The Greater Melbourne area has a rich history ripe for exploration. From the gaols to mansions, here are the best historical experiences in Melbourne to check out.
Victoria
The 16 best public and private golf courses in Victoria
Whether you're a beginner or a green-jacket-wearing professional, it's time to dust off your driver, polish your putter, and check out these top 16 Victorian golf courses that are only a short drive away.
There’s no denying that Victoria is golf country. No matter what corner of the state you find yourself in, you’re likely to not be too far from a lush golf course.
Victoria is known to maintain some of the best courses in the world, but is also home to plenty of options for more social golfers looking to kill some hours (and lose some balls) on a public course.
With a rugged coastline the state boasts numerous links or links-style courses, while Melbourne’s suburbs and regional towns are home to verdant parkland courses. Plus, with many clubs providing accommodation onsite, it’s easy to turn 18 holes into an entire holiday.
Victoria's top golf courses and clubs
The Royal Melbourne Golf Club
Located in Black Rock, the Royal Melbourne Golf Club is one of the most elite golf courses available in Victoria. No expense is spared in maintaining this course, which is regarded as one of the pre-eminent clubs in Australia, not to mention the world. With the West course regarded as being one of the five best courses in the world, it has hosted 16 Australian Opens. The club also made history in 1998 when it became the first course to host the President’s Cup outside of the United States. This is a private members club, though members of other golf clubs with reciprocal agreements can enquire about playing the course on Monday, Tuesdays and Fridays.
The Metropolitan Golf Club
You could consider the Metropolitan Golf Club and the Royal Melbourne Golf Club as sisters, with both clubs starting life as the Melbourne Golf Club in the early 1890s. The original course was engulfed as Melbourne expanded, however, resulting in members forming two new clubs. As per norm on the Sandbelt, this club is primarily for the use of members and guests - enquire directly if you belong to another club and wish to play at Metropolitan Golf Club.
The Dunes Golf Links
When you think of a ay in the sand, golfers will think of the Dunes before the beach. This 27-hole, public golf course is located in Rye on more than 120 hectares of pristine sand dunes. The course was designed by Tony Cashmore and prides itself on offering both a challenge to experienced players with a low handicap, and those fresh to the sport. The course is consistently ranked as one of Australia’s best golf destinations and has the option of playing the full 18-holes or the shorter 9-hole course known as ‘The Cups’.
RACV Cape Schanck Resort
Not too far from the famed Dunes is RACV Cape Schanck Resort which features an 18-hole championship course. Elevated tee positions provide vistas of the ocean as you play through tree-lined fairways. If you’re looking to level up your game you can even book a coaching session with Australian PGA certified teaching professional, Andrew Smith. Cape Schanck is also ideal for a full-blown golfing holiday, with stay and play packages available that include accommodation, buffet breakfast and a round of golf.
Accommodation and dining options at RACV Cape Schanck Resort allow you to turn your round of golf into a full holiday.
Kingston Heath Golf Club
Another stalwart of Australia’s tournament circuit is Kingston Heath, with the course commonly making into the world’s top 20 and playing host to competitions like the Men’s and Women’s Australian Opens. An interesting fact about this private members golf club is that when it first relocated to its current Cheltenham home (from Elsternwick) in 1925, it was the longest golf course is Australia with an unusual par of 82. The course has since been modernised and now plays as a par 72 course for men, and par 74 for women.
St Andrews Beach
The grounds of St Andrews Beach might be elite but the atmosphere is anything but. This Mornington Peninsula course is about golf and nothing but golf, welcoming the general public to its sandy links-style course designed by Tom Doak. The undulating green is surrounded by native forest (providing wind protection to players) and features modern onsite accommodation for those look to play consecutive days. You can even sign up for the monthly Tom Doak Challenge Series which features cash prizes.
RACV Healesville Country Club and Resort
Golf can be daunting when you first start but RACV Healesville Country Club and Resort has a solution. In addition to the full 18-hole course, the club also provides a short, four-hole course perfect for those new to the sport (or anyone wanting to practice). After playing a round, stop by the resort’s contemporary restaurant Banyalla to refuel.
Huntingdale Golf Club
Another Victorian course that should be on every serious golfer’s bucket list is Huntingdale Golf Club. The Sandbelt course has hosted the Australian Masters 31 times thanks to it’s picture-perfect –but challenging – design, enticing the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Peter Thomson, Tiger Woods, John Daly and Arnold Palmer to Melbourne’s southeast. Lessons for all ages and abilities (including children) are also offered.
Visitors are welcome at Port Fairy Golf Links and the club runs tournaments throughout the year. Photo: Visit Victoria.
Bundoora Park Golf Course
Bundoora in Melbourne’s north shows how golf doesn’t have to feel exclusive. Bundoora Park Golf Course is a public course popular with both golfers and local wildlife – it’s not uncommon to spot a kangaroo lounging about as you work through the 18 holes. Club management is also passionate about fostering a love of golf in the community regardless of age or ability.
Murray Downs Golf and Country Club
If you’re looking for a riverside golfing destination you can’t go past Murray Downs. Sure, this course is technically in NSW, but considering it has previously won the Victorian PGA ‘course of the year’ award we think it’s worth a mention. Expect a fairway lined with river gums and a signature hole (the fifth) that has a long water carry and a par of 3. Murray Downs also has three bowls greens plus dining options.
Ballarat Golf Club
Welcome to the oldest continually played golf course in Australia. Ballarat Golf Club was born in 1895 but it’s anything but dated. This club is consistently ranked among the best public courses in the country, no doubt helped in part by its course redesign by renowned golf course architect Thomson Perret (who’s also behind some of the top golf courses in Australia and the Asia Pacific).
Port Fairy Golf Links
If you love a coastal links course then it’s well worth taking a trip out to Port Fairy. The sandy soil here is naturally perfect for the game, with the expansive views of the Southern Ocean the icing on the cake. The public course hosts open tournaments throughout the year (with affordable entry fees) and welcomes visitors - you’ll just need to register to book your round.
Yering Meadows in the Yarra Valley has 27-holes and three, 18-hole course combos to try out. Photo: Visit Victoria.
Horsham Golf Club
Horsham might be on your radar for its proximity to the Grampians, but the town also boasts a fine golf course. Horsham Golf Club is a public course that’s been around for more than a century, having first been established in a paddock in 1898. The course has modernised significantly since, with the club especially proud of its bunkering system. Lessons, a pro shop and a bistro are all also available at the club.
RACV Torquay Resort
As soon as you arrive at RACV Torquay Resort you’ll understand you’re in for a truly special game of golf. The par-71 links-style course backs onto two beaches and is replete with lush greens, wetlands and ocean views – but it’s got substance as well as style. The course was redesigned by Ogilvy Clayton, a Melbourne company led by US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy and Mike Clayton.
Yering Meadows Golf Club
The expansive, verdant golf course at Yering Meadows (formerly the Croydon Golf Club) features 27 holes, which offers golfers three (‘the Nursery’, ‘the Valley’ and ‘the Homestead’), 18-hole combinations to try out. The club is a favourite for those also out experiencing the other joys of the Yarra Valley (namely the wineries) and can even be booked to host functions such as weddings.
Northcote Public Golf Course
Another northern-suburbs favourite for golfers – not to mention the general public – is Northcote Public Golf Course. The course became notable during the 2020-2021 lockdowns when it was used for general recreation by the public. Consequently, Darebin Council has since decided to turn the land into a shared facility that features a nine-hole golf course plus 5.72 hectares of open parkland for wider use.
