Ultimate Guide to the Best Golf Courses in Australia: Top 15 Courses, Rates & Travel Tips

Australia stands as an undisputed paradise for golfers, combining World Top 100 architecture, pristine coastal dunes, and unmatched hospitality. With over 1,800 courses spread across diverse climates, selecting the right venues requires local knowledge on green fees, access policies, and seasonal weather.

Finding top golf courses in Australia means navigating exclusive private access in Melbourne, remote coastal journeys in Tasmania, and cliffside layouts in Sydney. This complete guide breaks down the top 15 courses by region, providing verified green fees, insider booking strategies, and practical travel itineraries.

Australia Golf at a Glance

For a quick overview, Australia’s leading golf experiences range from prestigious private clubs such as Royal Melbourne and Kingston Heath to publicly accessible coastal courses such as Barnbougle Dunes. Championship green fees generally range from around $120 to $570 USD ($180 to $850 AUD), depending on the course, season, and visitor access policy.

Legendary Sandbelt Golf Courses in Melbourne

The Melbourne Sandbelt hosts the world’s dense concentration of championship golf courses, built on rich, sandy loam subsoil. Experiencing golf in Melbourne offers firm, fast fairways, natural heather, and hand-sculpted bunkering seamlessly cut into green surrounds.

The Royal Melbourne Golf Club (West and East Course)

The 6th at Royal Melbourne Golf Club

Royal Melbourne stands as the crown jewel of Australian golfing heritage. Designed in 1926 by legendary architect Dr. Alister MacKenzie, the West Course utilizes natural sand contours to reward strategic tee shots rather than sheer distance. The greens are fast and firm, guarded by cavernous bunkers filled with fine native sand.

• Signature Challenge: The 6th hole (Par 4) demands a brave tee shot over a massive sandy scrub carry to secure an angle into an elevated, sloping green.
• Visitor Access: International golfers can apply for tee times on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Green fees sit at ~$520 to $570 (~$780 – $850 AUD) per player.

Kingston Heath Golf Club

Kingston Heath Golf Club

Strategically situated within Melbourne’s famed Sandbelt region, Kingston Heath Golf Club boasts meticulously groomed fairways that have consistently garnered a prestigious reputation for their impeccable condition, enduring year after year. This 18-hole masterpiece presents a captivating challenge suitable for golfers of every caliber. It skillfully utilizes undulating terrain, dips, and hollows, complemented by strategically placed bunkers and unforgiving natural elements like tea trees and sandy scrapes.

Kingston Heath’s greens have served as the esteemed venues for numerous prominent national and international golfing events. This illustrious roster includes the Australian Open, Australian Masters, and the Women’s Australian Open, underscoring its standing as a coveted destination within the golfing world.

• Signature Challenge: The 15th hole (Par 3) is a masterclass in risk-reward architecture, played uphill into a narrow green surrounded by deep sand traps.
• Practical Info: Green fees average ~$380 to $460 (~$580 – $700 AUD). Walking with a caddie or pull cart is traditional, as golf carts are restricted to medical requirement

The Victoria Golf Club

Victoria Golf Club in Australia

Victoria Golf Club offers an engaging test through rolling corridors lined with native tea-tree vegetation and coastal gums. Co-designed by Oscar Damman, Bill Meader, and Alister MacKenzie, the layout was recently restored by Ogilvy Cocking Mead (OCM) to re-establish sweeping fairway lines.

• Stay & Play Feature: The heritage clubhouse features 15 luxury guest rooms. Guests staying overnight gain preferred access to tee times and evening dining overlooking the 18th green.
• Green Fee Range: ~$330 to $400(~$500 – $600 AUD).

>>> For travelers planning several rounds, staying close to the course can reduce transfer time and simplify early tee times. This same travel style is increasingly popular across Asia, where stay and play golf packages combine resort accommodation, scheduled rounds, and golf transfers within one itinerary.

Metropolitan Golf Club

Metropolitan Golf Club

Earning widespread acclaim as one of the best Australia golf courses, the Metropolitan Golf Club stands adorned with an impressive array of 96 bunkers. In the year 1908, the visionary engineer J. B. MacKenzie undertook the transformation of the original sandy terrain into a lush, verdant expanse boasting magnificent plantations of native Australian trees and shrubs. Remarkably, it’s home to the oldest surviving specimen of the red flowering gum.

Metropolitan is celebrated as the most impeccably conditioned course in the Melbourne Sandbelt. Featuring 96 hand-cut bunkers, fairway turf that feels like a velvet carpet, and magnificent red flowering gums, Metropolitan has hosted the Australian Open and World Cup of Golf.

