A major new bowls event is set to elevate the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales onto the international stage, with the launch of an exciting World Bowls Series tournament offering $70,000 in prize money and attracting both domestic and international players. 

Open to all bowlers, the event is expected to draw a strong and diverse field. With valuable ranking points on offer, finalists can also boost their standing in the World Bowls Series rankings, adding further prestige and competitive edge to the tournament. 

The event will be played across nine clubs throughout the Northern Rivers region, showcasing the area’s hospitality and quality greens. The finals will be held at Yamba Bowling Club, providing a spectacular coastal backdrop for the tournament’s climax. 

Designed for fast-paced, spectator-friendly action, matches will be played in a one-hour format, ensuring excitement for both players and fans. Competition formats will include: 

• Men’s and Women’s Singles, along with an Open Survivor Singles 

• Men’s, Women’s and Mixed Pairs  

• Men’s and Women’s Triples  

The finals of the Northern Rivers Open will be broadcast and streamed live to a worldwide audience, giving the region excellent exposure and firmly positioning it as a premier destination for bowls. 

“The Northern Rivers Open will bring together huge prize money, world ranking points, fast formats, epic contests, in an event that’s open to everyone” stated World Bowls Series Manager, Chris Wallace. “We know that the clubs in the region will be fantastic hosts”, Mr Wallace said. 

Entries for the event open this week and will close on June 30, with strong interest expected from across Australia and internationally. 

“Yamba Bowling Club is thrilled to be the hub for the Northern Rivers Open. As a club, we aim to showcase our great facilities and the region, along with providing a player experience second to none”, Jayson Pinnock, Director of Bowls, Yamba Bowling Club. 

With excellent competition, international exposure and set against the stunning backdrops of one of New South Wales’ most attractive regions, the Northern Rivers Open will be an exciting addition to the bowls calendar. 

Go to the event page here

Tournament Quick Facts 

Dates	25th to 30th August 2026
Prize Pool	$70,000
Eligibility	Open to all bowlers
Ranked Event	Finalists earn World Bowls Series Ranking points.
Venues	Nine clubs across the Northern Rivers region of NSW, with the Finals being played at Yamba Bowling Club.
Format	One-hour matches.  Men’s/Women’s/Open Singles, Men’s/Women’s/Mixed Pairs, Men’s/Women’s Triples.
Entries Open	8th April 2026
Entries Close	30th June 2026