Lawn Bowls in Manly

Lawn Bowls: What to Look For

Step off the ferry at Manly Wharf, walk about five minutes, and you are on the green at Manly Bowling Club, 59 Raglan Street. Rock 'n Bowl Manly runs barefoot bowls sessions there for adult groups: birthdays, work socials, farewells and weekend catch-ups, with the Corso and the ocean beach close by either side of the game.

Every session runs for an hour and 45 minutes, and all the bowls gear is supplied. Shoes are optional on the green, though any footwear has to be completely flat.

Before heading to Raglan Street:

Ferry: services run between Circular Quay and Manly Wharf, and the club is a short walk from the wharf.
Driving: a council car park sits right beside the club.
Small groups: up to 15 players get a run-through from a games officer, then play at their own pace.
Photo ID: adults need it to sign in at the club.
Rain: sessions go ahead in most weather, and ponchos are supplied.

Rock 'n Bowl describes its green as child-free, so this is one for grown-up groups; children under 12 and anyone not bowling can wait in the club's other areas. Food and drinks are extra and come from the club itself, since BYO is not permitted.

Book 16 or more people at least a week ahead and the session becomes a Round Robin tournament.
Your own games officer splits the group into teams, keeps score and runs a finals round.
The winning team takes home the Ashes trophy, and one unlucky team leaves with the Horse's Arse.
That format suits a work social or a big farewell where half the group has never bowled.

Eating and drinking at the club

Share platters, such as sliders, wings and arancini, are ordered from the club.
Platters must be ordered and prepaid at least 14 days out.
BYO is not permitted, so drinks are bought over the club's bar.
The Corso and the beach are a few minutes' walk away if the group wants to kick on.

Lawn Bowls FAQs

How far is the bowling green from Manly Wharf?

Rock 'n Bowl Manly plays at Manly Bowling Club, 59 Raglan Street, about five minutes on foot from the wharf. Ferries connect Manly Wharf with Circular Quay, so a group from the city can leave the car at home.

Can kids come to barefoot bowls in Manly?

The green is described as child-free, so sessions are for adults. Children under 12 can wait with non-bowling guests in the club's other areas.

How long does a Rock 'n Bowl session last?

Each session runs for an hour and 45 minutes. Groups of 16 or more booked at least a week ahead play it as a hosted Round Robin with a finals round.

What if it rains on the day?

Sessions go ahead in most weather, and ponchos are provided. Pack flat shoes or plan to go barefoot, since only completely flat footwear is allowed on the green.

Weigh Up Your Lawn Bowls Options in Manly