5 great Aussie bowlos with a chic twist

The Aussie bowlo is unquestionably cool again, thanks to millennials embracing barefoot bowls in the sun (and accompanying beverages). Here are 5 lawn bowl clubs which exemplify the great Aussie bowlo revival.   

Historians believe that the game of lawn bowls originates from ancient Egypt. Somewhat more recently, the first bowling club in Australia was founded in 1846, and the rest was history. That is until traditional membership began to dwindle, and communities across the country took action to attract a new, younger crowd: enter barefoot bowls and a host of accompanying fun times.

1. Bondi Bowling Club, NSW

An historic bowlo that’s had a swish makeover in recent years, swing by for Barefoot bowling, trivia and poker nights, or tuck into a contemporary bistro menu (Bondi Bowling Club). Across town at the similarly renovated Greens North Sydney, the bowling lawn (with a great harbour view) even plays host to morning yoga sessions.

2. Mermaid Beach Bowls Club, Qld

This Gold Coast bowlo was an early adopter of barefoot bowls, and enthusiasts can shed their shoes seven days a week. Check out Mermaid Beach Bowls Club’s weekend sessions, with live music, barbecues, entertainment for kids and more throughout summer, or the social markets. at this ever-popular night market you can experience the best of Gold Coast food trucks and stalls, Music, brews and barefoot bowls, all night long.

3. Brunswick Bowling Club, Vic

Brunswick Bowling Club is almost 100 years old, but down with the kids, hosting everything from comedy to mini golf. There’s a craft beer tasting and bowls tournament in November, and in January, a Hottest 100 Countdown Day with bowls, beers and barbecues.

4. North Fremantle Bowling Club, WA

North Freo Bowlo celebrates its 60th anniversary in November. Open at weekends for social bowls and sundowners, it also hosts regular band nights and surfy shenanigans (it’s just 500 metres from the ocean). With some of Perth’s best eateries on its doorstep, like Flipside burgers, the club encourages you to BYO food.

5. Adelaide Bowling Club, SA

The oldest in the state, Adelaide Bowling Club is nestled in parklands with a view of the city skyline. Social bowlers can spend a lazy summer Sunday with a jug of Pimm’s, craft beer, eats and a DJ at Sunday SuperBowlz, or try their hand in the Night Owls competition, held every Wednesday for the season.