The History of The Big Bowling Pin
The Big Bowling Pin is located outside Maryborough Tenpin Bowl, at the Quarry Court, Maryborough, Queensland.
The Maryborough Tenpin Bowl bowling centre dates back to 1984 when it was famously known as the ‘Sugar Coast Lanes’ and operated by a mother-and-son duo, Mary Bates and Andrew.
The memorable tournaments aside, the club members also took part in fundraisers to support community programs. At one time, the centre organized a 36-hour bowl-a-thon for a fundraiser.
The centre, once a family business, was later handed over to new owners in 1996. Since then, it has changed hands about four times.
Most members of Sugar Coast Lanes have fond memories of the good old days at the bowling centre. Mary Bates, who continued to work at the centre after the handover, organized a reunion for the old club members in 2017 and kept a scrapbook and pictures of the good old days.
Quite commendably, the bowling centre also organizes leagues for kids, adults, and disabled bowlers in their community.
Away from the Big Bowling Pin, you’ll also love reading about the Big Bowl in Lake Cathie, New South Wales, a world record holder for being the world’s largest of its kind.
Queensland is home to numerous Big Things of Australia. The most famous include:
- The Big Barramundi in Normanton
- The Big Cane Toad in Sarina
- The Big Crab in Miriam Vale
- The Big Pineapple in Woombye
Speaking about Big Things celebrating sports, you’ll find quite a number in Queensland. The Big Bowling Pin aside, other sports-inspired Big Things in Queensland include:
- Matilda the Kangaroo in Kybong
- The Big Melon in Chinchilla
- The Big Golf Ball in Broadbeach
