The piste (court) was constructed in 2018 from recycled plastic and has a sandstone base with a layer of quartz on the surface.

Similar to lawn bowls and bocce, pétanque sees teams score points by throwing their boules as close as possible to a target.

An informal group has been playing regularly in Warrnambool since 2016, with member Alan Pritchard saying that the city's piste had boasted a number of players from Woodend, Ballarat, Mount Gambier, Nagambie, the Grampians and Melbourne.

"Notable visitors have included a nationally accredited pétanque umpire, an Australian international player, several regular tournament competitors and even a touring French couple," he said.

Mr Pritchard said group of enthusiasts met every Thursday at 2pm for a friendly and social game.

"No experience is necessary and with plenty of extra boules on hand, you don't have to buy any equipment to give it a try," he said.

"Beginners are paired with experienced players to explain the simple rules and demonstrate playing techniques."

Mr Pritchard said there was also a pétanque club at Port Fairy, located outside the bowls club, which met each Sunday at 2pm.

"For some time now we have been holding hotly-contested challenge matches, alternating between venues each month, in pursuit of the appropriately named WarrFair Cup," he said.

"With barbecues close by, competitions at Warrnambool are often preceded with a convivial picnic before the serious stuff begins."

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