Not much beats summer in Australia, especially when you're rolling this deep.
No matter where you are in this country, the late autumn, summer and let's face it spring weather here begs you to get outside. Think BBQs at the beach, swimming in your favourite waterhole or hiking in the hinterlands - you name it, we can just about do it all-year round.
And now (with better weather around the corner) you can add another low-key Australian favourite to the list: lawn bowls!
Not familiar with the game they really play in heaven?
Regardless of how old or young you are, everybody can step onto the green for a social 'roll' in Australia. There are literally thousands of clubs around the country and most of them will even let you take your shoes off and down a few brews while you play - talk about the sport of kings!
Lawn Bowls in the multi-generational sport of our time!
Heading to regional Australia for a holiday or long weekend getaway?
If the answer is yes, then be sure to add an afternoon or evening at a local bowls club to your holiday itinerary.
To help you out —and in no particular order of preference — here are some of the best regional lawn bowls clubs in Australia!
1. Tathra Beach Bowling Club, NSW
7099 Dilkera Road, Tathra
Traditionalists might hate this pic, but we love it!
If you love holidaying on the Sapphire Coast, visiting Tathra Beach Bowling Club is a must.
Living up to its reputation as the "friendliest bowling club on the Far South Coast," there are weekly mixed and ladies social bowls and a bistro open for lunch and dinner. There's even a shuttle bus that runs seven days a week in the evenings.
Got a group? Book a Barefoot Bowls party!
2. Mornington Bowling Club, VIC
Esplanade, Mornington
If this location doesn't float your lawn bowls boat, check your pulse!
The sport of bowls is undeniably one of the best things to do in regional Australia for people of all ages, and Mornington Bowling Club is one of the best places to do it.
This well-established club, which started way back in 1917, offers social and seasonal bowls tournaments, weekly Friday night Barefoot Bowls, and even coaching if you want to brush up on your skills or learn from the best.
Technique is everything.
Best of all, this club boasts stunning views out over Port Phillip Bay and is just a short walk from the main street of Mornington. Why not pair your bowls with a bit of morning shopping or cafe hopping?
3. Kings Meadows Bowls Club, TAS
18 Carr St. Kings Meadows
Colour is de rigueur on the greens these days. Especially down in Tassie!
Are you looking for something to do while holidaying in Tassie? Well, Kings Meadows Bowls Club is just a hop, skip, and jump from G'day Parks member Discovery Parks - Hadspen
Kings Meadows is one of the largest clubs in northern Tasmania, with two grass outdoor greens and no less than eight indoor synthetic greens. Head here for the jovial atmosphere as much as for the quality bowling.
4. Tumby Bay Bowling Club, SA
Cnr West Terrace & Park Terrace, Tumby Bay
Scoring is optional during social bowls.
South Australia's Tumby Bay isn't all surf, sand, and sun.
If you're booked in at G'day Parks Tumby Bay Caravan Park, why not take the family to the Tumby Bay Bowling Club for an evening of social bowls?
Conveniently located at the corner of West Terrace and Park Terrace, Tumby Bay Bowling Club offers year-round bowls thanks to two shiny new synthetic greens. Enjoy a drink and a chat after the game at the on-site bar, where who knows, you might meet the local mayor!
5. Moama Bowling Club, NSW
67 Shaw St. Moama
Ah yes, the crudités can be be delightful!
When it comes to lawn bowls in Australia, few clubs rival the experience on offer at Moama Bowling Club. This picturesque site is located along the Murray River and offers all kinds of family-friendly fun.
The club has not one but two dining options and a dessert bar called Frinkle. Plus, of course, there are world-class greens catering to experienced and newbie players. There's even a courtesy shuttle that gets everyone to and from the club safely if you do decide to enjoy the apres-bowl.
6. Belconnen Bowling Club, ACT
Beetalo Street, Hawker
Lawn bowls fashion is serious business.
Considering its size, you'd be forgiven for thinking that theACT wouldn't have much to offer by way of bowls clubs. Wrong.
The Belconnen Bowling Club hosts everything from social bowls to club championships and carnivals and welcomes all visiting players. There's a licensed bar, an outdoor area with a BBQ, and even pool tables. Take advantage of the free coaching if you're nearby on a Sunday and on social bowls nights throughout the week.
The Belconnen Bowling Club is also close to G'day Parks member Capital Country Holiday Park, making it easy to include on your holiday itinerary.
7. Torquay Bowls Club, VIC
47 The Esplanade,Torquay
Can you feel the serenity?
Torquay is a holiday favourite of Melbournites with a popular beach scene just over an hour's drive from the city. If you're staying in this much-loved summer destination, remember to check in at the Torquay Bowls Club.
