Bowls Australia and Tasmanian Government Confirm Devonport Host Venue for 2027 and 2028 Nationals

Bowls Australia has executed a host venue agreement in partnership with the Tasmanian Government to return the sport’s flagship state-versus-state national event, The Nationals, to Devonport for both the 2027 and 2028 editions.

Supported via Events Tasmania, the two-year commitment follows the successful execution of the 2025 championships at the Devonport Country Club and will bring more than 700 elite bowlers, team officials, and traveling supporters to the North-West Coast region annually.

Outlining the economic and regional benefits of securing long-term major sporting events for regional communities, Tasmanian Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events, H0n, Roger Jaensch, said: “There’s plenty to see and do on the North-West Coast, and events like the Nationals are a great way to get more people here to experience it for themselves.”

“Major sporting events bring visitors into our regions, support local hotels, pubs and restaurants, and give visitors even more reasons to explore all our State has to offer.

“Securing the Nationals for both 2027 and 2028 is a great result for Devonport and gives our local businesses the opportunity to plan ahead and make the most of the extra visitors,” Hon. Jaensch said. 

Commending on the institutional backing provided by the state government and the host venue, Bowls Australia CEO, Matthew Kennedy, said: “Devonport and Tasmania’s North-West Coast provide a fantastic setting for The Nationals, and we’re delighted to know we’ll be returning in both 2027 and 2028, after the Devonport Country Club did a fantastic job in 2025.”

“Confirming the event for two years also gives our bowlers, officials, volunteers and supporters the opportunity to plan ahead, while providing another reason for the bowls community from around Australia to experience everything the North-West Coast and Tasmania have to offer.

“We sincerely thank the Tasmanian Government, through Events Tasmania, for its continued support of our sport and this important national event,” Kennedy said. 

Highlighting the organisational pride and workforce development opportunities stemming from the multi-year allocation, Devonport Country Club GM, Alissa Jeffrey, added: “Hosting The Nationals is a highlight for our club and the whole Devonport community, and we’re thrilled to be doing it again in 2027 and 2028.”

“Our members, staff and volunteers put a great deal into making every player, official and supporter feel welcome, and it’s fantastic to see that effort recognised.

“Hosting an event of this scale also gives our staff, particularly our greenkeeping team, valuable opportunities to develop their skills and gain experience beyond their day-to-day roles, while helping us deliver an event that benefits the broader Devonport community,” Jeffrey said.

The three-week national festival consolidates six major Australian championship events across a unified competition window spanning late November to mid-December. The program brings together elite international athletes, junior pathway players, senior representatives, and para-bowlers across a comprehensive national schedule.

Official 2027 Event Competition Schedule

The 2027 edition at the Devonport Country Club will run across a dedicated three-week timeframe:

• Para Nationals: 21–25 November 2027
• Champion of Champions: 21–23 November 2027
• Australian Under 18 Championships: 25–28 November 2027
• Australian Senior Sides Championships: 30 November – 3 December 2027
• Australian Sides Championships: 5–8 December 2027
• Australian Championships: 9–12 December 2027

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