Golfing Locations in Australia

My husband and I are golfers who are planning a trip to Australia to visit our daughter who lives and works in Australia. She is not a golfer but has friends who do golf. Her golfing friends have suggested some regions in Australia that abound in beautiful golf courses. Golf is very popular in Australia and boasts of some of the most beautiful courses in the world. Many of the courses have played host to some very prestigious golf tournaments. The courses are located in regions that offer other natural and beautiful attractions so it will be easy to combine golfing with sightseeing.

The Sandbelt Region

The Sandbelt Region, in southeast Australia in the state of Victoria, is home to almost 400 golf courses. Melbourne is the capital and has many tourist attractions of its own. A stop over in Melbourne with its wonderful cafes and restaurants is complimented by a day on the golf course. What makes the Sandbelt Region ideal for golf is its 25 square miles of rolling land and choice, delicate grass. The Royal Melbourne Golf Course could possibly be the best course in Australia. It has hosted both the World Cup and the President's Cup tournaments. Many courses in this area are top ranked, world famous, private, pricey courses that are well out of our league. However there are also many, more affordable public courses. At the public courses the greens fees are around $25, Australian, for 18 holes. Both carts and clubs are available to rent.

The Sunshine Coast

There are also some beautiful courses along the Sunshine Coast. Located in southeast Queensland, the Sunshine Coast is a one hour drive from Brisbane. The Hyatt Coolum, Noosa Springs, Club Pelican and Twin Waters are just a few of a series of fabulous courses along the Sunshine Coast. In contrast to public course fees, the greens fees for in house guests at the Hyatt Coolum are $110, Australian, for 18 holes. Add another $40 for a cart for 2 for 18 holes. If you wish to take a break from the rigors of golf, the Sunshine Coast is the ideal place to do so. Not only can it boast beautiful golf courses the Sunshine Coast is also a popular beach destination. If golf is not enough of a challenge for you, you can try surfing at one of the many coastal beaches. I prefer my day off to be spent reading a book on my blanket on the sand.

The Murray River Region

The Murray River region is home to some of the best golf in Australia. The Murray River is Australia's largest river at 1,476 miles. You could take your whole vacation traveling along the river and visiting some of the 46 golf courses you find there. The river makes up much of the borders of the states of Victoria and New South Wales. A variety of native fish can be found in the Murray River. If you are due for another break from golf you can spend your day fishing or boating on the river. If, after a day of fishing, you are ready for more excitement, try golf at Murray Downs. It is one of the most acclaimed and affordable public courses in the area. At Murray Downs the greens fees are $35, Australian, for 18 holes with carts being an additional $35.

The area between Melbourne and Brisbane where you will find these golf courses is a just a small part of the Australian coast. There is so much more to see and do in Australia. Imagine visiting the United States for the first time. How do you decide where to go and what to see and do? Whatever your passion is, whether it be golf, surfing, sight seeing, great dining or all of the above, you can combine them all and have the trip of a lifetime visiting Australia. That's what we intend to do.

Sources:
http://www.worldgolf.com/travel/australia/sandbelt-region-golf.htm
http://www.sunshinecoast-australia.com/sunshine-coast-golf.html
http://coolum.regency.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/activities/golf/index.jsp
http://www.murrayriver.com.au/golfing/
http://www.murraydownsresort.com.au/golf.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murray_River
Lonely Planet: Australia Guide Book