The club boasts unrivalled views of Torquay Beach and two-hour green hire for casual bowlers. There's also a top-quality bistro that opens for lunch on the weekends and dinner every night. Menu faves range from sweet chilli and pepper calamari to open chicken schnitzel sandwiches and vegan burgers.
Check out the club's social bowls calendar to see what's on during your next Great Ocean Road excursion.
8. Club Dubbo, NSW
82 Whylandra St. (Newell Highway) West Dubbo
It has a ring to it doesn't it?
Like many on this list, Club Dubbo is a classic example of a sports club that acts as a hub for the broader regional community.
Featuring three magnificent greens that host regular social and highly competitive bowls, in November 2022 Club Dubbo will even play host to what is being billed as the world's richest Fours Tournament.
The Club Dubbo BCIB International will be held from 3-5 November with $100,000 in prizemoney on offer! Entry is free for spectators and some of the best bowlers from around the world are expected to take part.
9. Leichhardt (Mount Isa) Services Bowls Club, QLD
8 Carbonate St. Mt. Isa
Golden hour in Mt. Isa is worthy of a roll.
Most people visit Mt Isa to find fossils and explore the region's mining history. But after a long day checking out tourist attractions, how do you fill your evenings?
Leichhardt Services Bowls Club (also known as Mt Isa Services Bowls Club) is home to some of the region's best players. Head here to mingle with Queensland's greats on the greens! There's also a fully stocked bar and a gaming room with friendly, welcoming service.
If you're on holiday with a group and looking to host a casual birthday, the club has an attractive outdoor BBQ area. Bowls, BBQ, and birthday cake, anyone?
10. Darwin Bowls & Social Club, NT
8 Conacher St. Fannie Bay
Yeah, the Darwin girls!
What do you do if you're craving authentic Korean cuisine while on holiday in Northern territory? Why, head to the Darwin Bowls & Social Club, of course!
This 50-plus-year-old club boasts everything from sheltered, well-maintained greens to an in-house Korean restaurant, ZZAN. The bar is well stocked with top-shelf beers, there's a bowling competition held every week of the year, and players of all ages and experience levels are always welcome.
11. Kalgoorlie Bowling Club, WA
Maritana St & Dugan St, Kalgoorlie
Nothing says Kalgoorlie Bowling Club like this sign.
The Kalgoorlie Bowling Club is one of the oldest in Australia, originally established in 1905!
Back then, the greens were made of grass, but they've since been converted to synthetics. This active club has kitchen facilities, a fully licensed bar, and a covered lawn area with a BBQ area for endless summer socialising.
Non-members are welcome for social bowls, but you need to contact the club in advance. Discovery Parks - Kalgoorlie Goldfields and Discovery Parks - Boulder aren't far from this hub of community spirit.
12. Kingscliff Beach Bowls Club, NSW
131 Marine Parade Kingscliff, NSW
We couldn't show you the 'after' photo.
You probably never thought you'd get some of Australia's best fine dining at a bowls club. But that's what makes a visit to Kingscliff Beach Bowls Club so special.
The recently renovated KBBC restaurant is helmed by acclaimed chef Matt Kemp (of former Balzac fame) and focuses on classic bistro dishes with freshly caught seafood and locally sourced meats. Just the thing you want after a day in the surf or, of course, an afternoon on the bowling green.
Sometimes the actual bowling will become a distraction.
For newbies to bowling, consider joining a Barefoot Bowls game, where the emphasis is always on fun and learning.
These games are available on weekends and some weekdays, and the club sometimes puts on a pop-up bar. Experienced players can participate in comps and social games across the club's three state-of-the-art greens.
13. Charleville Bowls Club, QLD
Epacris St. Charleville
Lawn bowls marketing nails it.
This small but active rural Queensland club is renowned for its relaxed atmosphere and also boasts several state-level championship players.
The greens are made of grass rather than synthetic material here, so this club is perfect for a Barefoot Bowl.
The on-site restaurant has classic Aussie fare like fish and chips, lamb chops, and chicken schnitzel at very affordable prices. For parents wanting to get on with their game, a covered playground is there to keep little ones entertained.
Australia's Favourite Lawn Bowls Clubs Revealed
Rusty flip scoreboards. All part of the charm of your local club.
So there you have it, our list of Australia's favourite lawn bowls clubs.
Whether you prefer ocean views or mountain vistas, or you want somewhere to get serious about your game, regional Australia has you sorted.
Do you agree with us? Are there any regional lawn bowls clubs we've missed? Let us know, and we might just add them to this list!
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