Located in the middle of the Bass Strait, King Island is truly another world, with its distinctive and unique scenery and contemporary pleasures, like some of the world’s best food, wine, and golf courses.
Known primarily for its epic and spectacular golf courses, King Island is so much more than a golfing paradise. Great food, world-class wines, art, and fun-loving locals are just some of the other gems you’ll find here on King Island.
If it’s spectacular views you’re after, King Island won’t let you down. The island provides the most picturesque and panoramic views you’ll ever see. From the rugged coastlines to the unprecedented views of the Bass Strait, King Island is a bucket list destination for every golf, wine, and food-lover.
Stay in boutique lodges, walk the fairways, wave to the locals, and enjoy some of the most unforgettable long-table produce in the world. If golf is not your thing, not to worry, King Island has much more to offer tourists, such as:
- Great Fishing spots
- Fabulous Walking and Hiking trails
- World-class produce and drink
- Luxury Tours
- Surfing and
- Plenty of traditional events hosted by the locals
There are not many places around the world where the hotel concierge and the airport baggage handler are the same person. But its quirks like these, and traffic lights that only operate on Wednesdays, that make King Island the ideal luxury getaway.
King Island Golf; A Golfer’s Dream
King Island is home to three of Australia’s most iconic golf courses, Cape Wickham Links, King Island Golf and Bowling Club, and Ocean Dunes. In recent years these three King Island golf courses have grown in popularity and have quickly become bucket-list luxury stay and play destinations for passionate golfers.
King Island Golf and Bowling Club
King Island Golf and Bowling Club can be found on King Island’s West Coast. The island itself is situated about 80kms North-West of Tasmania and is either a 50-minute flight from Wynyard or an 80-minute flight from Devonport.
Remarkably, in Currie, golf was first played way back in 1910, with the King Island Golf and Bowling Club forming a few years later in 1931. Similar to the other two courses, Cape Wickham and Ocean Dunes, King Island also offers up some of the most compelling views of the oceans you’re ever likely to come across.
Completely exposed to the elements, golfers are in for one unique challenge. The Westerly winds buffet almost every hole and wreak havoc with your ball flight. I strongly advise hitting the practicing range and working on some Tiger Woods “stingers” before teeing it up at King Island.
It’s hard to pick a highlight at King Island, but the par 3, third hole, is the one that stands out to me. The tee shot is elevated and has you staring out at the deep depths of the Southern Ocean.
The club also hosts the King Island Open every November, attracting over 100 golfers from Australia and worldwide. The tournament includes 18 and 36-hole events for men and women, along with a 36-hole junior event.
Inside Golf Magazine summed up King Island Golf best, writing, “a number of holes play through and across well-established vegetation and rolling farmland before heading to the water, where the course is fully exposed to the elements of wind, surf, and the ever-changing weather patterns. Two sets of tees for each hole add to the variety of the course.”
Ocean Dunes Golf Course
Ocean Dunes Golf Course is a must-play golf course for any golfer. Spanning an enormous 290 acres of rugged Tasmanian terrain, Ocean Dunes delivers golfers breath-taking vistas of the Southern Ocean.
The course itself snakes its way along 2kms of spectacular coastline, continually buffeted by the howling winds coming in off the Bass Strait; this makes for not only some of the best views in the world but one heck of a golfing challenge.
When you get to Ocean Dunes, you’ll find the bent grass greens are fast and undulating. In fact, the greens are so true and quick that some golfers have said they’re like putting on glass. The wide, expansive fairways are littered with strategically placed bunkers, providing an authentic links-golf experience.
The Beauty of the Ocean Dunes Golf Course is that it caters to every level of golfer. Whether you’re a beginner, a senior, a club player, or a Tour pro, every player will be challenged. Don’t forget to get your camera ready for the two par 3s, which are undoubtedly the highlight of the round.
Simply put, Ocean Dunes is the perfect destination for a luxury tour with family and friends; What could be better than great golf, a drink or two, and memories that last a lifetime?
Cape Wickham Golf Links
Also situated along King Island’s stunning coastline, Cape Wickham Golf Links might just be the jewel in the crown when it comes to these three iconic courses. In 2016, Cape Wickham Golf Links was named in the Top 25 Golf Courses in the World by the prestigious golfing publication, Golf Digest.
Located on the Northern most point of King Island, Cape Wickham leaves you feeling like you’ve travelled back in time to ancient Scotland. With panoramic views of the Bass Strait, and flora and fauna indigenous to the island, the course offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Cape Wickham was designed with shot-making and creativity in mind, and it’s definitely not for the faint-hearted golfer. With dramatic changes in elevation, wailing winds, and deep rough, Cape Wickham will test even the most talented golfers. The breath-taking views of the Southern Ocean (on every hole mind you) miraculously seem to make losing balls not the big deal it usually is.
If you like getting some practice in before you tee off, you won’t be disappointed. Cape Wickham has an excellent 12-hole practice putting green along with a beautifully manicured chipping and pitching area to prepare you for what’s ahead.
The best is left for last, though, as you sit back in the clubhouse and enjoy some of the local cuisine and award-winning wines while soaking up the view.
King Island Award-Winning Food and Drink
King Island produce is world-renowned for being “fresher than fresh” and “jam-packed” with flavour. As matter of fact, you’ll find King Island produce in some of the world’s best restaurants from Australia to Spain and Hong Kong to London.
The delectable King Island produce is sought after for its freshness and provides restaurant owners with peace of mind knowing the food has been grown through hard work and sustainability. Simply put, King Island food and wine “wows” diners worldwide.
