Victoria might be Australia's smallest mainland state, but it's not short on golf — the trick is picking a region and committing to it rather than trying to cover the whole state in one trip. This itinerary sticks to Gippsland and the High Country and gives you five genuinely different courses in one week, with a proper scenic drive between each one.
Take in the sights along the way, eat well at the regional restaurants that make these towns worth visiting in their own right, and enjoy the hospitality of the country clubhouses. As they say around these parts — golf is life.
Before you go: Green fees below are current as at July 2026 but golf clubs adjust pricing regularly — always check the club's website or call ahead, and book well in advance for the high country legs in ski season or over long weekends.
Don't forget to pay your respects to the traditional custodians, elders past, present and emerging.
Days 1–2: Bairnsdale & Lakes Entrance
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 to play on a Saturday, and Sunday can be tricky too. Lakes Entrance isn't far, so you have the option of swapping the courses around and saving Bairnsdale for a Monday. Also a terrific spot for wildlife sightings.
Green fees — $52 (18 holes), $36 (9 holes); carts available, contact the pro shop to confirm. Prices effective July 2025.
Stay: BIG4 Waters Edge Holiday Park — worth a small correction here: this park is actually on the Esplanade in Lakes Entrance itself (not Paynesville), an easy 15–20 minute drive to Bairnsdale Golf Club. Stay two nights and use it as your base for both courses.
Eat: Thai at the Paynesville Motor Cruiser Club, Italian at The Boathouse on the Esplanade, and modern Australian/seafood at Pier 70 — all still going strong and worth the short drive over to Paynesville for dinner.
Sightseeing: Lovely walks around the Paynesville foreshore, docks and esplanade — a perfect foil to 18 holes. The Paynesville Hotel on the esplanade is a good spot for a drink while you explore the town.
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 surrounding scenery are the full package, and it's ranked in the top 100 public-access courses in Australia.
Green fees — $50 (18 holes), $40 seniors; motorised cart around $35. Current as at July 2026.
Stay: Same base at Waters Edge — it's right in Lakes Entrance, so this is your closest course of the whole trip.
Day 3–4: Into the High Country
This little 9-hole gem — locals call it "Little Augusta" — is country golf at its very best. Set among towering pines with Junction Creek running through it, it's entirely volunteer-run and an honest hidden gem of Victoria's high country. The extra-special feature at Tambo Valley is camping right at the course itself.
Book ahead: Camping at the course needs to be pre-arranged with the club secretary — call before you leave Lakes Entrance, and pick up supplies for your evening meal before you go, since Swifts Creek is genuinely remote.
Green fees — around $25, no carts (it's a walking course). Contact the club to confirm before you arrive, as this one's run entirely by volunteers and pricing/booking is informal.
**Stay: At the course — camping is free, but pre-booking is essential.
Sightseeing: The drive itself, between the coast and the highlands, is the whole point of this leg. Take it slow.
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'll see on a country course. Bright is one of the jewels in the high country crown — enjoy the town, the restaurants and the golf in equal measure.
Green fees — around $40 (18 holes), similar for a cart. Contact the pro shop to confirm current rates.
Stay: BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks – Bright (recently rebranded, same great riverfront spot). There are a few good holiday parks in Bright, but we still rate this one for its Ovens River location.
Eat: Three of the best regional restaurants going: Elm Dining for fine dining (note — it closes over winter and reopens each spring, so check before you plan around it), The Riverdeck Kitchen for great food with river views, and Bright Brewery for good pub food, local brews and live music.
Days 5–7: Mansfield & home
After a few years in the doldrums, Mansfield has pulled up its socks and now offers a genuinely fine alpine golfing experience. The clubhouse is a touch fancier than the other two high country courses on this trip, so enjoy the offerings — the on-site dining and function space is now known as The Ranges (previously the Paperbark Restaurant), with views over the course to the Victorian Alps.
Green fees — around $40 (18 holes), similar for a cart. Contact the pro shop to confirm current rates.
Stay: High Country Holiday Park — not as scenic as some Mansfield options, but it's an easy 15–20 minute walk into town, and a similar walk to the course if you fancy stretching your legs after a few days behind the wheel.
Eat: The Ranges, right at the course.
So many courses, so little time — don't waste any, get planning.
Disclaimer: green fees and business details were correct at time of publication but change without notice — always confirm directly with the club or venue before you travel. Photo credits: Lakes Entrance Golf Club, Visit Victoria, Mansfield Golf Club.
When you road-trip in Australia don't forget to pay your respects to the traditional custodians of the land on which you travel, their elders past, present and emerging. The natural environment of Australia is fragile and should be left as you found it — take only photos and leave only footprints.
DriveNow.com.au receives no commission or payments for recommending sightseeing and attractions as road trip inclusions — we provide our expertise and advice in an unbiased way to add value to your trip. You can trust our suggestions.
Shelley Richardson
Shelley has been working in the travel industry for over 30 years, in aviation, for tour operators and since 2016 for DriveNow. Having travelled extensively worldwide, alone, as a couple and with her family, Shelley has experience to share about how to make the most of your holiday, especially road-trips to amazing destinations.
