Golf in Australia
Including Barnbougle Dunes, Brookwater Golf and Country Club, and Cape Wickham Links. On the map.
The vibe
Golf courses in Australia blend coastal views with rugged landscapes, offering a relaxed, scenic play that feels more like a leisurely escape than a competitive grind. The cooler months from April to September provide comfortable temperatures for a full round, while summer can be hot but still playable. Most golfers find the courses welcoming to visitors, with a friendly, laid-back atmosphere and minimal formalities.

Barnbougle Dunes, Tasmania
Tasmania
jacobharrisau / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Consistently ranked among the world's best golf resorts, Barnbougle Dunes offers dramatic links golf carved through coastal sand dunes in northeastern Tasmania. Designed by Tom Doak and Mike Clayton, it delivers traditional fast-running links turf alongside sweeping views of Bass Strait.
Access. Fly into Launceston Airport, then rent a car for a scenic 90-minute drive north to the coast. On-site cottage accommodations provide an immersive stay-and-play experience.
Notes. Best played between November and April during the Australian summer. Expect windy coastal conditions and rolling firm fairways.

Brookwater Golf and Country Club, Brisbane, Queensland
Queensland
ChocolateTrain / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
Designed by Greg Norman, Brookwater is an undulating parkland masterpiece carved through dense native eucalypt forests west of Brisbane. Elevation changes, deep ravines, and natural creeks test players on every hole amidst a tranquil bushland setting.
Access. Located roughly a 40-minute drive southwest of Brisbane; rental cars or private transfers are recommended.
Notes. Carts are strongly recommended due to significant elevation changes and distance between greens.

Cape Wickham Links, King Island, Tasmania
Tasmania
Peter Neaum / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Perched on the rugged coastline of King Island, Cape Wickham features dramatic ocean holes that hug the cliffs and crashing surf around Australia's tallest lighthouse. Designed by Darius Oliver and Mike DeVere, it is celebrated as one of the finest dramatic seaside links courses in the Southern Hemisphere.
Access. Reach via commercial flights to King Island from Melbourne or Hobart, followed by a short rental car drive to the northern tip of the island.
Notes. Prone to strong coastal winds that change course playability dramatically. On-site accommodation and clubhouse facilities available.

Kingston Heath Golf Club, Victoria
Victoria
Sicnag / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Another magnificent Sandbelt masterpiece in Melbourne, Kingston Heath is celebrated for arguably the finest collection of bunkers in world golf. The layout winds seamlessly through native bushland and ti-tree, rewarding precision and clever course management.
Access. Situated in Heatherton, about 35 minutes south of Melbourne's CBD by taxi or rental car. International tee times require advance inquiry.
Notes. Walk-only course utilizing traditional caddies when available. Appropriate golf attire and proper handicap certificates required.

New South Wales Golf Club, Sydney, New South Wales
New South Wales
Maurice van Creij / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Perched dramatically on the rocky headlands of La Perouse overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Botany Bay, this classic Alister MacKenzie-designed course offers sweeping coastal views and steep terrain. The iconic par-3 fifth hole plays directly across a rugged ocean inlet.
Access. A short drive from downtown Sydney to La Perouse; visitor tee times are typically restricted to specific days of the week, so advance booking is essential.
Notes. Coastal breezes heavily influence play. Strict dress code and handicap requirements apply for visiting golfers.

Nullarbor Links, South Australia and Western Australia
South Australia
Bahnfrend / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Spanning 1,365 kilometers along the Eyre Highway from Ceduna to Kalgoorlie, this is the world's longest golf course. Each of the 18 holes is located in a different outback town or roadhouse, offering a uniquely Australian outback golfing adventure across the Nullarbor Plain.
Access. Accessible by car or 4WD along the Eyre Highway as part of an epic Nullarbor road trip, with green fees paid at each participating roadhouse or town stop.
Notes. Best played during the cooler months from April to October. Proper outback travel preparations, extra fuel, and sun protection are essential.

Ocean Dunes, King Island, Tasmania
Tasmania
Mike Dobbie from Melbourne, Australia / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Situated on the roaring roaring-forties coastline of King Island, Ocean Dunes presents a pure links challenge with massive sand dunes, undulating fairways, and ocean views from every single hole. Several holes play directly over coastal rock shelves and inlets.
Access. Fly into King Island airport from Melbourne, then rent a vehicle to reach the course on the island's west coast.
Notes. Wind conditions dictate club selection on nearly every shot. Bring plenty of golf balls and a windproof layer.

Royal Adelaide Golf Club, South Australia
South Australia
Normangerman at English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
Located in the western suburbs of Adelaide, Royal Adelaide is a historic championship links-style course woven through natural sand hills and pine trees. Famous for its railway line cutting through the course, it blends classic architectural heritage with pristine conditioning.
Access. Fly into Adelaide Airport and take a short taxi or tram ride to Seaton. International and interstate visitors must arrange bookings through the club secretary in advance.
Notes. Traditional dress codes enforced. Favorable Mediterranean climate makes it playable year-round.

Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Victoria
Victoria
Bob Tan / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The crown jewel of Australia's famous Melbourne Sandbelt, Royal Melbourne features masterworks by Alister MacKenzie known for magnificent strategic bunkering and slick, undulating greens. It is widely considered one of the top golf courses on the planet.
Access. Located in Black Rock, a suburb of Melbourne. International visitors should book well in advance via the club's limited international visitor slots and arrange transport from central Melbourne.
Notes. Jacket and tie required in the clubhouse; strict handicap limits apply. Playable year-round, with spring and autumn offering ideal weather.

Royal Queensland Golf Club, Brisbane, Queensland
Queensland
Chris Olszewski / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Situated on the banks of the Brisbane River in Hamilton, Royal Queensland offers a championship parkland-links hybrid experience with wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and views of the city skyline. It serves as a major host venue for premier professional tournaments.
Access. Conveniently located just minutes from downtown Brisbane and Brisbane Airport via taxi or rideshare.
Notes. Subtropical climate allows year-round play, though summers can be hot and humid.

Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club, Melbourne, Victoria
Victoria
Medelam / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Designed by Greg Norman, this resort-style championship course incorporates large lakes, strategic bunkering, and coastal winds near Port Phillip Bay. It offers a distinct contemporary challenge compared to Melbourne's traditional Sandbelt layouts.
Access. A 30-minute drive west of Melbourne CBD along the Princes Freeway.
Notes. Open to visiting golfers with public tee times available. Wind can be a major factor coming off the nearby bay.

The Lakes Golf Club, Sydney, New South Wales
New South Wales
Maksym Kozlenko (Мак… / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Renowned for its extensive water hazards and immaculate parkland conditioning, The Lakes has hosted numerous professional Australian Open championships. The layout winds through native bushland and water features just minutes from Sydney's eastern suburbs.
Access. Easily accessible via taxi or car from central Sydney or Sydney Airport.
Notes. Strict handicap verification and visitor booking windows apply. Soft spikes required.

The Vintage Golf Club, Hunter Valley, New South Wales
New South Wales
John Tann from Sydney, Australia / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Australia's first Greg Norman-designed championship golf course set amidst the rolling vineyards of the Hunter Valley wine region. The course combines challenging bunker placement and manicured fairways with picturesque views of surrounding wine estates.
Access. A two-hour drive north of Sydney into the Hunter Valley, perfect for a weekend golf and wine getaway.
Notes. Pairs exceptionally well with wine-tasting itineraries. On-site resort and spa facilities available.
