Lawn Bowls in Melbourne's Inner North

Lawn Bowls: What to Look For

For a bowls afternoon north of the river, Thornbury Bowls Club on Ballantyne Street is a not-for-profit club that has been rolling since 1907 and opens its greens and clubhouse to the public. It suits a casual group of mates as well as a full-blown party with a band. Why groups head to Thornbury:

Two floodlit greens – a synthetic upper green used all year and a lower green of Tifdwarf Bermuda grass
Group rink bookings of two or three hours, from $165 per group, bowls supplied
Whole-green hire for bigger parties, with its own set of rinks and tables
Several BBQs for hire with basic utensils
A member can be arranged to walk beginners through the basics

Unlike a pub with a beer garden, the club pairs real greens with a retro clubhouse bar pouring locally brewed craft beer and a signature cocktail list, so the whole outing happens in one place.

The vintage-style function room has a catering kitchen, a stocked bar and a large deck under a retractable roof
Plug a Spotify playlist into the house sound system and use the speech microphone at no charge
Book the full PA with an audio engineer if a band or DJ is part of the plan
The clubhouse is hired for birthdays, weddings, work functions, gigs and fundraisers

Etiquette on the green

Play barefoot or in flat runners – shoes stay off the greens
Keep food and drinks off the playing surface
Walk-ins can roll on a spare rink for a per-person fee
Kitchen hire is for certified caterers only, and the club can share menus from caterers it uses

Lawn Bowls FAQs

Where can we play barefoot bowls in the inner north?

Thornbury Bowls Club at 27 Ballantyne Street, Thornbury, where a group can take a rink for a couple of hours (or three) from $165 per group.

Can we bowl after dark?

Yes – both of Thornbury's greens, the synthetic upper green and the grass lower green, have floodlights.

How long can a function at the club run?

Clubhouse bookings run for up to seven hours and need a deposit. The club stays open to its members during your event.

Who handles catering at the Thornbury club?

BBQs can be hired for the group, but the clubhouse kitchen is limited to certified caterers. The club can pass on menus from caterers it works with regularly.

Lawn Bowls in Inner North

Weigh Up Your Lawn Bowls Options in Inner North