7 Days – 5 Courses
Highlands and East Gippsland Coast
Even though Victoria is Australias smallest mainland state and certainly very manageable for road trips when considering a golfing safari the number of great golf courses in the state means you need to focus on a manageable region.
This summer itinerary gives you 5 great courses in contrasting environments with glorious scenic drives between each town. A great week away for any golf enthusiast. Take in the sights along the way and enjoy some of the terrific local produce at friendly top nock regional restaurants. Embrace the hospitality of the country clubhouses and remember ‘golf is life’.
Don’t forget to pay your respects to the traditional custodians, elders past, present and emerging.
Bairnsdale Golf Club – Eagle Point (283 km from Melbourne)
Nestled between Eagle Bay and King Lake with lovely views over the hinterland mountains, this mostly flat scenic course is a local favourite so don’t try and play on a Saturday, Sunday can be tricky too but Lakes Entrance is not far so you have the option of swapping the courses up and saving Bairnsdale for Monday. Also, a terrific course for wildlife sightings.
Green Fees – $39 / Carts -$35
Stay – Big 4 Waters Edge Holiday Park, Paynesville – great location. (stay 2 nights and do Lakes Entrance GC from here)
Eat – Thai – Motor Cruisers Club, Italian – Boathouse on the Esplanade and for Modern Australian/Seafood – Pier 70 (pictured below).
Sightseeing – There are lovely walks around the foreshore, docks and esplanade, it’s a perfect foil to 18 holes of golf. The Paynesville Pub on the esplanade is a good spot to stop for a drink while exploring the town.
Photo Credit: Josie Withers
Lakes Entrance Golf Course – (39 km from Bairnsdale)
A fairly easy course (if there is such a thing) to start you off, if it’s windy you won’t agree with that assessment. But the wildlife, natural beauty and the surrounding area are the full package.
Green Fees – $35 / Carts – $38
Stay – Paynesville as above.
Tambo Valley Golf Club – Swifts Creek (119 km from Lakes Entrance)
This little 9 hole gem is country golf at it’s best. Highland beauty and wildlife surround the course and the extra special feature at Tambo Valley is camping right here at the course. Ring forward and book your spot, provision for your evening meal before you leave Paynesville.
Green Fees – $25 (no carts)
Stay – At the course, camping is free but you need to pre-book.
Photo Credit: Visit Victoria
Bright Country Golf Club – Bright (132 km from Swifts Creek)
A sophisticated country classic, a goldilocks course – not too easy, not too hard. Allowing for drought these will be some of the best greens and fairways you will see on a country course. Bright is one of the jewels in the high country crown, enjoy the town, the restaurants and the golf.
Stay – Big 4 Bright Holiday Park There are 3 good holiday parks in Bright, we recommend the Big 4 for its river location.
Eat – There are some really good regional restaurants in Bright, 3 of the best are, Elm Dining – for fine dining. The Riverdeck Kitchen for great food and views and Bright Brewery for good food, local brew and live music.
Photo Credit – Visit Victoria
Mansfield Golf Club – (175 km from Bright and 197 km from Melbourne)
After a few years in the doldrums, Mansfield has pulled up its socks and offers a fine alpine golfing experience. The clubhouse is a little bit fancier than the other 2 high country courses so enjoy the offerings.
Green Fees – $40 / Cart $40
Stay – High Country Holiday Park – Not as scenic as the Mansfield Holiday Park but you can walk to the course from here.
Eat – Paperbark Restaurant, at the course. (there is a shuttle bus to take you home if you are too tired to walk)
So many courses, so little time – don’t waste any, get planning.
