Why Launceston is a Perfect Destination for Golf Enthusiasts
Looking for a remarkable golfing getaway? Launceston offers golfers a world-class experience in Tasmania's stunning northern region. Beyond its historic architecture and acclaimed wines, this charming city is home to several outstanding golf courses that draw players from across Australia and beyond. Join us, as we drive, chip and putt our way through Launnie’s next-level golf game.
Launceston: A Golfer's Paradise
Northern Tasmania’s pristine surroundings create the perfect setting for a champagne golf experience. Unlike many golf travel hotspots that offer a single course, Launceston provides access to several diverse (yet equally amazing) golfing options all within easy reach of the city centre - which of course, means more tee times during your stay!
Top Golf Courses in Launceston
With lush, wild landscapes and breathtaking views from almost every fairway, each of Launceston’s golf courses calls for a different approach to the game. Whether you're playing off scratch or still learning the ropes, Let's explore the region’s standout courses.
Barnbougle Links Golf Resort
Credit: Barnbougle Tasmania
Just a short scenic drive from Launceston lies the internationally acclaimed Barnbougle Links Golf Resort, a true gem of Tasmanian golf. This iconic destination features three distinct courses—The Dunes, Lost Farm, and the newer 9-hole Bougle Run—each offering an authentic links experience reminiscent of the traditional courses of Scotland and Ireland.
Barnbougle Dunes
Barnbougle Dunes stands as the crown jewel of Barnbougle, consistently ranked among Australia's top courses. A modern masterpiece, the course hugs the rugged north-east coastline, offering breathtaking ocean views from nearly every hole.
Designed by renowned course architect Tom Doak, the Dunes features rolling fairways, deep bunkers, and challenging rough areas. The ever-present coastal winds add another challenge to your game, ensuring no two rounds are ever the same. The best part? The course's minimal earth-moving philosophy means you're playing through a landscape shaped by nature over thousands of years rather than heavy machinery.
Barnbougle Lost Farm
While sharing the same spectacular coastline as its sister course, Lost Farm offers a distinctly different golfing experience. Designed by Coore & Crenshaw, Lost Farm features 20 holes (rather than the traditional 18), calling for a bit of extra strategy as you approach the end of your game.
Set among the towering dunes and rugged coastal vegetation, the course has wider fairways than the Dunes but compensates with larger, more undulating greens that demand precision with your approach shots. It’s not all hardship though, the dramatic elevation changes provide spectacular views across Bass Strait and the surrounding countryside.
Local Tip: The clubhouse, perched high on a dune, offers one of Tasmania's most spectacular dining views.
Launceston Golf Club
Outside Barnbougle, the prestigious Launceston Golf Club is one of the region's standout golf destinations. This challenging 18-hole course features a clever layout that's great fun for golfers of all skill levels.
You'll find yourself navigating fluctuating fairways and well-placed bunkers that keep the game interesting from start to finish.
The course is famous for its superb putting surfaces and creative doglegs that reward smart play. Keep an eye out for the 7th hole - it's a tricky par 4 that looks straightforward until you reach the green from hell!
Local Tip: Book an early morning tee time and watch the sunrise create a magical atmosphere across the course.
Mowbray Golf Club
Image Credit: Discover Tasmania
Just 10 minutes from the city centre, Mowbray Golf Club offers a well-balanced championship course that has hosted multiple Tasmanian Opens. The course's clever design incorporates natural wetlands and terrain, creating a course suitable for golfers of all levels.
Known for its immaculate condition year-round and fast greens, Mowbray offers a delightful mix of risk-reward holes. The signature par-3 5th hole, with its green surrounded by bunkers and water, presents a challenge that will test your nerves (and patience).
Riverside Golf Club
Located on the picturesque banks of the Tamar River, Riverside Golf Club offers a more accessible golfing experience. This well-maintained course features gentle rolling fairways lined by large trees, creating a park-like atmosphere throughout your round.
While shorter than some of its neighbouring courses, Riverside compensates with strategically placed hazards and smaller greens that reward accuracy over power. Locals love this course for its friendly atmosphere and the spectacular river views from the closing holes - which can improve even the worst of games.
The Country Club Tasmania
If you’re after resort-style golf, The Country Club Tasmania delivers the complete package. This championship course winds through native bushland while maintaining excellent playing conditions throughout the year.
Just be warned - the golf course will be temporarily closed from 01 January 2025 to April 2026 due to significant refurbishments. Be sure to follow their website for updates.
What Makes Launceston Golf Courses Unique?
Launceston's courses are special because of how naturally they fit into the landscape. Each course works with the existing terrain, creating interesting challenges that you won’t find on more groomed courses - it truly is wild golf!
Thanks to Tasmania’s unique climate, you can enjoy great golf year-round. While mainland summers can get scorching, Launceston stays comfortable. Just remember to pack a warm layer for those cool morning starts in winter!
More Activities and Amenities for Golfers
All major courses come with all the extras you need, including excellent practice facilities, driving ranges, and putting greens. The clubhouses are perfect spots to relax after your round, offering great food and drinks with beautiful views across the courses, while the Country Club has its own casino!
At Barnbougle, immerse yourself in the breathtaking coastal landscape, with options for bushwalking and wildlife spotting. Guests rave about the onsite sauna and spa, the perfect sanctuary for unwinding after a day on the course.
Conveniently located just 20 minutes away, the renowned Tamar Valley wine region is home to some of Australia’s finest cool-climate wines, making it the perfect place to spend a day (or two) celebrating those well-shot rounds!
Tips for Planning Your Golf Trip to Launceston
Here's what you need to know to make the most of your visit:
Book ahead, especially during summer (December-February)
Look into multi-day passes if you're planning several rounds
Consider hiring a cart at Launceston Golf Club - those hills can be challenging
Visit the pro shops for any gear you need
Autumn and spring offer the best playing conditions
One of the best things about golfing in Launceston? Everything's close by, meaning you're never more than 20 minutes from any course.
Ready to Play?
Make the most of your Launceston golf adventure by staying at the Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston. Perfectly positioned in the heart of the city, the hotel offers the ideal base for exploring all the magnificent golf courses mentioned above, as well as the city's best restaurants, shopping, and other main attractions.
Early breakfast options are perfect for those early tee times, and secure storage options mean you’ll never have to stress about your equipment. Plus, the helpful concierge team can assist with course bookings and transport arrangements.
Discover our accommodation options and start planning your golf getaway.