• Course Strategy: Narrow fairways demand surgical driver accuracy. Approach shots must land on precise quadrants of the green to avoid putts back down steep false fronts.
• Green Fee Range: ~$300 to $370 (~$450 – $550 AUD).

Commonwealth Golf Club

Commonwealth Golf Club

Featured among Tom Doak’s esteemed selection of “31 courses I would take a good friend to see,” Commonwealth Golf Club, nestled within Melbourne’s revered Sandbelt, is celebrated for its array of formidable challenges. These challenges encompass lengthy driving holes and nuanced slopes that demand pinpoint accuracy from golfers. Gracing the fairways are majestic trees, forming some of the most splendid woodland stretches in Australian golf.

The final quartet of holes, spanning from the 15th to the 18th, ranks among the finest concluding stretches on any Australian course. Notably, the 16th hole, a mid-length par four artfully bending around a serene lake, holds a special distinction. It is renowned for its undulating green, provocatively guarded by a substantial, deep bunker, making it a signature feature of Commonwealth Golf Club.

• Signature Challenge: The 16th hole (Par 4) bends around a natural water hazard, requiring a tee shot close to the water edge to open up a clear view into a sloping green.
• Green Fee Range: ~$200 to $260(~$300 – $390 AUD).

Woodlands Golf Club

Woodlands Golf Club

Established in 1919, Woodlands Golf Club has remained remarkably unaltered since its inception. This timeless course boasts pristine greens enveloped by native trees, including the majestic red gums. Woodlands Golf Club presents golfers with relatively narrow fairways artfully punctuated by superbly placed bunkers. Spanning over 150 acres (60 hectares) and stretching more than 6,000 meters (3.7 miles) from tee to green, the course features compact, unyielding greens that demand precision and control, putting any golfer’s shot-making prowess to the test.

Notably, Woodlands’ fourth hole is widely acknowledged as one of Australia’s finest short par fours. The tee placement assumes a pivotal role, as steep banks on either side serve as formidable sentinels guarding the green. This course offers a challenging, yet equitable, experience, catering to both high handicappers and seasoned golf professionals with equal measure.

• Signature Challenge: The 4th hole (Par 4) measures under 300 meters but features steep mounds guarding a tiny green surface. Driver is rarely the smartest play off the tee.
• Green Fee Range: ~$180 to $230 (~$270 – $350 AUD).

Peninsular Kingswood Country Golf Club

Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club

Following an extensive four-year period of development, the rejuvenated Peninsula Kingswood now stands proudly amidst the prestigious landscape of the Melbourne Sandbelt. This transformation emerged from the merger of two distinguished establishments in 2013, namely Peninsula Golf Club and Kingswood Golf Club. Subsequently, the club divested the Kingswood site and directed substantial resources towards a comprehensive overhaul. This ambitious project encompassed the refurbishment of both existing courses, the construction of a state-of-the-art clubhouse, a pro shop, a pool, a gym, and the addition of onsite accommodation facilities.

The redevelopment efforts were spearheaded by Ogilvy, Clayton, Cocking, and Mead, resulting in nothing short of a spectacular transformation. The North and South course layouts now epitomize the essence of Sandbelt golf, boasting impeccably conditioned and artistically contoured greens, as well as creatively designed ‘flash’ bunkering and well-maintained short grass surrounds. Adding to their allure, the courses and newly introduced onsite amenities are harmoniously complemented by the natural, distinctive sandy heathland areas for which the Sandbelt region is renowned.

• Resort Amenities: Onsite luxury accommodation, state of the art practice facilities, an indoor swimming pool, and fine dining make this an ideal base for a multi day Sandbelt tour.
• Green Fee Range: ~$330 to $400 (~$500 – $600 AUD).

Huntingdale Golf Club

Huntingdale Golf Club

Situated as the youngest gem within Melbourne’s esteemed Sandbelt golfing landscape, Huntingdale Golf Club boasts a rich legacy as the esteemed host of the Australian Masters, a distinction it has held an impressive 31 times. Throughout its storied history, the fairways of Huntingdale have welcomed a veritable who’s who of golfing royalty, with luminaries such as Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Greg Norman gracing its hallowed grounds.

Distinguished by being the sole representation of English golf architect C. H. Alison’s work in Australia, the course stands as a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. It is characterized by flawlessly manicured fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and greens that maintain their lightning-fast and true nature year-round. The design of the greens subtly encourages plays to the left, while the bunkers are artfully crafted to virtually ensure a bogey for any golfer erring in their shot selection.

Yarra Yarra Golf Club

Yarra Yarra Golf Club

Crafted by golf course architect Alex Russell, with recent enhancements overseen by the renowned American architect Tom Doak, the Yarra Yarra Golf Club stands as a testament to its distinctive features – swift and undulating greens seamlessly interwoven with strategically concealed bunkers. This captivating, rolling course nestled alongside Melbourne’s scenic Yarra River has played host to an array of golfing legends, including the likes of Babe Didrikson, Greg Norman, and Karrie Webb. Notably, it served as the launching pad for the professional careers of both Robert Allenby and Stuart Appleby.

