Australia
World-class courses, dramatic coastlines, and perfect weather combine for an unforgettable, bucket-list golf escape
Australia is home to some of the most spectacular and highly regarded golf courses in the world. From dramatic coastal layouts to rugged inland tracks and meticulously groomed parkland designs, golf in Australia offers a rich and varied experience for players of all skill levels. With a strong golf culture, ideal weather, and access to stunning natural landscapes, it’s no surprise that the country has produced some of the world’s finest professional golfers and regularly hosts top-tier international tournaments.
The Melbourne Sandbelt is arguably Australia’s most famous golfing region and is revered by purists worldwide. Located just southeast of Melbourne’s city centre, this area is blessed with naturally sandy soil that drains superbly and allows for the firm and fast playing conditions sought after by architects and professionals alike. Courses such as Royal Melbourne, Kingston Heath, Metropolitan, Victoria, and Commonwealth consistently rank among the best in the world.
Royal Melbourne, designed by the legendary Alister MacKenzie, is often cited as one of the finest courses ever built, known for its wide fairways, natural bunkering, and demanding greens. Kingston Heath, equally celebrated, is a masterclass in strategic design despite a relatively flat site, proving that clever routing and contouring can rival dramatic terrain.
Sydney combines cosmopolitan vibrancy with iconic coastal golf. The New South Wales Golf Club, perched above the Pacific Ocean at La Perouse, is a masterpiece of links-inspired design, offering panoramic views and relentless wind conditions that test every aspect of a golfer’s game. The Lakes, Royal Sydney, and The Australian Golf Club are also prominent fixtures, often hosting the Australian Open and showcasing the city’s role as a hub for both elite golf and lifestyle appeal.
Tasmania has emerged as a must-visit golf destination thanks to two extraordinary sites: Barnbougle and King Island.
Barnbougle, located on Tasmania’s northeast coast, features Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm—two world-renowned links courses carved from windswept dunes. Designed respectively by Tom Doak and the team of Coore & Crenshaw, these layouts embrace the minimalist style, using the natural contours and elements to dictate play. The setting is raw and remote, which only adds to the mystique and adventure of the experience.
A short flight away, King Island boasts Cape Wickham and Ocean Dunes, both dramatic cliffside courses offering some of the most breathtaking ocean views in world golf. Cape Wickham, in particular, is often ranked among the top 20 courses globally, praised for its routing, variety, and constant engagement with the coastline.
Queensland offers a laid-back, resort-style golf experience that suits both leisure travelers and serious players. The Gold Coast is home to championship venues such as Royal Pines, host of the PGA Championship, and The Glades, designed by Greg Norman. Up north, Palmer Sea Reef near Port Douglas and Hamilton Island Golf Club in the Whitsundays offer tropical beauty and challenging play, surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef’s wonders.
Western Australia’s golf scene, centered around Perth, includes gems like Lake Karrinyup Country Club, a regular tour stop known for its elevated terrain and fast greens. Meanwhile, Joondalup Resort, with its dramatic quarry holes and bushland setting, provides an unforgettable round.
In South Australia, Royal Adelaide and Kooyonga showcase the classic Australian sandbelt style, while The Grange—host of LIV Golf events—demonstrates the state’s growing role in global golf. The Fleurieu Peninsula and Barossa Valley also offer scenic, wine-country courses for more relaxed rounds.
Golf in Australia is a diverse and exhilarating journey. Whether you're teeing off on a world top-10 course in Melbourne, embracing the raw beauty of Tasmania, or enjoying a relaxed resort round in Queensland, the variety and quality of golf across the country are second to none. Add in the country’s warm hospitality, excellent food and wine, and stunning natural landscapes, and it’s easy to see why Australia is a bucket-list destination for golfers around the globe.
