
Going for long haul in world's first mobile bowling green
LAWN bowls is not a sport you would normally associate with world firsts or Guinness World Records.
But AAT Kings Tour Company has created the world's first mobile indoor bowling green inside one of their fleet coaches.
This week the bus swung through the Northern Rivers, stopping by in both Lismore and Alstonville, thanks to partnerships with Helloworld Lismore and Duck Creek Mountain Travel in Alstonville.
The design procedure simply involved stripping the coach of almost all its seats, and replacing the vacant area with a synthetic lawn bowling surface.
State sales manager for AAT Kings, Daniel Toby, said the coach looked normal from the outside, but was "a lot of fun" on the inside.
He said the primary motivator for the concept was to give back to regional travel agencies and rural communities.
"Many of our passengers with AAT Kings are actually members of bowls clubs," Mr Toby said.
The bus has toured through South Australia, Victoria, the ACT, New South Wales and Queensland, before returning to Sydney.
Upon its return the indoor bowling green will then be used for the world record attempt for the longest, continuous lawn bowls event, Mr Toby said.
The world record is currently held by a Victorian team and stands at 40 hours.

The indoor green has also seen its fair share of VIPs, notably legendary Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath and his family in Cronulla.
"The bus has also seen many dignitaries and club presidents onboard to check out this unique attraction," Mr Toby said.
Alstonville Plateau Bowls and Sports Club Ladies' president, Cherie Hill, commented on the difference between the genuine bowling green and the indoor synthetic surface.
Visit aatkings.com/mobile-lawn-bowls.