Clubs to visit this summer – South East NSW & ACT
There’s nothing quite like the Australian summer.
Girt by sea, this time of year sees many Australians flock to the endless coastline we have on offer, but what we also possess in spades are countless picturesque and welcoming bowls venues.
With the weather warmer, days longer and drinks crisper, we’ve hand-picked (with the help of our Regional Bowls Managers) clubs across Australia that you should visit this summer.
Kicking us off is the South East NSW & ACT region.
Wollongong/Illawarra
Pronounced Ta-rod-gi, the seaside club is situated on the north side of Wollongong and can boast some of the best views in the Illawarra. Head down to the club on Thursday night from 4:30pm for a social game with cash prizes to be won each week. Fancy a bite to eat, treat yourself to a meal at the Three Chefs eatery and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere the club has to offer.
Shoalhaven
Summertime keeps us close to the endless coastlines Australia has to offer and there aren’t many clubs closer to the beach than Gerringong Bowling Club. Approximately two hours south of Sydney, Gerringong is situated in a quiet pocket nearing the beach and boasts a recently refurbished clubhouse, a great bistro and two grass greens perfect for your summer roll. For those eager for a little competition, you can compete in some mixed action on Friday afternoons, with registrations in by midday for a 1pm start.
South Coast
The home of the prestigious Australian Championships over the past three years, the Merimbula-based venue is one of the more impressive clubs in Australia. With two outstanding undercover greens and a clubhouse with every possible hospitality offering, you could ask for, be sure to drop in for a roll at this world-class venue when you find yourself on the Sapphire Coast.
While Club Sapphire is rightly praised for its magnificent facility, just five kilometres up the road is one of the most scenic clubs on the south coast in the Tura Beach Country Club. The club is situated above the outstanding 18 hole championship golf course, with views over the Pacific ocean and sparkling Sapphire Coast from its greens and clubhouse. The club hosts Ladies competition every Tuesday morning from 9:30am, with Men’s play to follow on Wednesday’s from 12:30pm.
Inland
Crookwell RSL Bowling Club
If you’re looking for a peaceful spot to escape this summer, there aren’t many as good as Crookwell, a 30-minute drive from Goulburn in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales. Crookwell RSL Bowling Club boasts two grass greens, bar, café and bistro. Be sure you get in early for Friday’s popular social night!
Jindabyne Bowling & Sports Club
Located in the Snowy Mountains on the shores of Lake Jindabyne, the club is perfect for those looking to explore the great outdoors this summer and do some hiking, fishing or boating. Sunday afternoon is perfect to bring your bowls along and join in with the members. Have a drink, a roll and stick around for a meal in the club bistro.
ACT
Situated just north of the Civic Centre (Canberra CBD) and close-by to Australian National University, the club has undergone a total transformation over the past three or years, averaging around 12,000 barefoot bowlers a year. A hit among the locals is the ‘T-RUC’, a food/coffee truck that allows workers passing through the area to order coffee, food and the like via an app on their phones, or pull up their car on the way to work. One not to miss when visiting the nation’s capital.
Contributions by Nick Hind – Regional Bowls Manager (South East NSW & ACT)
