Queensland has secured a further four years as the host for Bowls Australia’s Australian Open.
The annual event takes place on the Gold Coast across the city’s 14 bowls club, including Club Helensvale, Mermaid Beach Bowls Club, and Burleigh Heads Bowls Club. The Gold Coast has been the home of the Australian Open since 2015 and will remain as the host until 2028.
“The Australian Open caters to nationals and internationals of all ages and abilities through the 14 disciplines contested, consisting of junior, open, senior, able and para disciplines, and is the sport’s most lucrative event, having distributed more than $2.2 million in prize money during the nine years it’s been staged the Gold Coast,” Bowls Australia CEO Matthew Kennedy said.
“We are delighted to see the Gold Coast remain the home for the event for a further four years, showcasing the wonderful destination, which is a heartland for the sport, and the hospitality of the magnificent host clubs.”
The 2024 Australian Open wrapped up last month where over $282,000 in prize money was distributed.
“It is terrific to see all 14 bowls clubs across the city are playing host, with more than 3,500 entrants from around the world competing,” Queensland Minister for Tourism and Sport Michael Healy said of this year’s Australian Open.
Healy said by keeping the event in Queensland, it will pump $69 million in the local visitor economy over the next four years.
“That’s great news for the region’s tourism operators and accommodation and hospitality providers,” he said.