What can we say? Some things just get better with age.
Like a good pinot, sharp cheddar or the gift that is Hugh Jackman, we can safely say that ten-pin bowling has levelled up over the years.
Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself, your friends or your unassuming date, Perth’s best bowling alleys have your next night out well and truly sorted.
Prep that winning fist pump, get ready to knock down some pins and take a deep breath, Perth. Bowling has grown up a bit since your 7th birthday party, and you’re going to love it.
Strike Bowling
Carousel
If you ever thought bowling was just for kids, head to Strike Bowling on a Friday or Saturday night, it’s a vibe. With a cocktail bar, everyone’s fave fried foods, a DJ and cool lighting, Strike’s 10 bowling lanes are often packed on weekends, so book ahead. And once you’ve smashed a game, keep the fun rolling along with Holey Moley mini golf, karaoke and escape room action all nearby. Did someone say best night out ever?
Amplifier Bowl
Perth
Our least favourite part about bowling has to be wearing the shoes, but the kids at Amplifier Bowl have gone rogue and thrown that rule right out the door (or down the lane, if you will). It’s also the place to go if you can’t be bothered with all 10 frames, you can play just three for $5 or five for $7—but if you do want to go the whole hog, 10 frames will only set you back $12, making Amplifier Bowl Perth’s cheapest bowling alley. Plus, there’s a bar—enough said.
Rosemount Bowl
North Perth
With retro vibes aplenty, Rosemount Bowl lives up to its catchphrase “the friendliest bowl in the west”. Think lamp lighting, leather armchairs, wooden tables and well-oiled lanes, grab a drink from Brad’s bar before you get swinging. Hint: smash a few rounds of bowling and head over the road to The Rosemount for the ultimate Sunday sesh combo.
iPlay
Whitfords and Carousel
Bowling, arcades, bumper cars—there’s nothing more you could want in a night out. iPlay in Whitfords and Carousel boasts eight lanes of bowling fun and you can wear your own white-soled shoes too. Smart people add on a Play Pack, which offers up fun in the form of air hockey, Daytona, Dance Dance Revolution and NBA hoops. Hot tip: head there after 8 pm to avoid the kiddos.
Zone Bowling
Cannington, Joondalup, Rockingham and Morley
AMF has been reimagined at Zone Bowling with a fresh fit-out, a new menu featuring hot dogs, a cookie dough hot pot and nachos, neon lights and an arcade. Think bowling birthday parties are just for kids? Think again, Zone Bowling offers adults-only packages for the big kids at heart, which includes food and (spiked) drinks.
Super Bowl
Warwick and Melville
If cosmic bowling is up your alley, Super Bowl turns on the black lights from 7 pm on Friday and Saturday nights, which makes for an extra trippy bowling experience. They also offer bowling for people with disabilities, because nobody should have to miss out on the fun, and if you’re serious about the game you can look to join a team here to get bowling on the regular. And as they say, “look for the pin on the roof”.
Prefer bowling of the outdoor variety? Here’s where to play lawn bowls in Perth.
Image credit: Daniel Alvarez