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Australia is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking golf courses. With a diverse landscape, the country offers a wide range of golfing experiences, from seaside links to lush parkland layouts. In this article, we’ll take you through the top 9 best golf courses in Australia that are open to the public, so you can experience these incredible courses for yourself.
Cape Wickham Links
Location: King Island, Tasmania
Green fees: $225 ($180 low season)
Visit Cape Wickham Links
Cape Wickham Links is a world-class golf course situated on the remote King Island in Tasmania. With its dramatic coastal setting, this golf course offers a true links experience, with rolling fairways and expansive ocean views from every hole. Designed by Mike DeVries and Darius Oliver, Cape Wickham Links has received numerous accolades, including being ranked as Australia’s top public golf course.
St Andrews Beach Golf Course
Location: Fingal, Victoria
Green fees: $105
Visit St Andrews Beach
Located on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, St Andrews Beach Golf Course is a natural links-style course that challenges golfers of all skill levels. Designed by renowned golf course architect Tom Doak, the course features undulating fairways, strategic bunkering, and breathtaking coastal views. St Andrews Beach has been consistently ranked among the best public access golf courses in Australia.
The Dunes
Location: Rye, Victoria
Green fees: $105 ($87 Weekdays)
Visit The Dunes
Also situated on the Mornington Peninsula, The Dunes is a premier links-style golf course designed by Tony Cashmore. With its rolling sand dunes, native vegetation, and challenging layout, The Dunes provides golfers with a unique and memorable playing experience.
Ocean Dunes
Location: King Island, Tasmania
Green fees: $205 ($160 off-peak)
Visit Ocean Dunes
Ocean Dunes, also located on King Island, is another must-play golf course for any golf enthusiast. Designed by Graeme Grant, this spectacular course features a true links layout, with towering sand dunes, undulating fairways, and panoramic ocean views. Ocean Dunes is renowned for its challenging design, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a true test of their golfing skills.
Lonsdale Links
Location: Point Lonsdale, Victoria
Green fees: $95 ($85 weekdays)
Visit Lonsdale Links
Lonsdale Links is a beautifully designed golf course located on the Bellarine Peninsula in Victoria. With its rolling fairways, strategic bunkering, and exceptional greens, this course offers a challenging and enjoyable golfing experience. Lonsdale Links has undergone a recent transformation, with a focus on incorporating the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape into the course design.
Thirteenth Beach – Beach Course
Location: Barwon Heads, Victoria
Green fees: $135 ($115 Weekdays)
Visit Thirteenth Beach
Thirteenth Beach, located in Barwon Heads, Victoria, offers two fantastic golf courses, but the standout is the Beach Course. Designed by Tony Cashmore and Sir Nick Faldo, this links-style course weaves its way through the sand dunes along the stunning coastline. Featuring large greens, deep bunkers, and wide fairways, the Beach Course provides a thrilling golf experience for players of all abilities.
Portsea Golf Club
Location: Portsea, Victoria
Green fees: $110 ($100 weekdays)
Visit Portsea Golf Club
Nestled on the southern tip of the Mornington Peninsula, Portsea Golf Club boasts a challenging and picturesque layout. This classic links-style course, with its undulating fairways, deep bunkers, and native grasses, offers golfers a true test of skill. Portsea Golf Club is renowned for its superb conditioning and excellent greens, providing a high-quality golfing experience for all who visit.
Moonah Links – Legends Course
Location: Fingal, Victoria
Green fees: $125 ($110 low season)
Visit the Moonah Links
Moonah Links is home to two fantastic golf courses, but the Legends Course is the one that truly stands out. This challenging layout was designed by Ross Perrett and features wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and large, undulating greens. The Legends Course offers an enjoyable and testing golf experience, with many holes providing breathtaking views of the surrounding coastal landscape.
Brookwater Golf & Country Club
Location: Brookwater, Queensland
Green fees: $135 ($115 weekdays)
Visit Brookwater
Brookwater Golf & Country Club, located just outside Brisbane, is a beautiful parkland-style course that winds its way through native Australian bushland. Designed by Greg Norman, this challenging layout features dramatic elevation changes, carefully placed bunkers, and meticulously maintained greens. Brookwater offers a truly memorable golf experience, with each hole providing a unique and exciting challenge.
Tips for Booking Your Getaway
Planning a golf getaway to experience some of the best courses in Australia can be an exciting adventure. To ensure a seamless and enjoyable trip, follow these tips for booking your golf vacation:
Book in Advance
Popular golf courses can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. To secure your preferred tee times, book your rounds in advance. This will also give you a better chance of getting discounted rates or package deals.
Choose the Right Time of Year
Australia’s weather varies significantly depending on the region and time of year. Research the best time to visit each golf course, taking into consideration factors like temperature, rainfall, and course maintenance schedules. This will help ensure you have the best possible playing conditions during your trip.
Look for Package Deals
Many golf courses and resorts offer package deals that include accommodation, green fees, and other amenities. These packages can provide excellent value and make the booking process more convenient. Additionally, some packages may offer access to multiple courses, allowing you to experience a variety of layouts during your trip.
Research Accommodation Options
Consider the location of your accommodation in relation to the golf courses you plan to play. Staying close to the course can save time and make your trip more enjoyable. Many golf courses have on-site or nearby accommodations, ranging from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels and holiday rentals.
Check Course Policies and Dress Codes
Each golf course may have different policies regarding pace of play, cart usage, and dress codes. Make sure to review these policies ahead of time to avoid any surprises or inconveniences during your trip.
Prepare Your Golf Equipment
Before embarking on your golf getaway, ensure your golf clubs and other equipment are in good condition. If you plan on renting clubs, research the available options at each course and reserve them in advance if necessary.
Plan Non-Golf Activities
While golf may be the main focus of your trip, don’t forget to explore the local attractions and activities in the areas you’ll be visiting. From wine tasting in Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula to wildlife encounters on King Island, make the most of your Australian adventure by experiencing all that the country has to offer.
By following these tips for booking your golf getaway, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience as you play some of the top golf courses in Australia. With a little planning and preparation, you’ll be well on your way to creating unforgettable memories on the fairways Down Under.
Wrap-Up
These top 9 best golf courses in Australia showcase the diversity and quality of golf available. From the rugged coastal links of Tasmania to the lush parkland courses of Queensland, there’s something for every golfer to enjoy. Whether you’re an experienced golfer or a newcomer to the game, these exceptional courses are sure to provide you with an unforgettable golf experience.
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