Bowling might bring back memories of slippery shoes and birthday cake sugar highs, but Perth’s alleys have seriously stepped up. These days it’s all about neon-lit lanes, retro beats, craft drinks and way more style than your childhood party ever had.
For fun nights with just the right amount of friendly competition, here’s Urban List’s go-to for where to bowl in Perth.
Varsity
1525 Albany Hwy, Beckenham WA 6107
Varsity might already be your regular for burgers, some of the best wings, beers and game-day—but you might not yet have discovered there’s bowling too. In Cannington you can try your hand at duckpin bowling: a faster, more casual spin on your regular ten-pin setup. No rental shoes, no strict rules, just pure fun—and yes, you can absolutely bowl with a burger in one hand and a pint in the other.
“It’s not just about the food or drinks we’re famous for,” says Steele Rimmer, Varsity’s Digital Marketing Manager. “It’s the action on the big screens, the energy in the venue, the new addition of arcade games and bowling—it all makes up the Varsity experience.”
Duckpin bowling might be smaller in size, but it delivers big on energy. And with more bowling lanes set to roll out across Varsity soon, this already-go-to local pub is levelling up once again.
Strike Bowling
Carousel, Forest Chase, Karrinyup and Fremantle
Strike is not your average bowling alley. With mood lighting, bumping tunes, and a bar slinging cocktails and old-school burgers, it’s basically a party with bowling lanes. Grab a round of cocktails from the bar, order a stacked burger or loaded fries, and settle in for a night of bowling with a side of built-in entertainment. Once you’ve nailed a few strikes, keep the good times rolling with karaoke, arcade games, escape rooms or even a cheeky round of mini golf (Holey Moley is right there too).
My friend Kirstie told me Karrinyup is her pick with its interactive lane lights, smaller setup and vibey atmosphere—she says it’s got just the right energy for a fun night without feeling as chaotic as some of your massive and more typical bowling hangs.
Amplifier Bowl
393 Murray St, Perth WA 6000
Amplifier has thrown the bowling rulebook out the window—yes, you can bowl without those tragic shoes. Tucked inside the iconic Amplifier Bar, this lowkey setup is the definition of no-fuss fun. You can bowl in between riffs with just three frames for $5 or five for $9, but even a full 10-frame game will only set you back $12, making this the cheapest spot to bowl in Perth. Add in drinks, solid tunes and a grungy dive bar feel, and you’ve got the makings of a pretty great night out. No multi-hour game nights, no dress codes, no stress.
Rosemount Bowl
464 Fitzgerald St, North Perth WA 6006
With moody lamp lighting, vintage armchairs and a well-worn charm, Rosemount Bowl nails the retro bowling brief. It’s friendly, a little nostalgic, and kind of perfect for date day or night—there’s just enough competition to break the ice, and Brad’s Bar is right there for pre- or post-game drinks.
If you’re looking for a weekend combo, knock down a few pins then stroll across the road to The Rosemount for live music and pints in the sun. More of a family day situation? Keep an eye out for their school holiday deals—like $10 for one game or $18 for two.
The Lookout
1-2/148 The Esplanade, Scarborough WA 6019
Bowling with an ocean view? We’re in. The Lookout brings all the coastal energy you'd expect from a Scarborough spot—cold drinks, good tunes and cracking beachside sunsets—then throws in a bowling lane for good measure. Head in on Mondays for half-price games or gather the crew for their Bottomless Bowling deal: two hours of unlimited play, bottomless pizza and three rounds of drinks for $69pp.
iPlay
Whitfords and Carousel
Between the bowling lanes, arcade games, bumper cars and air hockey, these bright and buzzy spots pack some serious fun. With eight lanes and no rental shoes required (just wear your own white-soled kicks), it’s the kind of place that suits an easy night out or a spontaneous weekend plan. Add on a Play Pack and get stuck into everything from Daytona to DDR and NBA hoops. Pro tip: head in after 8pm to dodge the kid crowds.
Whitfords is my go-to for an easy venture and the post-game lineup never misses—grab Thai at Bangkok Brothers (the Massaman is a must), fresh Vietnamese from Chopsticks or classic pub eats at Whitfords Brewing Co. And yes, you absolutely should finish with a San Churro hot choc.
Zone Bowling
Joondalup, Morley, Cannington and Rockingham
Remember AMF? It’s had a glow-up and now goes by Zone Bowling—and the vibe is still very much on. With more than 18 slick lanes at each location (some even up to 24), it’s the kind of setup that works whether you’re chasing your first spare or getting competitive over a perfect strike. There’s an arcade featuring those pesky claw games I seem to get so damn addicted to, party rooms (yes adults can organise a sweet package), a prize shop with gadgets, lollies and random bits and bobs (come on, what could be more of a classic bowl than that?) and even licensed cafés at some venues. Joondalup also scores extra points for its bumper cars.
Bookings are available, but with so many lanes up for grabs, my friend Ellen reckons you could easily try rocking up on the day. Her and her beau made it a date night with a twist—the winner got to pick their next night out. Simple, slightly savage, and very effective. Good call El.
The Breakwater
203/58 Southside Dr, Hillarys WA 6025
Bowling by the water? Don’t mind if we do. Breakwater Bowl is inside The Breakwater at Hillarys Boat Harbour, making it the ultimate spot to kick back with a drink, soak up the sunshine and then crush your mates in a few rounds of bowling.
Their Bottomless Bowl deal is the main event—$69 gets you two hours of non-stop bowling, an endless stream of mouth-watering pizzas, and three house drinks (think beer, wine or spirits) to keep things rolling. Bonus points for the marina views and that unbeatable holiday energy, even if you’re just there for the afternoon.
Super Bowl
Warwick and Melville
WA-owned and operated, Super Bowl keeps things classic with that OG, no-frills feel we know and love—plus a few fun extras. If cosmic bowling’s your thing, they flip on the black lights for a glow-up session every so often that’s just a little psychedelic. Make sure to keep an eye on the schedule, as it changes with school holidays and events.
Serious about your game? Join one of the leagues and lock in regular lane time. And if you’re ever unsure where to go, just follow their motto: look for the pin on the roof.
Prefer bowling of the outdoor variety? Here’s where to play lawn bowls in Perth.
Image credit: Funlab Fremantle (Strike)