The Club
The Melbourne Bowling Club, the oldest in Australia, encourages all visitors to come & enjoy a game or two of lawn bowls. As an incorporated member’s club, the Melbourne Bowling Club is a place for members & guests. The Club was founded in 1864 and since then has been a place where members have come to bowl & socialise. We ask that all visitors & guests abide by rules of the Club and act in a way that is mindful of the Club’s environment, and respectful to members and other guests.
But you don’t have to bowl to enjoy our facilities, you can hire the Clubroom (for large groups up to 300) or the Jack High room (for small groups up to 50) for any variety of events including; birthdays, engagement parties, weddings, reunions, awards nights, product launches, corporate training or workshops, team building plus fund-raising (trivia or games night) to name just a few.
Our Licence Rules and Regulations
As an incorporated club, and to comply with our liquor license, all visitors to the Club are required to sign in. If you come to the Club to bowl, or to attend a function, you will be required to sign-in. We will provide a sign-in sheet for your event, or alternatively you can provide a list of attendees. We use a system of wristbands in order to ensure guests have complied with these requirements.
For each event at the club we require someone (usually the host or organiser) to sign up as an Access Member.
An access member becomes a member of the club for the duration of the event, and is the contact point for any issues during or after the event.
The Club is a fully licensed venue, therefore NO BYO food or beverage.
The Melbourne Bowling Club practices and enforces the Responsible Service of Alcohol, and as such does not serve shots or doubles.
The Melbourne Bowling club has a zero tolerance policy regarding drug use, and as such, anyone suspected of using drugs at the club will be removed, no refunds will be given in that situation.
The bar is usually open during events, unless advised otherwise. Drinks can be purchased by guests on consumption, alternatively you can run a bar tab. Bar tabs can be set by dollar amount or drink type (e.g. tap beer, house wine & soft drinks, or all beer, house wine, RTDs & soft drinks, or any combination). For bowling events, we also offer drinks packages for 3 or 4 hours duration.
We divide the year into two seasons, with some costs changing depending on the season. Bowls Season is from September to April, and Low Season is between May and August.
Bowling Events
- Bowling sessions are allocated in two hourly intervals, longer by arrangement
- We provide all the equipment (bowls, mats and jacks)
- A Bowls Host is on-hand to explain how to play, how to bowl and assist you during your session
- We can arrange catering to enjoy during your event
Costs
Bowls Season– $20 per person ($200 per rink)
Low Season– $10 per person ($100 per rink)
Please note that we do not accept individual payments for group over 10, the host will be responsible for the groups payment.
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Room Hire Only Events
The Clubroom
- The Clubroom can comfortably accommodate up to 150 guests for a seated meal, or up to 300 guests for a cocktail/stand-up function
- The Clubroom can be configured in various ways, including lecture style. It can also be divided into two smaller areas if necessary
- Tables in the Clubroom are round and seat 8 people
- The Clubroom includes a dance floor and small stage
- AV equipment (only in the Clubroom) includes; cordless microphone, DVD player, iPod connection, large screen and projector with a connection for PC.
The Jack High room
- The Jack High room seats up to 28 guests, depending on configuration, or can accommodate up to 50 standing
- The Jack High room has small rectangular tables, which are easily configurable, in to horse shoe, lecture or boardroom configurations
- The Jack High room has access to a sheltered courtyard
Event duration- half day is 4 hours, full day is 8 and evening booking are 5/6 hours
Bar Service
The clubs well stocked bar has a wide variety of tap and bottled beers/cider and quality wines by the glass and bottle.
You can run a tab during your event as well as a cash bar depending on your needs
Drink Packages
- Drinks Packages are available for corporate groups of 40 or more people
- Drinks packages are only available to groups who bowl
- All drinks package are served by the glass
- Drinks packages are only valid if they apply to the entire group
Tap beer/cider, house wine and soft drink $50.00 per person
Premium- 3 hours
All beer (tap/bottle), All Cider (tap/bottle), all wine, All RTDs and soft drinks $80 per person
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BBQ Packages
