Lawn Bowls

Lawn bowls is a fun and relaxing game that is played in a welcoming, easy-going environment.

You can learn to play lawn bowls at a club through an organised event, or have a go with some friends. It is perfect for all ages and abilities, and can be a fun way to get moving while meeting new people.

On this page we cover:

  • How This Girl Can – Victoria Ambassador Courtney surprised herself with how much she enjoyed lawn bowls after giving it a try
  • How to play lawn bowls
  • Getting started with social bowls for women
  • ‘Bowling with Babies’: a lawn bowls program on offer around Victoria tailored for new or expecting mums
  • Finding a lawn bowls club near you
  • Can’t get out right now? At-home tips

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How Courtney got hooked on lawn bowls after initially being too embarrassed to play

At 17, Courtney was diagnosed with epilepsy and told that was the end of contact sport. It felt like a life sentence for the sporty teenager. One day, Courtney reluctantly agreed to play lawn bowls. At first she was embarrassed by the idea of playing with ‘oldies’, but soon got hooked and now you can’t pull her away from it!

How to play lawn bowls?

Lawn bowls is a social game that’s easy to learn, but there’s lots more to master if you want to get into it a bit more. It’s also a game you can enjoy at any age and can be played indoors or outdoors.

It begins by one player throwing a ‘kitty’, a small black ball, down a field towards the opposite end. This is then aligned to the middle of the ‘lane’, the spot you’re playing in, when it comes to rest.

Players then take it in turns to roll their ball down the lane to get as close to the kitty as possible. What makes this interesting is how the bowls curve as they’re thrown. Sometimes it can be a task to stay out of the ditch at the end!

Getting started with social lawn bowls

The best way to get into lawn bowls for beginners is with a local club. Each one is different, but most offer a range of ways to learn how to play lawn bowls. Many clubs host lawn bowling activities for women, as well as local competitions for those who want to enjoy a regular game with a team. Find a lawn bowls club near you or visit Bowls Victoria to learn more about playing. You might even learn a bit of lawn bowls slang while you’re at it!

Alternatively, if you just want to play casually with your friends, just ring up your local club and book a ‘lane’.

‘Bowling with Babies’: a program on offer around Victoria for new or expecting mums

Lawn bowls for women and girls is a highly accessible game at every age and life stage. It’s inclusive, easy to learn the rules and the right techniques, and it feels good to get out there and move your body.

 Bowling with Babies is Bowls Victoria’s program for new and expecting mums of all skill levels. What’s better than a coffee, a chat and a social roll in the sun at the local bowls club?

How to get the ball rolling at find a local lawn bowls club

  • Visit the websites mentioned on this page: Bowls Victoria or Bowling with Babies.
  • Google it! Search to see what lawn bowls options there are near you.
  • Find a Supporter in your neighbourhood: see if a lawn bowls club near you has registered online to support This Girl Can – Victoria.
  • Ask other women – chat to your friends, family or colleagues about doing an activity together, or post a question to our Facebook page where there’s a super supportive community of women who can help you out.

Can’t get out right now?

Whether the weather isn’t right for bowls or you can’t make it out right now, there are plenty of other activities to keep you moving and active.

You can do some exercises indoors, or even a yoga class at a studio or in your home. There’s also some other sports you can try below.

Learn more about This Girl Can – Victoria and how it’s helping women feel good by getting activity in a way that suits them.

Lawn bowling for women and girls is a fantastic way to get active. If you’d like to try another similar sport, here are some suggestions you can give a go.