From seaside links to wild greens, the beauty of Australia’s golf courses is as rich and rare as that of our sunny shores. The only issue is where to tee off first. To help you make your choice, we’ve rounded up a list of the most beautiful and scenic golf clubs in Australia.
1. Barnbougle Dunes, TAS
Nestled amongst the wild, vast coastal landscape of Tasmania’s northeast coast is one of the country’s top golf courses. Featuring stunning rugged and untouched surrounds, Barnbougle Dunes is a real hidden gem. The course was inspired by traditional Scottish and Irish links and offers sensational golfing with even better views. Additionally, you can play and stay at Barnbougle thanks to its excellent accommodation.
2. Bondi Golf & Diggers Club, NSW
Golfers regard the 9-hole course at Bondi Golf & Diggers Club as one of the most breathtaking golf courses in Australia. There, players can putt around while immersing themselves in the stunning surrounds of Bondi Beach and taking in the fresh sea air. Open year-round, the club has been serving Syndey golfers since it opened in 1926 with its great course and impressive views.
3. Cape Wickham Links, King Island, TAS
Stowed away on King Island, Cape Wickham Links boasts 18 greens that hug the rocky shores of its stunning seaside location. With imposing views of the spectacular Cape Wickham Lighthouse, golfers can be treated to panoramic sights from the dunes or take in the stony shoreline as the greens weave around Victoria Cove. Home to an abundance of wildlife, you can have a hit surrounded by wallabies, wild turkeys, majestic shearwater birds and even spot the occasional seal basking in the sun.
4. Hamilton Island Golf Club, QLD
Hamilton Island Golf Club is not just another play-and-stay style links. While it does offer luxurious accommodation, it also sits on its very own island. Designed by five-time British Open winner, Peter Thomson, it is located on the secluded Dent Island, just off the Queensland coast. The 18-hole course is considered one of the most challenging in the world and features spectacular views of the Whitsundays.
5. Ellerston Golf Club, NSW
Ellerston Golf Club is the hidden gem of New South Wales’ Hunter Valley. This luxe land is tucked away in the high country and sees to the enjoyment of only the most wealthy golfers. The spectacular ground was built by media tycoon, Kerry Paker and even houses his private course. Additionally, there is no shortage of awe-inspiring views and challenging greens here, if you have the coin of course.
6. New South Wales Golf Club, NSW
The elite New South Wales Golf Club boasts a minimum handicap for men and women and no weekend games unless invited by a member. So, if you want to experience the stunning greens and sea views, you’ll have to join or befriend a member. However, signing up is well worth the fee for the picturesque scenery alone, which features native shrubs, wildflowers, and views of Botany Bay.
7. Albert Park Golf Course, VIC
Albert Park Golf Course follows the boundary of Australia’s Formula 1 Grand Prix racetrack. It is considered one of the best public golfing locations in the world and sits adjacent to the famous St Kilda Road Boulevard. Overlooking Albert Park’s beautiful lake, this championship golf course also boasts some of Melbourne’s most beautiful CBD and skyline views.
8. Tanunda Pines, SA
If you love your wine as much as you enjoy a hit, then Tanunda Pines in the Barossa Valley is the course for you. Nestled among vineyards and rolling hills, this gorgeous golf club sits between two of the country’s most beloved winemakers, Jacob’s Creek and St Hallett. Sip on your favourite wine while taking swings in the company of native birds and wildlife. If you have a few too many reds, you can always stay the night at the site’s cosy accommodation.
9. The National (Moonah), VIC
Built on the Mornington Peninsula’s iconic coast, the National Golf Club’s Moonah course boasts 18 holes surrounded by indigenous trees and rolling green hills. Renowned for its stunning and elite links, Moonah, which is one of three courses from the National, is a private club that boasts both beauty and excellence.
10. Royal Pines, QLD
You should recognise RACV Royal Pines Golf Course as the host of the Australian PGA. The prestigious 27-hole course offers the choice of three unique 18-hole combinations and sits in the heart of the Gold Coast. Nominated Australia’s Best Golf Hotel for 2017 by the World Golf Awards, the championship links features lush greenery and is located a short distance from the white sandy beaches of Surfers Paradise
11. St Andrews Beach Golf Course, VIC
Take a swing and stay seaside in the stunning surrounds of St Andrews Beach. Situated in the Mornington Peninsula’s Cups Estate and close to the booming surf of Gunnamatta Beach, this was once an elite members-only club. However, it is now considered one of the best public courses in the country. With its rustic clubhouse, cosy accommodation and stunning scenery, this challenging green is a must every avid golfer.
12. The Links Kennedy Bay, WA
One of the best golf courses in Australia, the Links Kennedy Bay features beautiful rolling hills and undulating topography. It is inspired by the traditional links of Scotland and Ireland and runs along vast blue waters, making it is as challenging as it is beautiful.
13. The Eastern Golf Club, VIC
The Eastern Golf Club’s beauty is equal to the rest of the Yarra Valley region. The stunning country estate sits where the wild bushland meets the flowing Yarra River against the backdrop of the Christmas Hills and Dividing Ranges. Members and guests can tee off surrounded by joeys on the 27-hole championship-standard course. Or, if you’re pressed for time, you also have the option of the 9-hole Shark Waters course, which shows off the spectacular beauty of the wetlands and is suitable for golfers of all skill levels.
14. The Cut Golf Course, WA
The Cut Golf Course is a picturesque public course and one of the leading in the country. It sits along the beautiful coastline of Western Australia and features billowing landscapes with a stunning backdrop. The site also incorporates over 30 species of native plants into its 18-hole championship-style links.
Alexandra Linde is an experienced writer holding a bachelor's degree in Journalism. She is the owner of Alexandra McKiterick Creative and has expertise in travel, fashion, fitness and lifestyle. Alex has previously written for Flightcenter, Travello, and Backpacker Deals.
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