnt to play back in Indonesia before I moved to Sydney, but in this article (below) I've listed some of the best places in this part of the world to play and learn this fun sport:

1. City Heroes Pool & Billiards – Town Hall (CBD)

• Address: Shop 6, 505 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
• Phone: (02) 8034 3201
• Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 AM
• Facilities: Sydney’s largest pool and snooker hall, featuring pool tables, snooker tables, mahjong rooms, and darts.
• Pricing: While specific hourly rates aren't listed on the official website, a Tripadvisor user mentioned that it's the "cheapest pool table" in the area.
• Website: cityheroes.com.au

2. The Huntsbury Hotel – Petersham

• Address: 125 New Canterbury Road, Petersham NSW 2049
• Phone: (02) 9572 6854
• Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Friday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – Midnight
• Facilities: Features a separate pool table area, sports bar, lounge, bistro, dining areas, beer garden, TAB, and gaming area.
• Pricing: Specific pricing details aren't provided; it's recommended to contact the venue directly for current rates.
• Website: huntsburyhotel.com.au

3. Beach Road Hotel – Bondi Beach

• Address: 71 Beach Road, Bondi Beach NSW 2026
• Phone: (02) 9130 7247
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:00 AM – Late; Saturday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – Late
• Facilities: A two-story venue with four island bars, a dog-friendly beer garden, an upstairs courtyard, and pool tables.
• Pricing: Specific pricing details aren't provided; it's recommended to contact the venue directly for current rates.
• Website: beachroadhotel.com.au​

4. Coogee Bay Hotel – Coogee

• Address: 253 Coogee Bay Road, Coogee NSW 2034
• Phone: (02) 9665 0000
• Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – Late
• Facilities: Features a sports bar with pool tables, regular pool competitions, live music, and beachfront views.
• Pricing: Entry to the Wednesday night pool competition is $6, which includes a schooner of 4 Pines Pacific Ale.
• Website: coogeebayhotel.com.au

5. Hornsby RSL Club – Hornsby

• Address: 4 High Street, Hornsby NSW 2077
• Phone: (02) 9477 7777
• Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – Late
• Facilities: Offers six full-size snooker tables, a sports bar, dining options, and regular billiards and snooker competitions.
• Pricing: Membership is $11 per year, which may include access to billiards facilities.
• Website: hornsbyrsl.com.au​

6. Play On 5 – Chatswood

• Address: Level 5, 65 Albert Avenue, Mandarin Centre, Chatswood NSW 2067
• Phone: (02) 8123 1900
• Hours: Thursday: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM; Friday–Saturday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Sunday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Facilities: Offers snooker tables, golf simulator, karaoke rooms, virtual reality platforms, shuffleboard, and a full bar and restaurant. Mandarin Centre
• Pricing: Specific pricing details aren't provided; it's recommended to contact the venue directly for current rates.​

7. Maroubra Seals Club – Maroubra

• Address: 212 Marine Parade, Maroubra NSW 2035
• Phone: (02) 9349 2299
• Facilities: Features various sporting facilities; specific details about billiards facilities are not provided. maroubraseals.com.au
• Pricing: Specific pricing details aren't provided; it's recommended to contact the venue directly for current rates.​

8. Tradies Gymea – Gymea

• Address: 57 Manchester Road, Gymea NSW 2227
• Phone: (02) 9540 1933
• Facilities: Community club featuring a vibrant restaurant, cocktail lounge with live music, sports bar, event facilities, and more.
• Pricing: Specific pricing details aren't provided; it's recommended to contact the venue directly for current rates.

9. Ramsgate RSL Memorial Club – Sans Souci

• Address: Cnr Ramsgate Rd & Chuter Ave, Sans Souci NSW 2219
• Phone: (02) 9504 8000
• Facilities: Offers a variety of bars, a cafe, and a modern restaurant; specific details about billiards facilities are not provided.
• Pricing: Specific pricing details aren't provided; it's recommended to contact the venue directly for current rates.​ABSC+8

10. Diggers Miranda RSL – Miranda

• Address: 615 Kingsway, Miranda NSW 2228
• Phone: (02) 9525 0844
• Facilities: Features a bistro, sports bar, and various entertainment options; specific details about billiards facilities are not provided. Miranda's RSL
• Pricing: Specific pricing details aren't provided; it's recommended to contact the venue directly for current rates.​

11. Club Marconi – Bossley Park

• Address: 121-133 Prairie Vale Road, Bossley Park NSW 2176
• Phone: (02) 9822 3333
• Facilities: Offers a range of dining options and hosts events like the South Pacific Open; specific details about billiards facilities are not provided. clubmarconi.com.au
• Pricing: Specific pricing details aren't provided; it's recommended to contact the venue directly for current rates.​

12. Blacktown Workers Club – Blacktown

• Address: 55 Campbell Street, Blacktown NSW 2148
• Phone: (02) 9830 0600
• Facilities: Features a snooker room with 7 full-size tables in excellent condition; all equipment provided. bwbsc.au
• Pricing: Specific pricing details aren't provided; it's recommended to contact the venue directly for current rates.​

Whether you’re a casual player looking to unwind after work or a competitive spirit seeking a quiet challenge, billiards is a timeless game that’s easy to pick up and endlessly enjoyable. From relaxed pubs to club-style venues, Sydney has no shortage of places to enjoy a round of pool with friends.