Top five public golf courses
One thing that astounds visitors to Australia is that if you want to play golf you don’t need an expensive club membership, but can take advantage of literally thousands of public golf courses, usually for a very reasonable price.So if you’re a serious golfer or just want to clean off the clubs and take a hit, hop in the car, head out into the country and have a crack at one of these.
Barnbougle, Tasmania
Barnbougle has not one but two 18-hole links-style courses in spectacular terrain through the sand dunes of Bridport on Anderson Bay on Tassie’s north-east coast. While it looks like something the professionals would tackle in Scotland or Ireland, be assured Barnbougle welcomes players of all abilities. You’ll want to book and maybe stay the night but definitely drive up from Launceston and enjoy the wineries and lovely Tamar Valley.
Nullarbor Links, South Australia and Western Australia
If you’re up for a long drive (both in the car and with the one-wood) the location should give a clue about Nullarbor Links, the world’s longest gold course. Spanning two states and 1365km along the Eyre Highway, the idea is to play one hole, drive to the next and so on (allow about four days to complete the course). Starting in Ceduna and ending in Kalgoorlie (or you can do it in reverse), many of the holes are singletons at lonely stopovers along the desert highway and include unusual hazards such as a ball-burgling crow at the Nullarbor Roadhouse.
Anglesea Golf Club, Victoria
Just about any sizable Australian town has a public golf course but Anglesea’s course has more than a few unique attractions. First, you’re at the gateway of the Great Ocean Road and all its scenic driving opportunities. Second, if you have international visitors the course is home to a large population of grey kangaroos who graze contentedly as the balls and golfers whiz past, and non-golfers can even join a 30-minute roo tour. The course is serene, a little hilly and mixes some challenges with a pleasant walk.
Toowoomba Golf Club, Queensland
The Middle Ridge course is a lovely golf club in historic Toowoomba set on gently contoured terrain just outside of town. This is definitely non-tropical Queensland: at an altitude of 700 metres it’s more European (or at least, Victorian) than the far-north golf courses and only about a 90 minute drive from Brisbane. Enjoy the usually mild weather, the clubhouse and bistro, take lessons from the resident pro or book a corporate event.
Ocean Shores, NSW
This pristine course is about halfway between Byron Bay and Tweed Heads on NSW’s north coast and the location on the edge of the Koonyum Range and the Pacific Ocean is idyllic. Eighteen holes on the championship course is good value at $42, and non-golfers will love the club house, swimming pools, SeaSalt Restaurant and lawn bowls. Ocean Shores is an area developed for a great day out, and the golf club is a beautiful place for relaxation as much as serious sport.
Related: Five great cars for keen golfers
Related: Top five Mini-Golf courses worth a drive
Related: Five fun games to play on your holiday road trip
Tags
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
