The Henselite Victorian Open
Gippsland / Latrobe | 20th March – 29th March 2026.
Once again, Bowls Victoria are incredibly excited to be partnering together with Latrobe City Council for the next Henselite Victorian Open, being held in March 2026.
Thousands of bowlers of all abilities, together with clubmates, friends and family, will converge on the Gippsland region from 20th – 29th March, 2026, for what is widely recognised as the largest bowls event in the State, and second Nationally only to the Australian Open.
The event injects millions of dollars into the local and broader Latrobe Community every year.
Picture: One of our event headquarters, Morwell Bowling Club.
The Latrobe/Gippsland region will offer bowlers a range of different surfaces to bowl on, at a time of year when the greens will be at their best. The region has abundant accommodation options to suit all budgets and requirements, with many tourism options for participants and their families to immerse themselves in when not bowling.
A message from Steve Dimopoulos, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events:
On behalf of the Victorian Government, I’d like to welcome you to the 2026 Victorian Open.
The Open is a highlight on the Victorian bowls calendar. We’re proud to support the Open through our Significant Sporting Events Program, which helps organisations deliver national, international, and regionally significant sporting events.
Since 2014, the Program has secured more than 1,150 events for Victoria, with more than half staged in regional Victoria, boosting local jobs and economies, and showcasing our regions.
It’s exciting to see over 1,000 bowlers taking part in the action at Morwell Bowls Club, Traralgon Bowls Club and over a dozen other clubs across the Latrobe Valley, showcasing the amazing Gippsland region.
Fans of all ages will be in for a treat throughout the Open. I welcome locals and visitors alike to follow the action and enjoy the spirit and comradery that make bowls clubs so special.
For visitors to our wonderful state, I encourage you to explore the many natural attractions and wonderful food and wine the state has to offer, especially here in Gippsland.
I wish all competitors good luck and hope you have a great time in Gippsland.
The Hon Steve Dimopoulos MP
Member for Oakleigh
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events
Latrobe City Council is thrilled to be hosting the 2026 Henselite Victorian Open. A warm welcome to everyone visiting our region!
We can’t wait to host bowlers of all abilities, along with your clubmates, friends and families. Latrobe City and the wider Gippsland region have so much to offer during the competition, from top‑notch facilities and a variety of playing surfaces to great local hospitality. And with the greens in their best condition at this time of year, you’re in for a great experience.
The Henselite Victorian Open is also a fantastic event for spectators. Even if you don’t play bowls yourself, bring along your family and friends, there’s plenty to enjoy from the sidelines.
We also hope you’ll take the chance to explore Latrobe City and Gippsland while you’re here.
Best of luck for the competition, we can’t wait to see the great moments ahead, and we look forward to welcoming you back in the years to come.
Councillor Sharon Gibson
Mayor of Latrobe City Council