Gold Coast, Queensland to remain home of bowls’ Australian Open
Queensland will continue to host the world’s largest and richest bowls event, with the Gold Coast securing Bowls Australia’s Australian Open for a further four years.
Minister for Tourism and Sport Michael Healy said with this year’s Australian Open currently taking place until 21 June, the Queensland Government, via Tourism and Events Queensland and Experience Gold Coast, had secured the event to remain on the Gold Coast from 2025 – 2028.
“The Australian Open is the largest open bowls event in the world, attracting thousands of competitors and spectators from across the globe, with a record number of players currently on the Gold Coast for this year’s instalment,” Mr Healy said.
“It is terrific to see all 14 bowls clubs across the city are playing host, with more than 3,500 entrants from around the world competing.
“This event will shine a spotlight on the Gold Coast for two weeks of competition against a stunning coastal backdrop.
“I’m pleased to announce we’ve secured this prestigious event from 2025 through to 2028, which is expected to pump $69 million into the local visitor economy, and that’s great news for the region’s tourism operators and accommodation and hospitality providers.”
Bowls Australia CEO Matthew Kennedy said the Gold Coast was a heartland for the sport and the proud home of the Australian Open since 2015.
“The Australian Open caters to nationals and internationals of all ages and abilities through the 14 disciplines contested, consisting of junior, open, senior, able and para disciplines, and is the sport’s most lucrative event, having distributed more than $2.2 million in prize money during the nine years it’s been staged the Gold Coast,” Mr Kennedy said.
“We are delighted to see the Gold Coast remain the home for the event for a further four years, showcasing the wonderful destination, which is a heartland for the sport, and the hospitality of the magnificent host clubs.
“On behalf of Bowls Australia and the thousands of bowlers who experience the Australian Open each year, I wish to convey our thanks to the event’s Principal Partners, Tourism and Events Queensland and Experience Gold Coast, for their ongoing support of this beloved competition.”
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said securing bowls’ Australian Open for a further four years was testament to the Gold Coast’s resounding appeal as a location to hold major sporting events.
“Bowls is hugely popular in this city and it’s events like the Australian Open that contribute to our recognition as both a vibrant events capital and a major sporting destination,” Mayor Tom Tate said.
“Each year this premier event grows in stature and participation, and we are delighted to win the rights to host this world-class competition for many years to come.”
Experience Gold Coast Executive Director of Events Avril Harris said the Australian Open had found a home on the Gold Coast bringing with it a significant annual economic boost for our city.
“We are proud to extend our long partnership with Bowls Australia to keep the world’s largest and richest bowls festival right here on the Gold Coast,” Ms Harris said.
“This fantastic event attracts thousands of participants and their supporters from right across the globe who come here not just to compete but to enjoy two weeks in our incredible destination. The economic flow on effects of that for our local businesses are tremendous, providing tens of millions in economic impact over the coming years, with more than 68,000 visitor nights annually.”
The 2024 Australian Open is currently taking place on the Gold Coast, from June 8-21 with over $282,000 in prize money set to be distributed.
