Ocean Grove Bowling Club has been confirmed as host venue for the Bowls Premier League (BPL),
with Australia’s premier bowls competition to be staged from 9–13 November 2026.
Expected to attract 6,000+ attendances across five days of competition, the event will bring the
world’s best athletes, officials, partners, broadcasters, and spectators to the Bellarine Peninsula,
delivering significant economic benefit to local hospitality, retailers and tourism operators
throughout the Greater Geelong region.
The Bowls Premier League is Bowls Australia’s flagship domestic competition, featuring Australia’s
leading players and international stars in a fast-paced, televised team format. The event will also hold
special significance for Ocean Grove Bowling Club as the home of the reigning BPL champions, the
Geelong Jets.
Following a very strong, and over-subscribed, batch of expressions of interest for the hosting of the
next four BPLs, Bowls Australia CEO Matthew Kennedy said Ocean Grove was an outstanding choice
to host the next BPL24 edition of the sport's showcase domestic event.
"The Bowls Premier League is one of the sport's flagship events and among the most exciting
competitions on the global bowls calendar, so it's important to partner with a club that can deliver
an exceptional experience for players, spectators and broadcast audiences alike," Kennedy said.
"Ocean Grove Bowling Club has established itself as one of Australia's leading bowls venues through
its facilities, passionate volunteers and recent success proving their ability to deliver major events to
the highest standard."
Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine Executive Director Tracy Carter said the event
highlighted the region's growing reputation as a destination capable of hosting major sporting
events that deliver lasting tourism and economic benefits.
“Securing the Bowls Premier League is a great outcome for Ocean Grove, The Bellarine and the
wider region. The event will drive visitation, support local businesses and showcase our destination
through national exposure.”
Ocean Grove Bowling Club CEO Nathan O’Neill said securing the BPL was another major milestone
for the region.
"The event will reinforce Ocean Grove Bowling Club's vision to become Australia's leading
destination for bowls. More importantly, it creates another opportunity to generate economic
activity, showcase our region and deliver lasting benefits for our members and community."
"We're incredibly proud to bring the Bowls Premier League to Ocean Grove. It's an opportunity to
showcase our wonderful region.”
As Geelong Jets Coach and OGBC's General Manager of Partnerships and Programs, Matt Flapper
said hosting the Bowls Premier League in Ocean Grove is a proud moment for the franchise and the
wider Geelong region.
"There's something special about representing your region at home. The Geelong Jets were created
to unite and represent the broader Geelong bowls community, and to now host the Bowls Premier
League at Ocean Grove is a proud moment for everyone involved. We can't wait to be in front of our
home crowd, showcase our region on the national stage and give local supporters the chance to
experience Australia's premier bowls competition right here on the Bellarine."
The event is supported by the Victorian Government, and the City of Greater Geelong, recognising
the role major sporting events play in driving regional visitation, community pride and economic
growth.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos
“Securing the Bowls Premier League in Victoria is a fantastic outcome for our state, bringing elite
competition, visitors and economic benefits to local communities.”
“This support through the Significant Sporting Events Program is helping showcase Victoria as
Australia's major events capital while supporting the growth of bowls at all levels."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Natalie Suleyman
“We are delighted to support The Bowls Premier League through the Victoria Government’s Regional
Events Fund. Events like this provide another fantastic reason for visitors to experience the Bellarine
and Greater Geelong region – in turn supporting local jobs and businesses.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant
“Ocean Grove Bowling Club’s bold vision have transformed their facilities into a premier destination
for bowls, attracting major events and putting the Bellarine on the map. Hosting The Bowls Premier
League will bring visitors to our region, supporting local businesses and showcasing everything the
Bellarine has to offer.”
Quotes attributable to Mayor Stretch Kontelj, City of Greater Geelong
"The Bowls Premier League is a fantastic addition to Greater Geelong's major events calendar and a
wonderful opportunity to showcase Ocean Grove and the Bellarine to a national audience.”
“This event will attract visitors from across Australia, support local accommodation, hospitality and
tourism businesses, and reinforce Greater Geelong's reputation as a leading destination for major
sporting events.”
“We look forward to welcoming competitors, officials and spectators to Ocean Grove and sharing
everything our region has to offer.”
