Lawn Bowls in Melbourne's Inner East

Lawn Bowls: What to Look For

Across Richmond, Cremorne, Hawthorn and Kew, the club to book for a social roll is Richmond Union Bowling Club, tucked away on Gleadell Street behind the town hall. Bowlers have played here since 1868, but a work crew or a birthday group is just as much its business today as a pennant side.

Fourteen grass rinks are lit for night play, and between ends there are covered barbecue spaces, tables outside, a bar with full service and a bistro dishing up pub favourites.

Why inner-east groups end up at Richmond Union:

Up to 20 bowlers can lock in a two-hour slot through the website
Nobody needs to know the rules – a club host walks newcomers through them
Shoes off, or flat soles if you'd rather
Daylight saving brings an after-work 7pm start
From $15 per person, settled on arrival for the actual headcount

Anything bigger, or any booking that includes food, starts with the club's function enquiry rather than the online system.

Rinks can be taken on their own, each holding a maximum of ten bowlers
The indoor room alone seats 150 – or pair it with rinks for a game then presentations
Speeches are covered by cordless mics and a projector
Christmas planners note: the room isn't available through November and December, so year-end groups stay on the green

Platters, barbecues and the club kitchen

All catering is handled in-house, with no outside caterers
Platters cover antipasto, fruit, sweets or finger food
BBQ packages come in standard and premium, timed before or after the game
Menus and numbers are fixed a week out

Lawn Bowls FAQs

How long do we get on the green at Richmond Union?

A barefoot session runs for two hours, and groups of up to 20 can reserve one online, with hosts teaching the game.

Is Richmond Union a good option for an end-of-year work party?

The rinks and catering can be booked, but the indoor function room is unavailable in November and December, so plan for an outdoor event.

Can we arrange outside catering in Richmond?

No – food is supplied only by the club, from platters to BBQ packages.

Do we need bowls shoes?

No. Play barefoot or wear any flat-soled shoes.

Lawn Bowls in Inner East

Weigh Up Your Lawn Bowls Options in Inner East