The Classic – package 1
Menu: – Served Buffet Style
Traditional Beef Sausages
200g Beef Burgers
Caramelized Onions
Garden Salad Including Lettuce, Tomato, Cucumber & Red Onion
Traditional Coleslaw
Selection of Bread Rolls & Butter
Chefs’ Selection of Condiments & Dressings
Vegetarian Burgers Available on Request
$18.50 per person + Chef surcharge of $100 for groups less than 50
Final numbers to be confirmed 3-business days prior to event
The Mixed Grill – package 2
Menu: – Served Buffet Style
Lamb Cutlets
Marinated Chicken Tenderloins
Pork Bratwurst Sausage
100g Beef Burgers
Potato Salad of Bacon, Spring Onion & Mayonnaise
Garden Salad Including Lettuce, Tomato, Cucumber & Red Onion
Traditional Coleslaw
Selection of Bread Rolls & Butter
Chefs’ Selection of Condiments & Dressings
Vegetarian Burgers Available on Request
$29.50 per person + Chef surcharge of $100 for groups under 35
Final numbers to be confirmed 3-business days prior to event
The Beefeater – package 3
Menu: – Served Buffet Style
250g Grain Feb Sirloin Cooked to Medium
Traditional Beef Sausages
Pasta Salad with Roasted Vegetables and Pesto<
Garden Salad Including Lettuce, Tomato, Cucumber & Red Onion
Selection of Bread Rolls & Butter
Chefs’ Selection of Condiments & Dressing
Vegetarian or Pescetarian Available on Request
Fresh Fruit Platter
$33.50 per person + Chef surcharge of $100 for groups less than 30
Final numbers to be confirmed 3-business days prior to event
Fruits of the Sea – package 4
Menu: – Served Buffet Style
150g Tasmanian Salmon Fillet
Marinated Tiger Prawns Skewer
Lemon Pepper Crusted Calamari
½ Shell Mussels with Tomato Salsa
Pasta Salad with Roasted Vegetables & Pesto
Garden Salad Including: Lettuce, Tomato, Cucumber & Red Onion
Selection of Bread Rolls & Butter
Chefs’ Selection of Condiments & Dressings
Vegetarian Available on Request
Individual Pavlova with Fresh Strawberries &
Passion fruit
$45.50 per person + Chef surcharge of $100 for groups less than 30
Final numbers to be confirmed 3-business days prior to event
Additional BBQ Items
Add a:
Steak
250g Grain Fed Sirloin Steak
$16.50 per head
BBQ Salmon
150g Tasmanian Salmon Fillet
$12 per head
BBQ Lemon Pepper Calamari
Butterfly Squid Tube
$9 per head
BBQ Chilli Tiger Prawn Skewers
4 Medium Sized Prawns per Skewer
$6 per head
BBQ Chicken Satay Skewers
Marinated Chicken Tenderloins
$4 per head
Kids BBQ Serve
100g Beef Burger
Lamb Sausage
Bread & Condiments
$9 per head
NB: Kids 12 years & under only
All Items are strictly additions to standard packages
Additional Salads & Sweet Items
Select a Salad:
Potato Salad with Bacon, Seeded Mustard, Spring Onions & Mayonnaise
$4.50 per head
Pasta Salad with Roasted Vegetables, Semi Dried Tomatoes & Pesto
$4.50 per head
Traditional Coleslaw
$4.50 per head
Caesar Salad of Cos Lettuce, Bacon, Egg & Croutons with Traditional Caesar Dressing
$4.50 per head
Salad of 5 Beans, Sweet Corn & Diced Bell Peppers
$4.50 per head
Something Sweet:
Individual Pavlova with Strawberries, Fresh Cream & Passion fruit
$7 per head
Traditional Apple Pie with Cream Chantilly
$7 per head
Freshly Sliced Seasonal Fruit
$5 per head
Selection of Petit Cakes & Slices
$6 per head
All Items are strictly additions to standard packages
Finger Food
Package 1
Menu:
Chicken Kiev Balls
Party Pies with Tomato Sauce
Party Sausage Rolls Tomato Sauce
Mini Dim Sims with Soy
Mini Vegetarian Spring Rolls with Sweet Chilli
$10 per head + Chef surcharge of $100 for groups less than 60
Wait staff charged at $25 per hour*
Package 2
Menu:
Beef and Cheese Burger Slider
Classic Shepherds Pie with Tomato Chutney
Chicken Satay Skewer with Thai Peanut Sauce
Prawn Wonton with Sweet Chili Sauce
Mini Falafel Balls with Cucumber Yoghurt
Vegetable Samosas
$17 per head + Chef surcharge of $100 for groups less than 40
Wait staff charged at $25 per hour*
Package 3
Menu:
Assortment of Sushi Roll Bites with Wasabi & Soy
Panko Prawns with Mayonnaise
Mini Falafel Balls with Cucumber Yoghurt
Roast Pumpkin & Parmesan Arancini with Pesto
Lamb and Rosemary Pies with Tomato Chutney
Beef and Cheese Slider Burger
Traditional Meatballs Tomato Sugo and Pasta
served in Noodle boxes
$25.50 per head + Chef @ $100 for groups under 40 pax
Wait staff charged at $25 per hour*
Finger Food Additions
Beer Battered Whiting with Chips & Tartare served in Noodle boxes
$7 per head
Butter Chicken with Raita & Rice served in Noodle Boxes
$7 per head
Pulled Pork Slider with Asian Slaw
$4 per head
Chicken Satay Skewers with Thai Peanut Sauce
$4 per head
Selection of Mini Pizzas
$2 per head
Selection of Petit Fours and Petit Tarts
$7 per head
*Wait staff are only needed if you wish to have the food circulated amongst guests, otherwise bar staff will deliver the finger food on platters, to your rink.
