The best places to go bowling in Melbourne

Preston’s the Keys, is here to make bowling cool again. Forget uninspiring interiors and lacklustre food – the refurbished warehouse comes with maple-wood furnishing and custom fittings inspired by the retro bowling alleys of the US. The tasteful retro touch continues throughout the beer garden, 12 bowling lanes, gaming arcade, bar and bistro.

The Strike QV location has 12 bowling lanes split into three private areas. Choose between playing in the front room where you'll have easy access to the bar, the quieter back room or the middle room for something in-between. And once you're done bowling you can have a crack at the three escape rooms or sing your heart out in the private karaoke room.

Thankfully, if the Strike QV location is fully booked, you can try your luck at the Melbourne Central location (and vice versa). It's equipped with ten lanes, and is also home to laser tag, augmented darts and two escape rooms. The fully stocked bar means a well-deserved Margarita is waiting for you when the fun and games is done.

After landing in the District Docklands in 2018, Archie Brothers has become a Melbourne mainstay for adults trying to relive their childhood. Just past the Zero Latency virtual reality centre and the dozens of arcade games, you'll find several bowling alleys where you can also order over-the-top cocktails garnished with rainbow popcorn, fairy-floss and musk sticks. After hitting some pins, be sure to leave some time for laser tag, games and bumper cars.

Yes, Crown is home to three lavish hotels, a day spa, nightclubs, bars, high-end shopping and – of course – the largest casino in the Southern Hemisphere. But did you know that it also has a games centre with 12 ten-pin bowling lanes? And if you want to level up your experience, you can book in for Pins Royale, a deluxe 150-capacity space with gold bowling balls and two mahogany lanes. You'll also have access to a butler, premium bar options and elegant canapes. If you can't afford to splash out for that, that's okay – you'll still have a smashing good time playing at the regular lanes, with games starting at $19.80 on weekdays.

Located just a short five-minute walk from Moorabbin Station, this massive venue features 24 bowling lanes and is open until 10pm on Mondays through Thursdays and 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays. A game of bowling starts at just $16.90, and you can tack on extras like laser tag, beverages and more. There are also locations in Braybrook, Clayton, Forest Hill, Watergardens and Frankston.

With locations in Greensborough, Epping, Narre Warren, Shepparton, Geelong, Chirnside Park and Ballarat, you've likely to have an Oz Tenpin in the vicinity. With around 20 lanes available to book and a fully licensed cafe serving beverages and hot food, Oz Tenpin is a great spot for birthday parties and larger get-togethers. If you rock up on Fridays from 8.30pm, you can enjoy up to four games and a complimentary beverage for just $30 per person.