About Nelson Bay Bowling & Recreation Club
Nelson Bay Bowling & Recreation Club is a licensed club located at Stockton St, Nelson Bay NSW 2315. The Friendly Club in the Heart of Nelson Bay. The venue has 76 approved gaming machines (pokies). It is rated 4 out of 5 from 482 Google reviews. A food and drinks menu is listed below. Phone: (02) 4981 1272.
The Friendly Club in the Heart of Nelson Bay
Located in the scenic Port Stephens region, Nelson Bay Bowling & Recreation Club is a premier social and sporting hub. Known locally as the 'Friendly Club,' it features three high-quality bowling greens, modern dining facilities, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere perfect for families, lawn bowls enthusiasts, and visitors to the area.
What Nelson Bay Bowling & Recreation Club offers
Restaurant
Food served
76 Gaming machines
Establishment
Events
Open now
Nelson Bay Bowling & Recreation Club location and map
Opening times
Frequently asked questions about Nelson Bay Bowling & Recreation Club
Where is Nelson Bay Bowling & Recreation Club located?
Nelson Bay Bowling & Recreation Club is located at Stockton St, Nelson Bay NSW 2315. It is a licensed club in the suburb of Nelson Bay, New South Wales.
What are the opening hours of Nelson Bay Bowling & Recreation Club?
Nelson Bay Bowling & Recreation Club opening hours: Monday: 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM; Tuesday: 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM; Wednesday: 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM; Thursday: 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM; Friday: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM; Saturday: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM; Sunday: 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM. Hours can change on public holidays, so check with the venue before visiting.
Does Nelson Bay Bowling & Recreation Club have pokies?
Yes. Nelson Bay Bowling & Recreation Club has 76 gaming machines (pokies) approved under its NSW club licence, ranking number 506 among NSW clubs by gaming machine numbers.
Does Nelson Bay Bowling & Recreation Club serve food?
Yes. Nelson Bay Bowling & Recreation Club serves food and its menu with prices is listed on this page. Kitchen hours may differ from the venue opening hours.
What is the phone number for Nelson Bay Bowling & Recreation Club?
You can phone Nelson Bay Bowling & Recreation Club on (02) 4981 1272.
How is Nelson Bay Bowling & Recreation Club rated?
Nelson Bay Bowling & Recreation Club is rated 4 out of 5 based on 482 Google reviews.
Which venues are near Nelson Bay Bowling & Recreation Club?
Licensed venues close to Nelson Bay Bowling & Recreation Club include Nelson Bay Golf Club, Sea Breeze Hotel, Wests Nelson Bay, Fingal Bay Bowls, Sport & Recreation Club Ltd. See the nearby venues list on this page for distances and details.
Club Services & Facilities
Dining & Bars
Off the Hook Beached Bistro
A popular dining spot offering a diverse menu including fresh local seafood, premium steaks, burgers, and classic club favorites in a casual environment.
Main Bar
A well-stocked bar featuring a wide selection of local and imported beers on tap, a comprehensive wine list, and spirits.
Cafe and Coffee Shop
Offers light snacks, sweet treats, and barista-made coffee throughout the day for a more relaxed experience.
Entertainment & Leisure
Lawn Bowls
Three championship-grade bowling greens available for competitive club tournaments, social play, and casual barefoot bowls.
Live Music
Regular live performances featuring local artists and bands, typically hosted on Friday and Saturday nights.
Gaming Lounge
A modern gaming area featuring the latest electronic gaming machines in a comfortable setting.
TAB and Keno
Full TAB facilities for horse racing and sports betting, along with Keno screens located throughout the club.
Family Features
Indoor Play Area
A secure, undercover children's playground designed to keep kids entertained while families enjoy their meals.
Kids Menu
A dedicated menu for children under 12, featuring affordable meals like chicken nuggets, fish and chips, and ice cream.
Functions & Events
The Auditorium
A large, versatile space equipped with audio-visual technology, suitable for weddings, large parties, and corporate seminars.
Private Meeting Rooms
Smaller spaces available for community group meetings, board meetings, or private small-scale celebrations.
Event Catering
Professional catering packages ranging from finger foods and platters to formal sit-down multi-course dinners.
Amenities & Services
Courtesy Bus
Provides convenient transport for members and guests within a designated local radius of the club; bookings are recommended.
Ample On-site Parking
Spacious and free parking area located directly at the venue for easy access.
Disabled Access
The venue is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring ramps, wide doorways, and designated restroom facilities.
Our Food & Drinks Menu
* Please note that all images are for illustration purposes only and actual serving will vastly differ.
Nelson Bay Bowling & Recreation Club reviews
3 Star Review by tanya maree
First time their was super rushed wasnt told anything about the club or where anything was. Food was absolutely amazing but because was only one person at the bar doing drinks the food arrived before my husband returned. Just thought staff could be more helpful and there.
5 Star Review by Amanda Luttringer
First time visiting the club, my steak was cooked amazingly. Amazing customer service. Unfortunately the whole menu was not available on the night we visited but there was only one item missing. All in all amazing place to dine. Also has a nice little tab room and pokie rooms. Definitely will visit again in the future.
4 Star Review by Mark Thompson
Garlic bread was overcooked so we sent it back. View of Nelson was awesome. Seafood linguine was top notch. Gentleman serving at the bar was a lovely chap. Young lady who served us to order our meals was helpful and friendly.
5 Star Review by Stuart McKellar
Well worth the visit, friendly staff and a great location. Sunday afternoon had live music and a beef 'n' reef raffle. Highly recommended!
5 Star Review by Susan Oliver
Last night of our holidays and we decided to go to Nelson Bay Bowling & Recreation Club for dinner. The restaurant is called Marlins on the Bay. We walked in the front door and the lady doing reception was very helpful. Explained the restaurant was upstairs just to the left or there is an elevator further down. It was actually very busy there tonight. A table of about 10 a lots of tables of 4 or 6 people and more tables of 2. The girl taking the food orders was very busy but very competent and so friendly . My partner had the Gilled salmon fillet $31.50 And I had the Salt & Pepper Calamari $25.90 They do have specials as well, tonight was $5 off steak. Also about where you order they have more specials. We also had dessert which was also on special Chocolate Mudcake with cream or ice cream $8 Sarah the young bartender was doing a fabulous job, such a lovely friendly young girl. Beautiful view from the upstairs restaurant , I did notice that you could reserve a table close to the big window to get that great view. The restaurant is quite big and you are not squeezed in close to everyone. Again as we walked out we spoke to a couple more staff who spoke to us and asked if we enjoyed ourselves. We also love having a few games of Keno at all the clubs we visit. I recommend this club if you are in the area, you will not be disappointed.
1 Star Review by Tim Nevin
Multiple issues with the money facilities. Put money into the machine to change notes and it ate the money. Was told it couldn't be resolved until the next day if I'm lucky. The TAB machine also broke with our money in it, and then there was an issue trying to cash in a pokie ticket. The staff couldn't cash it in and we were told to use the machine that just stole our money. Will never return after these events and the service we received.
4 Star Review by Christian Niddrie
Great parking
5 Star Review by Paul Nicholson
Cheap drinks ,very cheap,$8 a pint for instance. Food in Marlins was I think great, had the pork belly!Service at reception, bar and restaurant was exceptional. Give it a go valued viewers!!
4 Star Review by Wick Eastly
Great place to have a beer with friends! Good atmosphere and friendly staff.
4 Star Review by William Mcfarlane
Good Bistro and beer and enjoy a game of bowls. A friendly club.