Travel
10 great Australian golf destinations you need to hit
Whether you play a little or a lot, you won’t want to miss a round at any and all of these spectacular destination golf courses.
By Lana Hallowes
If you’re a keen golfer, you’ll already know that Australia is brimming with sensational golf courses. For those just catching up, you’re in for a treat. Many of our golf courses are destinations in their own right – world-class golf combined with breathtaking views, amazing resorts, and many just a swing away from beautiful vineyards, beaches and more.
Here are the top destinations to make a holiday out of your game.
1. Hamilton Island, Queensland
Perched on its own island with jaw-dropping views of the Coral Sea, Hamilton Island Golf Club is a par-71 championship course that’s not only spectacular, but also a challenging game of 18 holes.
As one reviewer puts it, “This is much more than a golf course. It is a destination and an experience.” Stay on the luxurious Hamilton Island, just a short boat ride across aquamarine waters, and you’ll be immersed in a tropical paradise. Just picture yourself sipping a cocktail as the sun sets over the Whitsundays...
- Stay: Qualia for a luxury retreat with friends or a romantic getaway (the spa is top-notch). Other wonderful options are the Reef View Hotel and Palm Bungalows (but you really can’t go wrong staying anywhere on this premier island).
- Don’t miss: A day trip to Whitehaven Beach or the Great Barrier Reef, trekking Hamilton Island and discovering secluded beaches, swimming and touring the island by golf buggy.
2. Barnbougle, Tasmania
If you haven’t experienced the golfing heaven that is Barnbougle, then you are in for a treat. Situated on a rugged coastline with meandering hills, The Dunes and Lost Farm (both ranked in the World Top 100 golf courses) are unlike any other in Australia.
- Stay: Make the most of early morning golf by staying at one of Barnbougle’s lodging options. Perfect for groups or a secluded romantic getaway.
- Don’t miss: Seeing the rest of the Island State (Wineglass Bay and Cradle Mountain are utterly breathtaking), stargazing and tasting great local produce.
While you’re in Tassie: The hidden treasures of Tasmania's southern capital
3. Gold Coast, Queensland
The Gold Coast has more golf clubs and courses per square kilometre than any other region in the world – the variety of which makes the region a golfing holiday dream. You’ll find a mix of public and private courses here to ‘putt about’, of which 9 are ranked in the top 100 in Australia.
- Stay: RACV Royal Pines Resort - in addition to the championship 27-hole Pines golf course (a regular host of the Australian PGA Championship and the Australian Ladies Masters), the resort has multiple pools, a spa and tennis courts. Bring the whole family or just your golfing buddies. Another great golfing stay is the Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove where you can play The Palms, The Pines and Links Hope Island.
- Don’t miss: Visiting a theme park (if that’s your thing), Currumbin Nature Sanctuary, whale-watching and swimming at gloriously long beaches.
4. Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
Another golfing/holiday region that is home to the seaside Cape Schanck and Long Island greens. The Moonah Links Resort also has two championship courses – The Open (one of the most challenging courses in Australia) and The Legends - designed by the legend himself, Ross Perrett.
- Stay: RACV Cape Schanck Resort or Peppers Moonah Links Resort to ‘play and stay’ in luxury. St Andrew’s Beach Golf apartments are more budget-friendly and located on the edge of the impressive public St Andrews Beach Golf Course.
- Don’t miss: Exploring the Peninsula's secluded bays, visiting hot springs and enjoying wine, beer and cider-tasting at local wineries and breweries.
5. Sunshine Coast, Queensland
It’s easy to find great golf when visiting the Sunny Coast. Some of the finest championship courses in Australia are here, including Twin Waters, Pelican Waters, Noosa Springs, Pacific Harbour, Headland Golf Club and Maroochy River. Dive into the ocean or a resort pool to cool off after your game.
- Stay: Noosa Springs Golf & Spa Resort has luxury apartments with direct access to the golf course and relaxing spa facilities. RACV Noosa Resort offers reasonably priced apartments and facilities. Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort is close to Twin Waters.
- Don’t miss: Exploring Noosa National Park with its scenic walking trails, going on a river cruise, visiting Australia Zoo and just relaxing on the many good beaches.
6. Margaret River, Western Australia
With courses backdropped by vineyards and pristine beaches, Margaret River is a wine, nature and golf-lover’s paradise. Top course picks are Dunsborough Lakes and the tranquil Margaret River Golf Club set in bushland.
- Stay: Pullman Bunker Bay Resort is a luxury beachfront stay that’s close to ‘The Lakes’ golf course. The River Resort near the Margaret River Golf Club has a relaxed vibe and pub-style accommodation. For wine-lovers and those seeking romance, Cape Lodge is surrounded by vineyards.
- Don’t miss: Swimming at turquoise beaches, exploring limestone caves, whale watching and enjoying gourmet food and exquisite wines.
7. Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia
The Fleurieu Peninsula is known for its beautiful coast, rolling hills, charming towns, wine and… golf! Here you’ll find the championship Links Lady Bay golf course, McCracken Country Club and the Victor Harbor Golf Club with panoramic views of Encounter Bay.
- Stay: On-site at Links Lady Bay Resort in modern rooms with ocean views – best for couples and golfing groups. McCracken Resort also has rooms with spectacular golf course views. If you prefer a more private, less-golfy stay, Victor Harbour or Normanville are lovely coastal options.
- Don’t miss: Riding the iconic Victor Harbour horse-drawn tram, visiting the famous McLaren Vale wine region and seeing where the Murray River meets the ocean at Goolwa.
8. Mollymook, New South Wales
Sweet little Mollymook is the par-fect country-meets-coastal escape. The Mollymook Golf Club has two courses – The Beachfront and The Hilltop courses. The beach itself is lovely with clear water and a gentle surf. Milton, with its cute shops and cafes, is just a short scenic drive into the hinterland.
- Stay: Bannisters By the Sea is a luxury boutique hotel with oceanfront rooms, a day spa and the famous Rick Stein restaurant. There are lots of accommodation options in Mollymook itself, including self-contained apartments, motels and holiday houses. There is also a Big 4 over the hill at Ulladulla if cabins or camping appeals to you.
- Don’t miss: Swimming at the beach, dolphin watching, visiting Narrawallee’s peaceful inlet and strolling along Ulladulla Harbour.
9. Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Fancy a round of extreme golf? A trip to the red centre is where you’ll find one of the world’s best desert courses - the Alice Springs Golf Club. It is also where you can tee off on your Northern Territory adventure! Bonus tip: if you want to get the full desert golf experience, tee off in Williams Creek.
- Stay: You can stay next door to the golf club at the Double Tree by Hilton where the pool is so refreshing after a round! Other nearby resorts include: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseter and Mercure Alice Springs Resort.
- Don’t miss: The Aboriginal arts trail, swimming in a natural plunge pool, visiting Kakadu National Park and watching the setting sun over Uluru.
10. Orange, New South Wales
Orange makes for a sublime country break. With 2 beautiful golf courses to sample – Duntryleague Golf Club and Wentworth Golf Club – you can also taste wine at the many award-winning cellar doors.
- Stay: The historical Duntryleague Guesthouse at Duntryleague’s prestigious 18 Hole championship course offers play and stay accommodation. The Melville Greens Apartments Orange are conveniently across the road from the Wentworth Golf Course. For a romantic getaway, opt to stay at a vineyard or cute B&B.
- Don’t miss: A relaxing drive through the Orange wine country (there are over 40 wineries), eating at award-winning restaurants and ducking into boutique shops.
Feature image: iStock/Liderina
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