Xmas Luncheon Buffet
Served Buffet Style in the Club House
Menu:
Roasted Breast of Turkey
Twice Smoked Ham off The Bone
Rare Roasted Beef
Gold Coast Tiger Prawns
Coffin Bay Oysters
Chef’s Selection of 3 Salads
Selection of Bread, Rolls & Butter
Chefs’ Selection of Condiments & Dressings
Fresh Fruit
Passion fruit Pavlova
Traditional Plum Pudding with Custard
Vegetarian Available on Request
$44.50 per person + Chef Charge of $100 for groups less than 30 Chef provided for groups of 30 or more
Cook Your Own BBQ Packs
#1 Sausage Sizzle
Beef Sausages
Grilled Onions
Coleslaw
Condiments
Bread & Butter
$11 per head free BBQ hire for groups over 30
#2 Build Your Own Burger
200g Beef Burger
Grilled Onions
Bacon
Burger Cheese
Pickles
Lettuce
Tomato
Brioche Burger Bun
Condiments
$12.50 per head free BBQ hire for groups over 30
#3 Meat Selection
100g Sirloin Steak
Lamb Bratwurst Sausage
Marinated Chicken Skewer
Grilled Onions
Coleslaw
Potato Salad
Bread Rolls & Butter
Condiments
$19.50 per head free BBQ hire for groups of 20 or more
Vegetarian options available on request
BBQ Hire is $40.00
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FAQ’s
How much time does it all take? It depends. From our experience we recommend the following:
- Bowling only – about 3 hours (arrive 30 mins before your session, bowl for 2 hours, last drinks & boasting, then move on)
- Bowling & Catering (small groups) about 3.5-4 hours (same as above with an hour to eat, if dining in the clubhouse) small groups may also have their catering served outside
- Bowling & Catering (large groups) about 4.5 hours (same as above with an hour to eat plus extra time to organise everyone)
Is there parking available on site?
On-site parking is limited, so we suggest using public transport to get to & from the Club. Close public transport options include:
- Windsor Train Station or
- Trams 5, 6, 64, 78 & 79
- Taxis are easily hailed on Chapel St, only a short distance from the Club
Can I bring my own food to BBQ?
No, our licence and food and safety policies preclude self catering; with the exception of a Birthday cake. We can provide BBQ and other catering packs to suit a variety of needs.
We have never bowled before do we get instruction?
Yes, a bowls host gets you started and is around to help if needed.
What do I need to bring?
We supply all you need for bowling, you just need to bring your mates or work colleagues.
Do I have to bowl barefoot?
Mostly yes. Our bowling greens are living things and most shoes you wear elsewhere can damage the green. If you can’t bear the thought of going barefoot, you can wear socks.
What if it rains?
You may get wet, but you may still be able to bowl. If you can’t bowl and come to the club you will be charged $5.00 per person. Any difference between that and your deposit can be transferred to a bar tab, or refunded. We have various activities to keep you occupied if required including darts, pool and table tennis.
What happens if I need to cancel?
If you cancel more than 14 days prior to your event, your deposit can be refunded or transferred to another date. If you cancel within 14 days your deposit will not be refunded, but can be transferred to another date.
How many people can I fit on a rink?
Ideally, it is an even number of people up to 8, so you can have 2 teams of 4. To accommodate large groups our rinks can hold up to 10 people but no more.
Children are always welcome at the Melbourne Bowling Club, but please be aware that the greens are not playgrounds or parks, and children must be supervised at all times. If they want to get in on the fun we also have some sets of smaller bowls for smaller hands.
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Costs & Payments
- To secure your event a deposit is required, until the deposit is received the date/time may go to other interested parties.
- For events with catering, final numbers and payment must be made no later than 3 days before your event.
- Your deposit in non-refundable, but is transferable if you cancel less than 14 days prior to your event
- All outstanding amounts are to be paid on the day, at the conclusion of your event
Booking Terms and Conditions
- All guests/visitors to the club are required to sign in, in order to meet our liquor license. You can provide a list of guests or we will provide sign-in sheets.
- All guests/visitors will be issued with wristbands to show they have signed in.
- Any damage incurred is the financial responsibility of the host.
- Melbourne Bowling Club has a zero tolerance policy for drug use. If anyone is suspected of drug use on the property they will be asked to leave. No refund will be given in this case.
- Management reserves the right to end any function if proper behaviour is not observed, including the removal of any guests. The bar may also shut earlier than advised if guests exhibit anti-social behaviour.
- For events with food provided by our in-house caterer, full payment & final numbers plus any special dietary needs are required 5 days prior to your event.
- A chef surcharge of $100 is added to smaller groups, you do not get a private chef for your event.
- The Melbourne Bowling Club practices & enforces the Responsible Service of Alcohol. As part of this we do not sell “shots” or “doubles”.
- Car parking at the Club is very limited and at times restricted to members only on Thursday nights and Saturdays.
- The Club provides all the equipment required to bowl, as well as instruction at the start and assistance as required during your 2 hour bowling session.
- Bowls in best played in teams of 4. We suggest you organise your groups this way to maximise your time and enjoyment while bowling.
- If required, the Club can assist in organising round robin or knock competitions. Please advise prior to your event.
- If your event does not include bowling (room hire only) or includes use of a room, any decoration or music is to be arranged by the host. Blutac only is to be used on the walls and strictly no glitter or confetti.
- The Club has basic audio visual equipment. Please arrange a site visit prior to your event to ensure equipment is compatible with your requirements.
- Payment of any outstanding monies is due at the conclusion of your event. We accept cash or credit card (AMEX, Master card & Visa).