Best Golf Courses in Australia: Coastlines, Sandbelt & More

Why Australia Is a Bucket-List Destination for Golfers

Australia is a land of stunning contrasts, and nowhere is that more evident than on its golf courses. From the windswept coastal cliffs of Tasmania to the legendary Sandbelt of Melbourne, the country is home to some of the world’s most dramatic, challenging, and beautiful golf courses. Whether you’re planning a golf vacation or adding a round to your Aussie adventure, this guide will take you through the best golf courses in Australia — coastlines, Sandbelt icons, inland gems, and more.

---

Australia’s Golf Scene at a Glance

• Number of Courses: Over 1,500
  
• Standout Regions: Melbourne Sandbelt, Tasmania, New South Wales, Queensland’s Sunshine and Gold Coasts
  
• Course Types: Links, Sandbelt, parkland, resort, and coastal cliff-top layouts
  
• Season: Year-round, but best in spring (Sept–Nov) and autumn (March–May)

---

1. Royal Melbourne Golf Club (West Course) – Melbourne, VIC

The Crown Jewel of the Sandbelt

Royal Melbourne West is Australia’s most iconic course. With strategic bunkering, firm-and-fast fairways, and lightning-fast greens, it’s a masterclass in shot-making. If you get the chance to play here, do it — it’s exclusive, but unforgettable.

---

2. Barnbougle Dunes – Bridport, Tasmania

Wild, Raw, and Spectacular Coastal Golf

Barnbougle Dunes feels like a slice of Scotland dropped into Tasmania. It’s challenging yet fair, and the wind off Bass Strait adds drama to every round. Stay at the on-site lodge and pair it with Lost Farm for the ultimate Tasmanian golf experience.

---

3. Kingston Heath Golf Club – Melbourne, VIC

A Sandbelt Classic with Surgical Precision

Kingston Heath is a strategic masterpiece. It’s shorter than some tour-level courses but demands total control and creativity, especially from the tee. A favorite among pros and architecture purists.

---

4. Cape Wickham Links – King Island, TAS

Cliff-Edge Golf With Unreal Views

If you love dramatic, windswept golf, Cape Wickham is your dream round. It’s remote — you’ll fly into King Island — but it’s worth the effort. The jaw-dropping ocean scenery and smart design make every hole memorable.

---

5. New South Wales Golf Club – La Perouse, NSW

Where Sydney’s City Meets Ocean Drama

Perched on dramatic cliffs just south of Sydney, this course mixes classic design with breathtaking coastal views. Sea breezes, elevation changes, and panoramic backdrops make it one of Australia’s most photogenic and exciting layouts.

---

6. Victoria Golf Club – Melbourne, VIC

Sandbelt Strategy and Tournament Pedigree

Victoria is a thinking player’s course — tight fairways, deceptive greens, and world-class bunkering. As a Sandbelt standout, it’s a must-play when in Melbourne.

---

7. Lost Farm – Bridport, Tasmania

Barnbougle’s Perfect Companion

Often overshadowed by Barnbougle Dunes, Lost Farm deserves equal billing. It offers a different rhythm — wider landing areas, elevated greens, and more playable angles for all skill levels.

---

8. The National Golf Club (Moonah Course) – Mornington Peninsula, VIC

Bold Bunkering and Scenic Routing

This course delivers a challenging yet beautiful experience, with deep bunkers, firm greens, and exposure to wind and coastal elements. A top-tier public access layout just 90 minutes from Melbourne.

---

9. The Lakes Golf Club – Sydney, NSW

Water Everywhere, Strategy Required

The Lakes combines urban convenience with tour-level challenge. Water hazards dominate many holes, demanding accuracy and commitment. A great option for travelers staying in the city.

---

10. Hamilton Island Golf Club – Queensland

Island Golf in the Whitsundays

Built across rolling hills and dramatic ridgelines, Hamilton Island is a destination golf course in every sense. The views over the Coral Sea are unmatched. Come for the scenery, stay for the thrill.

---

Bonus Picks: More Aussie Gems Worth the Trip

• Royal Adelaide Golf Club (SA): Sandbelt-style design with coastal winds
  
• Joondalup Resort (WA): A wild layout carved through limestone quarries
  
• Magenta Shores (NSW): A modern resort course with links-style flair
  
• Brookwater (QLD): Queensland’s top inland course, lush and dramatic
  

---

Best Regions to Base Your Aussie Golf Trip

Melbourne Sandbelt

Home to Australia’s most architecturally significant courses. Stay in the southeast suburbs for easy access.

Tasmania (Barnbougle & King Island)

Remote and rugged, but home to three of the world’s top 100 courses. Plan at least 3–4 days.

Sydney + New South Wales Coast

Play cliffside courses with epic views and enjoy vibrant nightlife and beaches.

Queensland (Gold & Sunshine Coasts)

Warmer weather, resort-style layouts, and beachside golf year-round.

---

Conclusion

Australia offers one of the most diverse and breathtaking collections of golf courses anywhere in the world. Whether you’re drawn to the coastal drama of Tasmania, the strategic brilliance of the Sandbelt, or the tropical beauty of Queensland, you’ll find a course that fits your playing style and travel appetite.

Pack your passport, grab your sticks, and prepare to play some of the most unforgettable golf of your life—Australian style.

---

FAQs

1. When is the best time to golf in Australia?
   Spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) offer ideal conditions across most regions.
   
2. Are the Sandbelt courses open to the public?
   Some are private, but limited access is available through golf travel packages or member invitations.
   
3. How do I get to Tasmania and King Island?
   Short flights from Melbourne or Sydney connect to both. Rental cars or transfers are needed once you land.
   
4. Can I rent clubs at these top courses?
   Yes. Most premium courses offer high-quality rental sets for traveling golfers.
   
5. What’s the dress code at Australia’s top courses?
   Smart golf attire is expected. Collared shirts, tailored shorts or pants, and proper golf shoes are required at most clubs.