There are so so so many great golf courses in New South Wales we need to break it up into - north of Sydney to Brisbane and south of Sydney to Melbourne or visa versa. - Here is the northern experience.
First, get the gang together and all rent a Motorhome (isolation unit), best if each couple has their own, then you each have your own bathroom. See "Recipes for Campervan" blog for ideas on what food you should be taking and divide up meal duties. These are a few cost-saving measures that mean you can afford some of those more expensive courses.
Check the links for the courses below to make sure you don't turn up on a competition day and to pre-book your tee time, especially on weekends.
Outskirts of Sydney
Riverside Oaks - Green fees AUD$85 - $110 round (with cart) Two Courses available - Riverside Oaks and Bungool, 36 Holes of some of the best course in Australia only an hour from Sydney overlooking the Hawkesbury River.
Central Coast Area
The Springs, Peats Ridge - Green fees AUD$45 - $55
Magenta Shores - Green fees AUD$100 - You have to stay in the resort to play here, might be a deal-breaker.
The Hunter region
The Vintage - Green fees AUD$105 - $130. Near Cessnock, this Greg Norman design is a must. Play in the morning and get a bit of winery action in the afternoon.
Cypress Lakes - Green fees AUD$85 - $110. Lovely views over the Hunter Valley, easier front nine than the back. Same advice as above.
Newcastle Golf Club - Green fees - AUD$100 - $115. Special, really special - make sure you put this one on the list.
Port Stephens region
Pacific Dunes - Green fees - AUD$70 - $90. A lovely course that caters to all skill levels, if you have players that need a less challenging course, or you need a break.
Nelson Bay - Green fees - AUD$50 - $55. 27 holes of sub-tropical enjoyment
Hawks Nest - Green fees - AUD$26 - $39. A links course - great for all levels
Forster Tuncurry region
Forster Tuncurry golf club - Green fees - AUD$40 - $45. Testing but beautiful seaside course.
Tallwoods Golf Club, Hallidays Point - Green fees - AUD$45 - $65 with cart. The tallwoods referred to exist as well as much beautiful natural Australian flora and fauna. Watch out for the water and the steep back nine.
Coffs Harbour region
Bonville International Golf Club - Green fees - AUD$120 - $150. Australia’s answer to Augusta National, sculpted amongst the rainforest. A favourite of the Australian Rugby Union team, the Wallabies, when they go into camp nearby. We must insist you put this one on your list.
Byron Bay Area Byron Bay Golf Club - Green fees - AUD$50. A little bit of a secret, it’s not the reason a lot of people go to Byron Bay, but the courses' location near the lighthouse affords spectacular views and is actually a fabulous course
Murwillumbah Golf Club - Green fees - AUD$37. In the shade of Mt Warning, this is one of those lovely courses that flies under the radar, high ranking amongst the pros.
Coolangatta and Tweed Heads - Green fees - AUD$46. Two courses one on the banks of the Tweed River, the other to its west, both highly regarded.
You might want to consider doing a one-way rental and end in Brisbane. That way you can stop in at Sanctuary Cove (The Pines) and see if you agree with all the fuss about the Arnold Palmer designed course. (Green fees - AUD$100)
Hidden gems that you might have to go out of your ways for:
Duntryleague - Orange - A golfer’s favourite since the 1930s. The spectacular historic clubhouse needs to be part of the experience. Green fees - AUD$50
Blackheath Golf Club - Blue Mountain’s floral beauty. Green fees - AUD$40 - $45
Yamba Golf Course - it’s just nice! - Green fees - AUD$88
Wish List
Ellerston Golf Club, Hunter Valley - Designed by Greg Norman, privately owned by the Packer family. You will need to get yourself an invitation or buy the round at a charity auction, we can all dream.
Disclaimer: Green fees were correct at time of publication but can change without notice.
credits: all the golf clubs whose photos are featured.