WORLD BOWLS INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIP
11th - 16th May 2026
Ocean Grove Bowling Club
Experience world-class sport on the stunning Bellarine when the 2026 World Bowls Indoor Championship comes to Ocean Grove Bowling Club this May. Co-sanctioned by World Bowls and the International Indoor Bowls Council, this prestigious six-day event will bring elite indoor bowlers from more than 32 nations to compete in one of the world’s most advanced undercover bowling venues.
Visitors can enjoy thrilling international competition alongside everything the Bellarine and Geelong region has to offer — from coastal walks and beaches to wineries, cafés and local attractions. With thousands of spectators expected and global livestream coverage, the Championship promises an electric atmosphere both on and off the green.
Proudly supported by the Victorian Government through Visit Victoria and Tourism Greater Geelong & the Bellarine, the event is set to deliver a vibrant mid-year tourism boost, making it the perfect time to plan a getaway, stay local, and witness international sport right here on the Bellarine.
Visitor & Spectator Information
We’re located at:
18 The Terrace, Ocean Grove Victoria 3226 with easy access from Geelong and surrounding areas.
This World Bowls event is free to attend. We do ask that you register your attendance through Eventbrite:
2026 World Bowls Indoor Championship
Registration is free and helps us plan and prepare for the number of visitors expected.
On the day of the event, visitors and spectators should enter via the main entrance on The Terrace side of the club. The Dome entrance is reserved for players, officials, and volunteers only.
You do not need to show your registered ticket on arrival. Registration is simply to help us manage numbers and ensure a smooth experience for everyone.
Geelong and the Bellarine have plenty of options for your stay, with over 6,000 hotel and serviced apartment rooms across the region. Including 1,500 right in the Geelong CBD, plus 1,319 Airbnbs if you prefer something more home-like.
The Official Accommodation Partner of World Bowls Indoor Championship, Quest Geelong Central, is located in the heart of Geelong and boasting an impressive 4.9-star rating, it’s the perfect spot to relax after a day of world-class bowls.
Quest Geelong Central - 26 min drive (23.7kms)
https://www.questapartments.com.au/properties/vic/geelong/quest-geelong-central
If you're looking to stay closer to our venue, Boat Ramp Motel and Barwon Coast offer great options, including:
Boat Ramp Motel - 1 min drive / 7 minute walk (750m)
https://www.boatrampmotel.com.au/
Riverview Family Caravan Park - 1 min drive / 7 min walk (700m)
https://barwoncoastcaravanparks.com.au/riverview/
Barwon Heads Caravan Park - 5 min drive / 45 min walk (3.1km)
https://barwoncoastcaravanparks.com.au/barwon-heads/
Whether you want city-centre convenience, coastal charm, or a self-contained apartment, Geelong and the Bellarine make the perfect base to enjoy the Championship and explore the region.
By Air
Melbourne Airport is served by regular domestic and international flights, just a 30-minute drive to Werribee and around 1 hour to Geelong. Avalon Airport also offers domestic flights and is only 17 minutes by car, taxi, shuttle, or hire vehicle from Geelong. Regular shuttle buses run between both airports and Geelong.
By Ferry
Cruise in via the Queenscliff–Sorrento Ferry, running on the hour, every day of the year. From Melbourne, the Port Phillip Ferry departs Docklands for a 90-minute journey to Portarlington on the Bellarine Peninsula.
Searoad Ferries: https://www.searoad.com.au/ferry/tickets
By Rail
Enjoy a relaxing train ride on V/Line services, connecting Melbourne and Geelong.
V/Line - https://www.vline.com.au/
By Road
Drive from Melbourne to Geelong in under an hour via the Princes Freeway for a straightforward road trip.
Taxi - https://www.13cabs.com.au/
Bus - https://mcharrys.com.au/
We offer 150 free on-site parking spaces for our visitors, making your arrival and departure as smooth and convenient as possible.
To make getting to and from the venue even easier, our Courtesy Shuttle Service will operate throughout the event, providing reliable transfers between key locations and the club. These parking and transport options are designed to make your visit more convenient, support efficient crowd management, and reduce the environmental impact of individual car travel.
There will be an Official Opening Ceremony held on 10th May. This will be a ticketed event, with more details to be announced soon.
To be notified when further information is released, please contact
We offer a range of food and beverage options on-site, including snacks, meals, and drinks. Outside food and beverages are not permitted, but you can stay hydrated at our water stations located on the greens to refill your bottles as needed.
There are plenty of areas to relax and dine between games, including our 300-seat Bistro, Sports Bar, and Members Lounge, all overlooking the greens—there’s something for everyone.
View our Menus:
OGBC Bistro
Yes, OGBC is fully accessible with ramps, accessible toilets, and seating areas.
Please contact us in advance if you have any queries.
Absolutely! We are a family-focused club, and people of all ages are welcome. We do ask that any children under the age of 18 are accompanied by a responsible adult or guardian at all times to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Photography for personal use is welcome, and there will be an official team of photographers capturing the event.
If you’re planning professional or commercial filming, prior approval from the venue is required.
For enquiries, please contact:
Bri - GM Marketing & Communications
There's a unique bit of magic happening in Geelong and the Bellarine – think seaside getaway with all the perks of a vibrant, evolving city.
Find out more:
https://www.visitgeelongbellarine.com.au/
https://www.visitmelbourne.com/regions/geelong-and-the-bellarine