The lively capital of Tasmania, Hobart is a special place where you can take a morning dip at one of the many spectacular beaches just minutes from the CBD, savour brunch at a backstreet café, hit the arts and culture scene, head out on a hike, sip on a local drop of wine or whiskey or take a swing at one of Hobart’s several world-class golf courses. With so much on offer, it’s the ultimate destination for a weekend away, and there’s no better place to stay (or play) than at one of Hobart’s outstanding golf courses. Here are six must-visit courses in and around Hobart.
1. Barnbougle
Designed by renowned golf architect Tom Doak and our own ex-European tour pro Mike Clayton, Barnbougle today encompasses three distinct courses with differing challenges but equally stunning backdrops – The Dunes, Lost Farm and Bougle Run. Both The Dunes and Lost Farm currently rank within Australia’s top five courses, and Barnbougle, in its entirety, is world-renowned thanks to its wild and spectacular landscape.
Located a pleasant three-hour drive from Hobart, pack your clubs and your bag and book in at one of the numerous accommodation options – the luxurious ocean villas, quaint two-bedroom cottages, the spacious bunker villas, or the Lost Farm lodge.
2. Royal Hobart Golf Club
Lauded as Hobart’s finest and Tasmania’s premier member’s club, the Royal Hobart Golf Club is located in the seaside town of Seven Mile Beach, a convenient 20 minutes from central Hobart and just five minutes from the airport.
Renowned for immaculate fairways and greens, and as a testament to its pedigree, the Royal Hobart Golf Club has hosted several championship events, including the Tasmanian Open and the Australian Open.
3. Cape Wickham
While it’s not strictly Hobart, Cape Wickham – located on King Island, northwest of Tasmania – deserves a mention thanks to its global reputation. Touted as a “wonder of the golfing world” by Alan Jones, aka ‘UK Golf Guy’, Cape Wickham’s dramatic coastal location makes for a very unique 18 holes. With breathtaking scenery from every vantage point, Cape Wickham is currently ranked a respectable number two in Australia’s Top 100 Golf Courses and number 12 globally with Golf Digest. After a day on the green, dine on fresh crayfish, their renowned grass-fed beef, and locally made cheeses at The Clubhouse, then rest your head in the on-site villa-style accommodation (also enjoy the jaw-dropping views).
4. Tasmania Golf Club
Situated just past Hobart Airport in the beautiful Barilla Bay (home to the famous Barilla Bay Oyster Farm), Tasmania Golf Club is a stunning course with tree-lined fairways and rolling greens offering something for every skill level – even seasoned veterans. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, the on-site restaurant overlooking the final green and set on the picturesque Barilla Bluff is the perfect spot to indulge in some of the freshest seafood in town. The fine dining restaurant serves a 3-course lunch Wednesday-Sunday and dinner Wednesday-Saturday, making it a welcome addition to a weekend itinerary.
5. Kingston Beach Golf Course
The historic Kingston Beach Golf Course was proclaimed a bird sanctuary in 1942, has a stunning red brick clubhouse (formerly the Nettleford family farmhouse) dating back to 1834 and was ceremoniously opened as an 18-hole golf course in 1922. Maintaining its park like-setting and abundant wildlife and native trees, Kingston Beach Golf Course is kept immaculate year-round and is a truly stunning spot to swing a club just 15 minutes south of central Hobart.
6. Ratho Farm
Tasmania isn’t just home to some of the best golf courses in Australia; it’s also home to the oldest. Ratho Farm – just over an hour’s drive from Hobart – delivers equal measures of charm and challenge in a recently redeveloped course and farm area. Founded by Scottish settlers in 1822, records have shown local Scottish farmers created makeshift courses on the farm not long after.
While you’re there, take a peaceful self-guided tour through the historic township of Bothwell in the Clyde River Valley – it’s brimming with early 1800s architecture and old-world charm.
Hobart’s a hole in one
From world-class golf courses to stunning scenery, culinary delights and regional tipples, Hobart is dripping in heritage, history, and culture, making it an outstanding destination for a weekend away or a longer stay. So, pack your clubs and your appetite and plan your visit today.
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