Inside Breakwater Bowl's Award-Winning Transformation

Q&A with the Team Behind Western Australia's Most Stunning Bowling Venue

What happens when you take a world-class waterfront location, combine it with an elevated food and beverage offering, and wrap it in a stunning design? You get Breakwater Bowl, the showstopping entertainment hub at Hillarys Boat Harbour that's redefining coastal leisure in Western Australia.

Part of The Breakwater, this bold venue doesn't just offer bowling; it delivers an experience. The space recently won the BCM Design Award for Best Exterior, and for good reason. Seamlessly integrated into the harbor landscape and perfectly balancing architectural boldness with coastal cool, the venue doesn't just invite guests in; it draws them in. NightOwl's creative team, guided by innovative leadership from David Heaton, Linda Heaton, and Jamie Rhodes, was central to this vision.

The award celebrates what's possible when entertainment, architecture, and guest experience are given equal weight. And it's a reminder that when venues think big and partner strategically, they can do more than entertain. They can inspire.

We sat down with the Breakwater team to talk about their vision, the collaboration with NBRC, Brunswick Bowling's country distributor, and why this project is resonating with so many.

Q: What was your overall vision for Breakwater Bowl?

A: Breakwater Bowl was designed to reimagine the classic bowling experience through a contemporary coastal lens. Our goal was to create a destination that blends design-led entertainment with our premium food and beverage offering, an elevated social experience where people come together for good times, great views, and memorable moments.

Q: What were the top goals with this project?

A: At the heart of Breakwater Bowl was a desire to create more than just another attraction; we wanted to make an impact. Our goals were to:

• Introduce a compelling new entertainment experience to Hillarys Boat Harbour
• Attract a diverse mix of guests, from families and young professionals to corporate groups
• Increase visitation and extend dwell time through engaging, design-forward experiences
• Strengthen The Breakwater's positioning as a vibrant, multi-faceted lifestyle destination
• Maximize ROI by offering a high-frequency activity that complements our core F&B business

Everything, from the design to the guest experience, was built around these goals.

Q: Why was bowling the right choice as the anchor attraction for this concept?

A: Bowling has timeless appeal. We've seen success with interactive attractions like Social Darts at our other venues, but bowling has a special ability to bring people together across generations. It scales beautifully, from family outings to corporate events, and introduces a sense of play that aligns perfectly with our brand.

Q: This project is right on the water—how has that impacted the guest experience?

A: The novelty of bowling with a view of the harbour is a game-changer. Guests comment on it constantly. It's a unique setting that elevates the activity and sets us apart. From an operations standpoint, bowling has extended dwell time and increased engagement with our food and beverage offerings. What might've been a quick stop becomes an experience.

Q: What role did Brunswick Bowling play in bringing this vision to life?

A: NBRC, Brunswick Bowling's distributor in Australia, led by Roy Menachemson, was an instrumental piece in this project. Brunswick and NBRC didn't just supply equipment; they invested time in understanding our goals, brand, and audience. From venue layout to product selection, their collaborative approach and expert guidance helped us shape a cohesive, high-performing space that delivers on every level.

Q: Why did you choose to stick with Brunswick over other vendors?

A: We've worked with them before at The Lookout, so we already had trust in their reliability and product quality. What makes Brunswick stand out is their ability to provide a complete package: equipment, design support, and seamless technology integration. That gave us confidence from day one.

Q: Let's talk design. What made the space, and the BCM Award-winning exterior, so unique?

A: The space was designed to feel like a natural extension of The Breakwater. We kept the warm, textural, coastal tones but introduced striking elements like the trapezoidal acoustic ceiling. The result is elevated yet approachable. The design encourages exploration and connection while remaining true to our venue's heritage.

Q: What feedback have you received from guests?

A: The response has been fantastic. Guests love the premium feel, the view, and the scoring animations from Brunswick's Sync system. Families especially appreciate how intuitive the experience is, from booking to playing.

Q: What features were most important from a technology standpoint?

A: We wanted seamless guest interaction, ease of operation, and strong data reporting. Sync's integration with our H&L POS makes everything from food orders to lane management flow effortlessly. It's smooth behind the scenes and fun out front.

Bowling by the Water? Yes, Please.

Breakwater Bowl has succeeded not just because of its stunning location or sleek design, but because it offers something truly memorable. In a world where guests crave experiences over transactions, this venue delivers. Guests routinely share the "wow" moment they get from walking into the space and realising they can bowl with harbour views. It's made the venue a magnet for families, professionals, and corporate events alike.

"At Brunswick, we go beyond technology; we work with our regional partners to help clients bring their vision to life," says John Prokopec, Director of International Markets. "Breakwater Bowl is a shining example of what happens when entertainment, architecture, and guest experience align perfectly."

For The Breakwater Bowl, it's not just about strikes and spares. It's about storytelling, space-making, and the magic of moments shared by the water.