Within the realm of golf, Yarra Yarra’s quartet of par threes has earned distinguished acclaim, ranking among the finest on a global scale, as recognized in Tom Doak’s esteemed publication, “The Confidential Guide to Golf Courses.” Remarkably, the par three eleventh hole has garnered praise from Peter Thomson, who hails it as a “national treasure” within the golfing world.

• Signature Challenge: The 11th hole (Par 3) drops into a green surrounded by deep bunkers, praised by five-time Open Champion Peter Thomson as a national treasure.
• Green Fee Range: ~$200 to $250 (~$300 – $380 AUD).

Pure Ocean Links and Dune Destinations in Tasmania

Tasmania delivers world class ocean links, centered around Barnbougle Resort on the rugged northeast coast. Built across coastal sand dunes overlooking Bass Strait, these public accessible layouts provide pure wind-affected, ground-game golf reminiscent of traditional Scottish links.

Barnbougle Dunes Golf Links

Barnbougle Dunes Golf Links

Nestled along the rugged and untamed coastline of Northeast Tasmania, The Dunes Course at Barnbougle Golf Resort has garnered worldwide acclaim as one of the most remarkable links courses since its establishment in 2004. This extraordinary masterpiece, crafted by the collaboration of American golf architect Tom Doak and former Australian professional golfer Michael Clayton, represents a harmonious blend of nature’s grandeur and human ingenuity.

The seventh hole, affectionately known as “Tom’s Little Devil,” epitomizes the course’s unique character. It presents an exacting challenge, demanding a precise shot from an elevated tee onto a diminutive, undulating green – a feat made all the more daunting by the ever-present Tasmanian winds. Meanwhile, the fourth hole proudly boasts the title of the Southern Hemisphere’s most expansive bunker.

• Signature Challenge: The 7th hole (“Tom’s Little Devil”) is a short Par 3 measuring under 120 meters. However, strong coastal winds turning toward a narrow green make club selection a real test.
• Public Access: Fully open to all golfers daily. Green fees range from ~$120 to $190 (~$180 – $285 AUD) for 18 holes.

Barnbougle Lost Farm Golf Links

Barnbougle Lost Farm Golf Links

Barnbougle Lost Farm stands as one of Australia’s most visually stunning golfing destinations. Established in 2010 to complement its sister course, The Dunes, Lost Farm shares certain characteristics while distinctly carving out its own identity.

Teeing off from coastal heathland and navigating inland alongside the meandering Forester River, the fifth hole emerges as a particular standout, tantalizing golfers with the prospect of a birdie or even an eagle. Complementing this golfing paradise is the Lost Farm Lodge, offering elegant accommodations with views overlooking the golf course or the mesmerizing ocean. The resort’s restaurant takes pride in sourcing the finest Tasmanian produce and wines, ensuring that every meal becomes a truly memorable culinary experience.

• Travel Tip: Book stay and play packages at the Lost Farm Lodge. Enjoy local Tasmanian ocean seafood and cool climate wines at the clubhouse glass restaurant overlooking Bass Strait.
• Green Fee Range: ~$120 to $190(~$180 – $285 AUD).

Scenic Coastal Gems and Historic Championship Venues

Outside Melbourne and Tasmania, Australia offers iconic coastal venues such as Sydney’s cliffside New South Wales Golf Club and South Australia’s historic championship courses. Regional hubs like Adelaide also host major international events like liv golf Adelaide, showcasing Australia’s passionate golf culture.

The Grange Golf Club

The Grange Golf Club

Earning global fame as the official host venue for LIV Golf Adelaide, The Grange Golf Club features two 18-hole championship layouts redesigned by Greg Norman (East Course) and Mike Clayton (West Course). The event has won world travel awards for its incredible festival energy and famous “Waterhole” stadium hole on the 12th.

• Location: Grange, South Australia (20 minutes from Adelaide Airport)
• Course Specs: West Course: Par 72 / 6,440 meters | East Course: Par 72 / 6,580 meters
• Estimated Green Fee: $180 to $250 USD (approx. $270 to $380 AUD)
• Visitor Access: Visitor slots available weekdays; advance booking required

New South Wales Golf Club

New South Wales Golf Club

Upon stepping into the clubhouse of the New South Wales Golf Club, perched dramatically on the rugged cliffs of La Perouse, your senses are immediately captivated by the breathtaking panorama that unfolds. From this vantage point, a 360-degree vista unfolds, offering sweeping views of the surrounding Botany Bay and the iconic city skyline of Sydney.