As a guest of King Island, you can choose from any number of eating establishments, including cafes, restaurants, and even the local Foodworks supermarket, which is known for its hampers of local produce. You can even call forward to the friendly staff, and they’ll happily whip up a meal for you to enjoy and help you find a nice spot to take in the views.
The King Island Dairy and Cheese Shop
One of the most iconic stops during your luxury getaway is the King Island Dairy Cheese Store. The store is known for its wide range of cheeses, and the best part? You can taste the cheeses before making your purchase. The King Island Dairy Cheese Shop also offers signature cheese platters, baked brie, and beer and wines to match.
The unique climate, mineral-rich soils, and ample rainfall all help to produce award-winning cheeses and dairy products. The milk produced on King Island is unusually sweet and rich, thanks to the cows which graze on the dense pastures and salty grass.
Many of the cheeses are wrapped and turned by the hand of dedicated expert cheesemakers, who then pop the cheese on a boat to find a home on the mainland. The entire community is involved in producing the world-renowned King Island cheeses, including milk truck drivers, wrappers, packers, and of course, the cheesemakers themselves.
The King Island Brewhouse
Fancy a beer? Who doesn’t, especially after a long day out on one of the three links golf courses? Well, the newly established King Island Brewhouse has you covered. The King Island Brewhouse is owned and operated by locals Corey and Sarah Brazendale and produces everything from craft beers and ciders to other alcoholic drinks.
You can find their beverages at any of the local establishments dotted around the island, or you can book an ever-popular tasting tour at the Brewhouse itself.
The King Island Distillery
Heidi Weitjens produces some of the most bespoke spirits anywhere in the world. Using her pot stills which she calls “copper angels,” Heidi manages to produce Native Gin, Ruby Vodka, and Distillery Choice Single Malt Whiskey.
As with the King Island Brewhouse, Heidi’s unique spirits are sold at the island’s various restaurants, shops, cafes, and clubs. You can also book a tasting tour, which I highly recommend, and purchase a bottle of gin, or three, direct from the distillery doors. I’m also told that Heidi makes a fabulous 40°S Vodka too.
King Island Seafoods
King Island is home to the best seafood in the world. Go for a stroll along the Currie Wharf, soak in the ocean’s views, and experience the sights and sounds of this world-renowned seafood industry. The seafood on King Island is sold not only on the mainland but is shipped to restauranteurs worldwide.
The Currie Wharf is generally dotted with fishing boats pulling in everything from Atlantic Salmon, Bass Groper, Blue Grenadier, and Oysters. You’ll find the fresh seafood caught by the local fishermen sold locally at Foodworks and, of course, used in restaurants on the island.
You can also arrange a pre-order of your favourite seafood by calling ahead to the friendly staff at Foodworks.
Wild Harvest
Bringing ocean to table, paddock to plate is what the folk at Wild Harvest do better than anyone. With a focus on utilising the abundance of exceptional food and produce within the King Island region, Wild Harvest take inspiration from the changing seasons to bring a variety of amazing hand-picked ingredients in a feast that your eyes or stomach will not forget any time soon.
With the restaurant overlooking Grassy Harbour, beautifully showcasing the local produce and culture heritage, this place is a must-visit destination for any King Island traveller!
The Wild Harvest vision is to “create a dining experience for Islanders and visitors – to share wine, dining and friendship in a relaxed atmosphere overlooking Bass Strait” … what more could you ask for!
World-Class Accommodation
Whether you’re after a cosy holiday cottage, a modern hotel, or a bed and breakfast experience, King Island has it all. As a matter of fact, King Island even offers farm stays and secluded coastal hideaways with picturesque views that will take your breath away.
Stay by the coast and hear the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks or enjoy the peace and quiet of the rolling farmlands, either way, your stay will make memories that last a lifetime.
And as always, the King Island locals are there to make your stay fun, relaxing, and unforgettable.
Getting To King Island
Your journey to the majestic King Island starts 35,000 feet up. Flights to the island are available from Burnie, Launceston, Hobart, and Melbourne. Flights from Wynyard are just over 50 minutes, while flying out of Devonport will take you right on 80 minutes.
Three leading carriers offer flights to King Island; King Island Airlines, Regional Express, and Sharp Airlines. King Island airlines run daily service from Moorabbin to Currie and operate jet prop and twin-engined planes.
Regional Express also offers flights seven days a week, leaving from Tullamarine before arriving in Currie, and Sharp Airlines runs daily flights from Launceston and Burnie to Curie.
Do It In Style
What better way to enjoy your first trip to Tassie than treating your friends and family to a Luxury Golf and Scenic Tour?
Travel in comfort and style in our luxury vehicles as you wind your way through some of the most breathtaking views on the planet. There’s simply no other destination that offers world-class food and wines, award-winning golf courses, and the unique flora and fauna Tassie is known for.
Check our our King Island Golf Packages to play the oldest golf course in Australia, take in the spectacular views of the wild coastline and challenge yourself on the undulating fairways and putting greens that look like they’re perched in the middle of the Bass Strait.
Maybe wine is your thing? How about booking our 4-Day Gourmet Tasmanian Produce & Wine Tour? You’ll be treated to a culinary experience fit for Royalty while enjoying a glass of bubbly as you look out to the Southern Ocean. Enjoy local King Island produce like cool-climate wines, King Island cheeses, and mouth-watering seafood.
Travel in style, stay in comfort, and enjoy Australia’s best golf courses and wines. Whether a week-long luxury getaway or a 2-day trip with friends, we’ve got luxury tours that go above and beyond your wildest imaginations.
