It’s springtime in Australia which means three things. Swoopyboys, beach days and bowlos.

Is there anything more satisfying than lining up your bowl right next to a jack with a beer in hand with all your mates? No. Everyone knows the reason why we love bowlos so much as drinking institutions is because they are such brilliant representations of us as Australians - laid back and a little rough around the edges. Something is definitely broken but some electrical tape will do for now. Now we will preface this by saying that this is not an exhaustive list but merely based on a combination of some standout features. Shit carpet is not just a charming characteristic but a marker of a well-loved establishment. The beers must be cheap, cold and include the state’s patron lager. Gold, VB, Tooheys at the very, very least. A random food special, usually of an Asian variety, must be promoted on any given weekday. You must feel adequately dressed in a pair of boardshorts/ bikinis underneath. And usually it is smackbang in prime real estate territory which is probably the only thing the Australian government has done right when it comes to property. If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably started ramping up your pub fitness regime and with the weather warming up we thought it was about time to give you our list of the best bowlos around the country. Well on the East Coast at least. Sorry WA, NT and SA. 

Brunswick Bowlo, VIC

In order to make this a well rounded bowlo guide of the East Coast I had to employ the help of my Victorian friends of which I only have two. Both of them said Brunswick Bowlo so we will leave it at that. Looks fun. That’s all we need.

Wombarra Bowlo

This is without a doubt, Australia’s best bowlo. I’ve said it. I know others will argue with me and to be honest I’m willing to die on this ocean overlooking hill. I have never, ever had a bad day at Wombarra, largely because when you go to Wombarra you’re well and truly locked into a session because ubers and cabs don’t like to venture out here, but mostly because the view is incredible, both of the ocean and the density of hot people that hang out here. The food (Thai) is unmatched, there is always a cute dog to pat and they make these drinks called K1s which I would encourage you to try. And then try not to have the best day of your life. 

Clovelly Bowlo

This bowlo single handedly changed my perspective of Sydney from being an uptight, old money city to a place where the relaxed Aussies who don’t own heels can exist. When I first stepped foot in this place I was immediately shooketh at the view. It is wild. Again, a magnet for hot people and really that’s all we can hope for these days.

Marrickville Bowlo 

Nestled among the best of Sydney’s breweries, this is a great bowlo to stop in if you’re doing a Marrickville pub crawl of some variety. $15 burgers on a Tuesday arvo (honestly can’t make them yourself cheaper), some stellar gigs and once again lots and lots of hot people. 

Bar Beach Bowlo 

This bowlo is over one hundred years old located in the south of Newwy. With $5.50 Fridays of beer, wine, spirits between 5-6pm this is quite possibly the best knock off place to go, as well as after a surf or just about any time the sun is shining.

Bangalow Bowlo

Out of the main drag of the chaos that is Byron which can only ever be a good thing lies this spectacular venue. Hosting some amazing gigs of late and again, a hot spot for hot people. Extra cold beers to escape the Northern Rivers humidity with a great Sunday roast hosted once a month.