From dramatic coastal greens to idyllic pastoral landscapes, these are the best golf courses in Australia.
Part of the allure of golf is its accessibility. Regardless of whether you prefer an occasional swing in the summertime sun, or if you’re honing your skills towards a single-digit handicap, golf can be enjoyed by all. With greens often set within picturesque landscapes, this (mostly) easygoing sport is a fantastic addition to any holiday itinerary.
Golfing in Australia
The earliest records of golfing in Australia date back to the late 19th century. Since then, putting your stuff on the green has become one of Australia’s favourite pastimes, with more than 1800 courses across the country. In fact, data obtained by Golf Australia throughout 2022 and 2023 found that 3.5 million Australians played golf, representing 17.6% of adult Australians, up from 2.7 million in 2021 to 2022. With that in mind, we’ve reviewed the best golf courses in Australia to bring you this round-up of bucket list-worthy greens.
How to judge the quality of a golf course
When evaluating the quality of a golf course, environment, facilities, greens, routing, bunkers, tees, fairways and design should all be considered. The setting should be scenic and the course layout should minimise slow play while maximising the natural terrain. Tees must be level and well-maintained, while fairways should be firm, fast and clearly defined. Facilities should offer dining, locker rooms and flexible bookings. The grounds should be firm with short grass and appropriate planting for putting. Bunkers should have clean, defined edges, proper depth and effective drainage, with sand free of debris.
12 of the best golf courses in Australia
Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Victoria
Royal Melbourne Golf Club is located in Black Rock and is one of Australia’s premier private golf clubs, renowned for its two world-class courses. The West Course consistently ranks among the top five globally, while the East Course holds a prestigious sixth place within Australia. Established in 1891, the club has hosted national and international tournaments.
Cape Wickham Golf Links, Tasmania
Located on the northern tip of King Island, Cape Wickham Links is a public 18-hole course that offers an unforgettable golfing experience with ocean views from every hole. Opened in 2015, the course was masterfully designed by Mike DeVries and Darius Oliver, making full use of the dramatic coastal terrain. The opening tee shot is framed by Bass Strait, the towering Cape Wickham Lighthouse and Victoria Cove beach. With on-site villa accommodations and a clubhouse that showcases King Island’s finest local produce, Cape Wickham Links is one of the best golf courses in Australia.
New South Wales Golf Club, New South Wales
Opened in December 1926, the New South Wales Golf Club is a private par-72 links-style course designed by Dr. Alister MacKenzie and Carnegie Clark. Situated on the rugged cliffs of La Perouse, it offers picturesque vistas of Botany Bay and the Tasman Sea. The 18-hole course runs along the water’s edge and features undulating fairways. The elegant clubhouse combines traditional architecture with modern five-star amenities, and although New South Wales Golf Club is a private members’ club, limited guest access is available on weekdays.
Barnbougle Dunes & Lost Farm, Tasmania
Known as one of Australia’s premier golfing destinations, Barnbougle is set against the dramatic landscapes of Tasmania’s northeast coast. The Dunes opened in 2004 and was the first of its courses, designed by acclaimed architect Tom Doak in collaboration with former European Tour pro Mike Clayton. Once a stretch of potato farmland, The Dunes now offers a world-class links experience. Its sister course, Lost Farm, features 20 holes and was crafted by the renowned Coore & Crenshaw design firm. Together, Barnbougle’s rolling fairways and coastal locale make it one of the best golf courses in Australia.
Royal Adelaide Golf Club, South Australia
This prestigious private golf club in Seaton offers a world-class 18-hole links course with a par ranging from 70 to 73. The Royal Adelaide Golf Club has hosted numerous international and interstate championships. Renowned architects Dan Soutar, Dr. Alister MacKenzie, Brian Slawnik and Tom Doak have all made contributions to the layout. Expect rolling green lawns, plenty of sun, and a train or two passing through on the tracks that bisect the playing field.
Kingston Heath Golf Club, Victoria
Established in 1909, Kingston Heath Golf Club is a premier golfing destination nestled within the Sandbelt region of Melbourne’s southeast suburbs. Over the years, Kingston Heath has hosted numerous national and international events, with golfing heavyweights such as Tiger Woods, Adam Scott, Ian Baker-Finch, Greg Norman, Peter Senior, Karrie Webb and Gary Player all making an appearance. While it operates as a private members club, select visitor access is permitted on designated days, allowing all golf enthusiasts to experience the green.
