The Big Bowl

The Big Bowl was constructed in 1975 as a celebration of lawn bowls culture in Lake Cathie and the surrounding region. Lawn bowls has been a cornerstone of Australian community life since colonial times, with bowling clubs serving as social hubs in towns and cities across the nation. The sport, which involves rolling biased balls toward a smaller target ball (the jack), requires skill, strategy, and patience. The Big Bowl stands as a testament to this quintessentially Australian pastime, reminding visitors of the gentle camaraderie found on bowling greens from coast to coast. Over the decades, the sculpture has weathered the coastal elements while continuing to draw visitors seeking to capture a photo with this unique piece of Australian roadside art.

More Fun Facts

• •The Big Bowl weighs approximately 1.5 tonnes
• •It stands 3 metres (10 feet) tall, roughly 30 times the size of a real lawn bowl
• •Constructed from steel and concrete in 1975
• •Lawn bowls was one of the first sports played in Australia, dating back to 1844
• •Australia has won multiple World Bowls Championships over the years

Visiting Tips

• 💡Combine with a visit to Lake Cathie's beautiful beach just minutes away
• 💡The nearby Bonny Hills and Port Macquarie offer additional attractions
• 💡Lake Cathie has excellent fishing and birdwatching opportunities
• 💡The Hastings River offers kayaking and nature experiences