The New South Wales Golf Club, meticulously designed by the visionary Dr. Alister MacKenzie, is a golfing masterpiece set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, encompassing its fairways from all sides. It seamlessly weaves undulating fairways, picturesque landscapes, and a grand traditional clubhouse that exudes five-star comfort.

Notably, the fifth and sixth holes have earned global acclaim for their dynamic interplay. The latter, in particular, stands as a crowning jewel, where players navigate from a rocky outcrop, gazing out over the ocean – an endeavor that demands unwavering precision and supreme focus.

• Signature Challenge: The 6th hole (Par 3) forces players to tee off from an exposed rocky outcrop over ocean waves toward a green carved into the opposite cliff face.
• Visitor Rates: ~$310 to $370 (~$475 – $550 AUD) for international guests on tee times.

The National Golf Club

The National Golf Club Australia

Perched majestically at Cape Schanck on the breathtaking Mornington Peninsula, a brief drive from Melbourne, The National Golf Club and its trio of Signature 18-hole courses are widely celebrated as some of the most coveted golf courses in Australia. This exceptional enclave comprises The Old Course, the Moonah Course, and the Gunnamatta Course, recently having undergone noteworthy architectural enhancements helmed by the esteemed American golf architect, Tom Doak. Collectively, these courses offer a tantalizing 54 holes of golfing nirvana, each boasting its own distinctive design elements and exhilarating challenges.

With the club’s convenient proximity to the nearby vineyards and pristine beaches of this picturesque locale, dedicating more than a single day becomes a necessity to fully savor the splendor of these extraordinary courses, alongside the myriad experiences awaiting discovery on the enchanting Mornington Peninsula.

• Course Highlights: The Old Course (designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.) features dramatic cliffside tee shots over ocean gorges, while Moonah (designed by Greg Norman) offers classic heathland links.
• Green Fee Range: ~$230 to $300 (~$350 – $450 AUD).

The Royal Adelaide Golf Club

The Royal Adelaide Golf Club

Boasting a collection of exceptional holes and an unmistakable sense of adventure, the Royal Adelaide Golf Club, conceived by the visionary Dr. Alister MacKenzie, serves as a canvas for golfers to unleash their creativity and revel in an immensely gratifying golfing journey. This sprawling links course is intricately woven into the sandy craters and dunes of Seaton, nestled beside the beach, safeguarding its native flora and fauna. Remarkably, the historic Grange Railway still traverses the course, providing a charming backdrop to the golfing experience.

Over the years, the Royal Adelaide Golf Club has been the honored host of numerous Australian Open competitions. Among its standout features, the third hole stands as a par four of international renown, often lauded as one of the world’s finest.

Best Time for Golfing in Australia

The best time for golfing in Australia spans October through April (Southern Hemisphere spring to autumn). Southern destinations like Melbourne, Tasmania, and Sydney offer mild temperatures (20°C to 28°C) and low rainfall during these months. 

Seasonal Weather & Flight Connections

Australia’s main golf season overlaps with one of the most popular periods for golf travel in Southeast Asia. Golfers planning a winter escape can also consider golf in Thailand, where Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai, and Phuket offer multiple options for multi-round holidays.

Essential Local Etiquette & Rules for Golfing in Australia

Playing golf in Australia involves unique course maintenance rules, walking traditions, and booking policies. Understanding local etiquette, such as carrying sand buckets to repair divots, ensures an authentic and respectful round across Scandinavian and Australian layouts alike.

Australian golf local rules and checklist:

• Carry a sand bucket: Required at almost every Australian club to fill fairway divots after every shot
• Walking culture: Pull-trolleys (Buggies) are standard. Motorized carts require medical certificates at private clubs|
• Carry Handicap Proof: Official home club handicap card is required at check-in for private Sanbelt courses.
• Dress code: Tucked collared shirts, golf shorts with white socks, soft-spiked golf shoes.
• Caddie Etiquette: Caddies cost $100-$150 ($150-$220 AUD) plus tip; advance reservation is mandatory.

Plan Your Dream Australian Golf Holiday Today

Australia offers an exceptional mix of historic Sandbelt courses, wild coastal links, championship venues, and spectacular ocean golf. Choosing the right combination depends on your travel dates, budget, playing level, and preferred regions.

Ready to turn these courses into a real itinerary? Create your personalized golf holiday based on your preferred destinations, travel dates, and group size. If you need advice before deciding, contact our golf travel experts for help planning your Australia golf trip.

Read more:

• Top 8 Most Expensive Golf Courses in the World by Green Fees
• Which Country Has the Most Golf Courses in the World?
• Top 15 Best Golf Courses in USA

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