Williamstown Bowling Club

How we roll’
here at the club

With bright sunny aspects, the club is appealing to all age groups, whether you are looking for a casual drink, a game of social or competition bowls. The club is often hired out for private functions or Barefoot Bowls which is perfect for corporate or social events.

bob the bowler (528 x 473 px)

Our History

williamstown bowling club history

The picturesque Williamstown Bowling Club was the eleventh bowling club established in Victoria. It was founded on 9th June 1880 at the Williamstown Mechanics Institute. A three-rink green constructed adjacent to the Mechanics Institute in Electra Street was opened on 13th November 1880, and a pavilion was built adjoining the Mechanics Institute in 1883.

In 1888 the Club moved to the current site in the Dennis Reserve (then the Lyons Street Reserve) where an eight-rink green was opened on 6th October 1888. The pavilion was relocated from Electra Street and placed on the north side of what is now the no. 1 green. In 1889 the Club adopted its first constitution declaring the club colours to be royal blue and yellow which still remain as club colours.

A new pavilion opened on the site of the current clubhouse in August 1913. It was demolished in 1991 and the present clubhouse build on the same footprint.

Land had been sought for a second green from 1934 and this was finally granted in 1964 when a seven-rink green was constructed.

The Club, a male-only club from the outset, admitted its first female member in 2000 and in 2009 merged with the Williamstown Ladies Bowling Club. The Williamstown Ladies Bowling Club was formed in 1921 and played on the Williamstown Bowling Club green until their own green was constructed in 1934 in Dennis Reserve to the north of the men’s club. The ladies’ club site was returned to the council in 2012.

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