Lawn Bowls Hunter Valley

Barefoot bowls in the Hunter Valley is played at the local bowling clubs, which puts a green, a bar and a kitchen in the one spot, plus a room for the celebration once the last end is bowled. It is an easygoing pick for a birthday or social group, since nobody needs experience and nobody needs to dress up.

In Cessnock, Hunter Valley Sports & Social (East Cessnock Bowling Club) – the club formerly known as East Cessnock Bowling Club – runs barefoot bowls for birthdays and social groups on synthetic greens, one of them under a solid shade roof. Bridges Hill Bistro and the club bars are on site, group catering packages are available, and the auditorium seats 350 at tables or 650 theatre style if the party grows.

East Maitland Bowling Club on Banks Street makes barefoot bowls free on the social green at The Social, its outdoor bar and dining area. There are two couch grass greens plus a covered synthetic green, beginners can book coaching by appointment, and three places to eat sit within the club. Upstairs, the Scarborough Function Centre seats up to 160.

Things to ask the club when you book:

• Shade: both clubs have a covered green, useful in summer sun or a passing shower.
• Food: group catering packages in Cessnock; a choice of three places to eat in East Maitland.
• First-timers: coaching by appointment at East Maitland Bowling Club.
• Afterwards: a function room for 160 in East Maitland, or an auditorium for hundreds in Cessnock.

Bowls suits a relaxed birthday party or an end-of-year Christmas party where every age group gets a turn on the green.