Five Barefoot Bowls in and around Sydney worth the drive

Forget about complicated sports equipment, you don’t even need shoes now that barefoot bowling is a thing. Groups small and large can spend a few hours rolling down some balls, enjoying a drink then grabbing a feed at the bar or bistro. So, for a fun day out these urban and regional bowlos are the biz.

This bowlo has done more than most to bury the formerly staid image of lawn bowls clubs. Rock n Bowl (aka Manly bowlo) fairly heaves on weekends with groups of 16 competing against each other, bucks and hens parties whooping it up and a general party atmosphere. On a serious note, all equipment and a tutor are provided, the food is varied, generous and reasonably priced and the bar is understandably busy. Yes, you can drive over but it’s a short walk from the Manly Pier so also consider the ferry.

So you have your toes in the grass, the view of the Pacific Ocean near Bondi and Bronte beaches is sweeping and you’re about to whip your mates at a bowls tournament. What’s not to like about the Clovelly Bowls Club? Yep, nothing. Barefoot bowling is a big thing here and $25 gets you three hours so fire up one of the free barbecues, grab a drink from the bar and bowl your hearts out.

Further south in the Sutherland Shire is the Taren Point bowlo that, dare we say, offers the complete package. Non-members are more than welcome for barefoot bowling at just $15 or spend $20 and the barbecue is included. But don’t forget the extensive and well-priced bistro menu which can really extend a great day into plenty of fun with friends and/or family.

It’s about a three hour drive from Sydney down to the far South Coast so if you’re down that way, drop into the Tathra Beach bowlo. This is a big club with a wonderful deck for spectating and relaxing just a stone’s throw from the sea. Competition bowls generally happens on the synthetic turf, but barefoot bowlers get real grass and sessions start from $10. There’s usually live music on Friday nights, the Sandbar Bistro is a top feed and the bar is always pumping.

Okay, you’re closer to Queensland than Sydney (and just north of Byron Bay) but Ocean Shores has to be seen to be believed. It’s a big hilltop club near the sea with golf as well as bowls, and the bistro’s large and shady terrace is a dining experience in itself. Casual bowlers are welcome with special events including night bowls on Tuesdays, and brekky bowls (with coffee and an egg-n-bacon roll!) on the third Sunday of every month.

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