Top Golf Courses in Australia: The Top Scenic and Challenging Courses to Play
- Janine
- Aug 1
- 5 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Victoria
The Royal Melbourne Golf Club is consistently ranked among the top 10 golf courses worldwide, as well as a top golf course in Australia. This may be due to its strategic challenges and stunning views of the region. Or it could be due to the course’s 5th hole on the West Course. This long par-3 requires a precise tee shot towards a well-guarded green.
Alister MacKenzie designed this golf course by blending rolling fairways and natural bunkers. The greens are fast, so even seasoned golfers will need to be prepared to have a deft touch at each tee. Trust me when I say you will want to have precision on your approach shots to avoid the deep sand traps on this golf course.
Kingston Heath Golf Club in Victoria
This golf resort in Australia offers a minimalist design with natural dunes and maintained greens. The wide fairways at the Kingston Heath Golf Club encourage aggressive drives. However, even a seasoned golfer will want to be prepared with their approach shots.
The Kingston Heath Golf Club has hosted the Australian Open, as well as other international events. This golf course in Australia is known for its par-4 15th hole. Strategic placement off the tee is required for a precise approach to the narrow green. If you are off by even a centimeter, there is no chance you will get par on this hole.
Golfers are known to move quickly on this golf course. Keep this in mind, and try to slow down if you choose this course for your golf vacation. If you don’t, the slightest miscalculation will lead to a challenging recovery shot.
The National Golf Club in Victoria
You will quickly notice that there are quite a few top golf courses in Victoria, Australia. The National Golf Club is one of those courses. It boasts three championship courses, Moonah, Old, and Gunnamatta. However, the Moonah, designed by Greg Norman, is the most popular.
At this Australian golf destination, you will want to plan your shots carefully. Coastal winds, deep bunkers, and undulating greens can dramatically change which club you use, as well as which shot you take.
The most challenging hole is the par-5 7th hole on the Moonah Course. The wind direction can change in an instant, turning a perfect shot into the worst shot of the day.
Victoria Golf Club in Victoria
This top golf course in Australia offers tree-lined fairways, manicured greens, and strategically placed bunkers. The par-3 16th hole offers a challenging green within its picturesque layout.
The Victoria Golf Club has hosted both the Australian Open and the Women’s Australian Open. You will want to pay close attention to the subtle breaks within the smaller greens, as well as the variances throughout the narrow fairways.
New South Wales Golf Club in Sydney, New South Wales
The New South Wales Golf Club is one of the best golf courses in Australia. It is perched on the rugged cliffs of Botany Bay. Therefore, you should be prepared for gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean throughout your round.
The coastal winds are always changing at this golf course. Those winds become an important factor and you will be required to change your strategy mid-round. The sloping fairways and tiered greens will demand that you are careful with your approach shots.
The signature hole at this Australian golf destination is the par-5 5th hole. This hole runs along the cliffs. You will easily be distracted by the ocean views while trying to strategically place your shot.
Hamilton Island Golf Club in Queensland
If you are ready to be swept away to an island during your golf vacation in Australia, I recommend playing a round at the Hamilton Island Golf Club. This is the only championship golf course in Australia that is located on its own island.
The Hamilton Island Golf Club is on Dent Island, which is part of the Whitsundays. Imagine playing golf while being distracted by views of the Great Barrier Reef and the surrounding islands.
Of course, the coastal winds, steep elevation changes, and tight fairways will only add to your challenge of making par. You will need to be careful when choosing which club to use, as well as how you approach each hole.
The signature hole at this golf resort in Australia is the par-3 14th hole. This hole offers stunning views of the Coral Sea. And a demanding tee shot over a ravine, just to keep things interesting.
St. Andrews Beach Golf Course in Victoria
A trip to the Mornington Peninsula is necessary when you want to play a round of golf at the St. Andrews Beach Golf Course. The links-style layout weaves through natural dunes and rugged coastal terrain. Add in the strategically placed bunkers and you have a challenging round of golf for your vacation in Australia.
This is one of the top public golf courses in Australia. Playing here requires careful shot placement and the ability to navigate the subtle breaks in the greens.
Joondalup Resort Golf Course in Western Australia
Joondalup Resort Golf Course is one of the best golf courses near Perth, Australia. There are three distinct 9-hole courses. Those courses are The Quarry, The Dunes, and The Lakes. Each one of these courses offers a unique golfing experience.
Limestone quarries, native bushland, and sparkling lakes surround this golf resort in Australia. If you can keep from being distracted by the views, you may have a chance at conquering the water hazards and tight fairways while playing.
The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney, New South Wales
When you choose to spend your vacation in Sydney, Australia, you may think that you can’t possibly play a round or two of golf. However, The Lakes Golf Club is near Sydney’s city center. Its location is probably why it is requested to hold the Australian Open so often.
This tranquil golf course will take you through natural wetlands, as you try to avoid the water hazards at 12 of the 18 holes. The most difficult hole is the papr-5 14th hole. Water runs along the entire right side. Your only options are to play a safe layup or to choose an aggressive approach that may turn you into player of the year if you succeed. (Let’s think positive here! 🏌️)
Bonville Golf Resort in New South Wales
Bonville Golf Resort is often referred to as the Augusta of Australia. So, it shouldn’t be surprising that this is one of the best Australian golf vacation destinations.
Towering gum trees surround the greens, creating a beautiful rainforest backdrop. At the 18th hole, you must have a well-placed drive over the water if you want to succeed at getting par-5.
Expert golfers will appreciate the serene ambiance, as they consider each shot they take at this golf course in New South Wales.
Whether you’re chasing birdies along the breathtaking cliffs of New South Wales or navigating the legendary fairways of Melbourne’s Sandbelt, Australia’s top golf courses offer unforgettable experiences for golfers of all levels. These top Australian golf destinations provide challenging rounds, as well as spectacular landscapes and world-class amenities. If you are looking to elevate your next getaway, there are plenty of golf vacation packages that combine luxury accommodations with tee times at the top golf courses in Australia.
