The Best Places to Play Barefoot Bowls in Sydney
Round up some friends, throw back some beers and engage in some healthy competition with a laidback day on the green. These venues have nailed this revered weekend pass-time with panache, so off with your shoes and get bowling!
Coogee Bowling Club
Set back just a couple of blocks from Coogee Beach and with live bands playing Friday to Sunday, Coogee Bowling Club is the perfect place to settle in after a morning spent in the surf. If you have a bevy of buddies to entertain, be sure to book ahead for the barefoot bowls (it’s a 2hr session).
51 Dolphin Street, Coogee
Rock n Bowl
A sure-fire way to get the dancing started early. Manly’s Rock n Bowl takes the concept of barefoot lawn bowls to the next level. It’s also where you bring bowling novices as their tutoring and round-robin schedule means you can leave the responsibility to someone else. So gather the friends, and be sure to look in on the barbeque and cheese platters.
59 Raglan Street, Manly
The Greens North Sydney
The Greens in North Sydney has an extensive food and drinks menu that boasts more snacks and cocktails than you can poke a stick at, and all is best enjoyed while taking in views across Sydney Harbour. Walk-in and play or become a social club member and enjoy as much barefoot fun as you can handle throughout summer.
50 Ridge Street, North Sydney
Marrickville Bowling Club
Open since 1905, Marrickville Bowling Club retains plenty of its working-class roots while also branching out into live music and Sunday arvo DJ sessions to appeal to the suburb’s new air of gentrification. The greens can be booked for barefoot bowls, and in keeping with the barefoot policy, casual attire is more than appropriate.
91 Sydenham Road, Marrickville
Petersham Bowling Club
Known for their range of craft beers (hello Young Henrys), live music and boisterous trivia nights. Naturally, a few rounds on the green is a mandatory element of your visit. Social bowls includes bowls hire and at least two hours of game time (FYI there are discounts for bookings of 30 or more).
77 Brighton Street, Petersham
The Longueville Sporting Club
Or informally coined ‘The Diddy’, this local venue is a popular haunt for families. Locals cherish long Sunday afternoons spent chatting over a handful of pints that comes complete with a bit of friendly competition on the greens. The dress code is as casual as they come, and barefoot bowls is encouraged any day of the week.
Cnr Kenneth Street & River Road, Longueville
Bondi Bowling Club
This 80-year old Bondi institution offers weekly live music alongside pub-menu classics. Still retaining that charming community feel you can either book a rink for two hours or simply walk in and play. Consider becoming a social member for serious discounts on food, drinks and naturally, bowls.
Barracluff Park, Warners Avenue, North Bondi
Clovelly Bowling Club
Blessed with sweeping coastal views, the Clovelly Bowling Club is perched high on cliffs overlooking some of the city’s most coveted beachside coastline. Soak in the stunning vistas with a group of friends, and if it's your first time on the green don't fret; the club will provide you with basic coaching and rules before you get started.
1 Ocean Street, Clovelly
Waverton Bowling Club
With unparalleled views over Sydney Harbour, this bowling club in North Sydney is constantly brimming with guests vying for prime bowling position. After gorging on an indulgent lunch at Berry’s Bay Brasserie within the club, you can work off the calories with a couple of hours on the green.
Woolcott Street, Waverton
