Australia is known for its unique flora and fauna, and Tasmania’s north east coast takes that to another level. Barnbougle Lost Farm, Ocean Dunes, King Island, and Cape Wickham golf tourism are all on the up and up. And we haven’t even mentioned seven-mile beach.
But there’s also a whole lot more to golf in Tasmania than world-class courses and stunning scenery. Exquisite food and wine are literally everywhere you turn, even “out-of-the-way” quaint little bakeries will provide a party for your tastebuds.
With food, wine, and accommodation to match the mainland cities like Melbourne and Adelaide, Tasmania is firmly placing itself on the map as a must-visit golfing getaway.
Tasmania; The Complete Golfing Package Getaway
With five golf courses ranked in the world’s top 100, Tasmania has transformed itself from a modest golfing region to a golfing global powerhouse. If you’re after a truly unique golfing experience, it’s going to be hard to look past Tassie. The crisp sea breeze and the rugged coastline make Tasmania the perfect backdrop for 5 of the world’s bucket-list golf courses.
After finishing your round of golf, you can sit back and enjoy a cool-climate wine, a locally crafted beer, or even a local vodka. Tasmania golf courses aren’t just “cookie-cutter” courses either. Of the 65 golf courses you can play in Tassie, you’ll find everything from links-style courses to parkland courses and even Ratho Farm, Australia’s oldest golf course. These golf courses provide golfers with unique challenges and scenery every time they tee it up.
Farmland stretches along Tasmania’s rugged yet magnificent coastline, allowing you to immerse yourself in this great land. Book a night or two at Ratho Farm and walk the fairways forged by Scottish immigrants more than 200 years ago.
Head north a little further, and you’ll be greeted by Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm. What’s amazing is these courses are only a quick flight and airport transfer away from the mainland, making them the perfect golfing destination for you and your friends. Barnbougle Dunes is distinctive in its layout. The terrain is defined by massive dunes that fill the landscape like bubbles fill a bath. Whether you’re a professional golfer or a high-handicapper, Barnbougle Dunes caters to golfers of all abilities. After your round, sit down for some fresh oysters and a beer or wine; or both.
Not to be outdone, King Island, with its wide open and expansive layout, is a must-visit golf course for serious golfers. Surrounded by natural wonders and unprecedented views out to the Bass Strait, King Island is not only a golfing paradise but a photographer’s dream. The wind plays a major factor at King Island golf course as well as other two courses, Cape Wickham and Ocean Dunes. All three of the courses are highly recommended by many of the world’s golfing experts.
King Island is a special region steeped in history that dates back to the early 1800s, when shipwrecks footed its coastline. The farmland here is unique, and because of its abundant minerals, the cows happily graze and produce some of the world’s best beef and dairy produce. The area is especially known for its cheeses, cream, and milk. As a matter of fact, the King Island cheeses are sought after by worldwide award-winning restaurants from Hong Kong to Paris.
While as much as I love spending all day on the links, at some point, you’re going to need a place to stay. Tasmania does hospitality like no one else. The tranquil and stunning views, coupled with friendly staff and mouth-watering food and wine, help to make your stay a memorable one. A buffet breakfast, 18 holes of golf, a delicious dinner, and a glass or three of pinot gris; is that dream? No, that golfing in Tasmania.
Now that we’ve had a look at some of the reasons why you should make Tasmania your next golfing destination, let’s take a look at some of the other attractions that this little island perched in the Southern Ocean has to offer. Fancy a wine or some of the best food in the world? You’re not going to be disappointed. Let’s go.
Things To do And See While Golfing In Tasmania
Tasmania is a literal “melting pot” when it comes to the array of cultural, historic, and culinary landmarks. Water activities are also popular with sports like:
- Canoeing
- Water skiing
- Surfing
- Rafting
- Windsurfing and kitesurfing, and even
- Stand-up paddle boarding
The options are limitless, and the kids will love exploring every bit of it. But if you’re not a fan of the water, there are plenty of activities to enjoy on terra firma. Fancy hiking or walking the stunning mountain trails? Maybe you’re an adrenaline junkie; what about rock climbing or mountain biking on some of the world’s best trails?
Tasmania Food And Wine; its Fresher Than Fresh
It’s no longer a secret, tourists have been visiting Tasmania in droves for its world-class golf courses, but its food and wine sit right there at the top of the pyramid too. With some of the best seafood in the world and wines and cheeses to match, dining in Tassie is a culinary delight.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are in abundance at the farmer’s markers, along with a heap of other fresh produce that will awaken your tastebuds:
- Honey
- Chocolate
- Cheeses
- Bread
- Dairy products and much, much more
But here’s the best part; once you filled your belly, it’s time to sit back and relax with a glass of crafted beer, a pinot gris, or one of the unique locally produced spirits like gin and vodka.
Tasmania; A Cultural and Historical Epicentre
Art lovers and history buffs will not be disappointed when they visit this wonderful island state. As a matter of fact, Tassie is home to several world heritage sites that particularly deal with the British convicts from yesteryear. You’ll also find the MONA or the “Museum of Old and Fine Art, “which houses pieces from expeditions to the Antarctic to landscape paintings and murals.
Tasmania; Festivals and Events
Tasmania hosts numerous festivals and events, some of which are unique to Tassie, making them all that more special. As a keen cyclist, I’m pretty eager to see the Penny-Farthing Championships, but if cycling is not your thing, how about these?
- The Huon Valley Mid-winter Festival
- Targa Tasmania
- Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
- Dark Mofo, and
- Unconformity
Tasmania; The Home Of The Great Outdoors
Australia is probably best known around the world for its unique flora and fauna, and the island state of Tasmania just might be the jewel in the crown. National Parks make up the vast majority of the Tassie landscape, with magnificent waterfalls and stunning hiking trails seemingly everywhere you look.
You’ll more than likely catch a glimpse of some rare birds and maybe even come to face to face with a Tasmanian Devil at the UNZOO. The UNZOO was a world first, and according to its designer, “Instead of animals in enclosures for the benefit of humans, an Unzoo would invite visitors into natural habitats in which cages or barriers are removed or concealed and wild, as well as resident animals, are encouraged to interact with the environment.”
