Tasmania to host 2025 Bowls Australia National Championships

by Rob McGuire on September 14, 2024


Devonport and Burnie have been confirmed as the host of bowls’ showpiece ‘state versus state/territory’ national event in 2025.

With the support of the Tasmanian Government, via funding from Events Tasmania, the State has secured the two-week long festival of bowls known as The Nationals, which incorporates six of the sport’s most revered competitions and no less than 31 national titles.

The 2025 edition of The Nationals will be staged from November 12 to 27, with Devonport Country Club being appointed as the primary host club and is set to host five of the six events, alongside Burnie Bowls Club, which will stage the Australian Para Nationals.

Featuring a variety of events encompassing all ages and abilities, the Nationals spans junior, open-age, senior, para and open events, with more than 650 competitors across 15 days of competition.

Tasmanian Minister for Sport and Events, the Honourable Nic Street said securing the event was a coup for Tasmania.

“The Tasmanian Government is pleased to be supporting Bowls Australia for its 2025 Bowls Australia Nationals championships in Devonport and Burnie,” Minister Street said.

“Bowls is a popular sport for people of all ages and ability in our community, and the Nationals are a fantastic way to celebrate bowls while having some healthy competition.

“We look forward to welcoming the competitors and spectators to the state in 2025.”

Bowls Australia CEO Matthew Kennedy said the sport was excited about staging the Nationals, which attracts the country’s best bowlers, in Devonport and Burnie.

“Tasmania will be a fantastic host of the sport’s pre-eminent state-and-territory competition and we’re very grateful for the support provided by the Tasmanian Government and Events Tasmania to be able to bring this now-combined version of this significant Australian sporting event to Devonport and Burnie for the first time,” Kennedy said.

“Bowls Australia also acknowledges and is appreciative of the support of both Devonport Country Club and Burnie Bowls Club for the delivery of the event.

“The staging of this event will showcase the strength of bowls in the Apple Isle, complement the great work and achievements of Bowls Tasmania, and continue to raise the profile of the sport in the region.

“Both clubs, Devonport and Burnie, are incredibly enthusiastic to showcase their venues and the region and will provide a great experience for the players and spectators, both local and those visiting from interstate.”

Devonport Country Club General Manager Brett Kerr said the Board, staff, members and volunteers of the club were thrilled to be staging the event in 2025.

“Everyone connected to and involved with the Devonport Country Club is thrilled to be hosting Bowls Australia’s Nationals in 2025,” Kerr said.

“The whole Club is looking forward to staging a very successful event, which will bring national focus to both the Club and to the city of Devonport.”

Burnie Bowls Club President Danny Patmore said his club was proud to be contributing to the delivery of the coveted event by hosting the Australian Para Nationals component.

“We are thrilled to be hosting the 2025 Para Nationals and are committed to delivering an exceptional event for all participants,” Patmore said. 

“Our team is excited to showcase Burnie’s hospitality and enthusiasm for the sport, ensuring this event is a memorable experience for everyone involved.

“We look forward to welcoming players and spectators from across the country and celebrating the best of bowls in our community. 

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to highlight Burnie Bowls Club’s dedication to the sport and our commitment to supporting local and national events.” 

The 2025 Nationals will encompass the Australian Champion of Champions, Australian Under-18 Championships, Para Nationals, Australian Senior Sides Championships, Australian Sides Championships and the Australian Championships events, held from November 12-27.