The National Golf Club, Victoria
With two distinct sites at Cape Schanck and Long Island, members and guests of The National Golf Club enjoy an unparalleled golfing experience across 72 holes of championship-calibre fairways. Established in 1985, the club is one of the best golf courses in Australia. Its lush landscapes are bordered by Mornington Peninsula’s dramatic coastline and offer an idyllic setting for golfers of all levels to practice their swing while basking in a beautiful sunset.
The Peninsula Kingswood Country and Golf Club, Victoria
Formed in 2013 when Peninsula Country Golf Club and Kingswood Golf Club merged to become one facility, Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club features two championship courses that challenge golfers of all skill levels. For those seeking the complete golfing experience, Peninsula Kingswood provides luxurious accommodations, state-of-the-art practice facilities, an indoor pool, gymnasium, tennis court, bowling green and games room. International and interstate visitors are invited to inquire about public tee times. Positioned inside Melbourne’s Sandbelt golf region, Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club is one of the best golf courses in Australia.
Metropolitan Golf Club, Victoria
Another Melbourne Sandbelt local, the Metropolitan Golf Club offers a championship golf course famed for its design and natural beauty. Originally farmland, the course was meticulously crafted by J.B. MacKenzie and is now framed by native flora, creating a serene and challenging golfing experience. While primarily a private club, limited opportunities exist for visitors to putt their stuff on the green.
The Lakes Golf Club, Victoria
As one of the best golf courses in Australia, putters teeing off at The Lakes Golf Club can expect challenging wind conditions, 97 bunkers, sandy wastelands and numerous water hazards. Established in 1928, this venue has hosted several major tournaments, and members have access to a state-of-the-art golf academy, exceptional services and amenities.
Victoria Golf Club, Victoria
Boasting a dramatic, tree-lined entry, a handsome clubhouse and verdant grounds, Victoria Golf Club provides a number of tees for players of various abilities, with the Silver course being the championship course used for tournament play. The private club has an 18-hole Sandbelt layout and welcomes interstate and overseas guests who are members of other golf clubs. However, should you choose to stay in the well-appointed clubhouse rooms, guests enjoy the same playing privileges as members.
Woodlands Golf Club, Victoria
Known for its challenging and picturesque layout, Woodlands Golf Club is set amidst lush greenery and features well-maintained fairways. The course is a popular choice for golfers of all skill levels and the club’s signature par-3 16th hole, featuring a precise tee shot over water, is a highlight. The championship course is highly regarded among golfing enthusiasts and, while primarily a private club, there are limited availabilities for green fee play, making Woodlands one of the best golf courses in Australia.
Honourable mentions
- Meadow Springs Golf Club, Western Australia
- Alice Springs Golf Club, Northern Territory
- The Royal Canberra (Westbourne), Australian Capital Territory
FAQ
What is the best golf course in Australia?
This year, Royal Melbourne Gold Club was dethroned as the best golf course in Australia for just the second time in 40 years. According to Australian Golf Digest’s Top 100 course rankings, this year Cape Wickham on Tasmania’s King Island is the number one golf course in Australia. The only other course to ever knock Royal Melbourne off its perch was Kingston Heath in Victoria.
Which Australian state has the best golf courses?
Victoria is the golf capital of Australia with many of the nation’s best courses hosted within the renowned Melbourne Sandbelt. There are hundreds of golf courses registered in Victoria, offering dedicated putters and occasional swingers an abundance of greens (and challanges) to choose from.
What is the longest golf course in Australia?
The Nullarbor Links is the longest course in Australia. Spanning 1365 kilometres, this is an 18-hole, 72-par challenger along the Eyre Highway on the South Coast of Australia. It crosses two states, South and Western Australia.
How many golf courses are in Australia?
More than 1800.
Which Australian state has the most golf courses?
Victoria is the state with the most golf courses in Australia, followed closely by New South Wales.
What is the best golf course in Australia?
Royal Melbourne Golf Club.
What is the golf capital of Australia?
The Melbourne Sandbelt in Victoria.
What is the biggest golf tournament in Australia?
The Australian Open in the PGA Tour of Australasia, owned and operated by Golf Australia.
What is the number one golf course in Australia?
As of 2024, Cape Wickham, Tasmania
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