Australia is well known for its exceptional golf clubs, which combine breathtaking coastal settings, world-class golf courses, and a strong golfing history. Prestigious clubs, including the Royal Melbourne Golf Club, the Kingston Heath Golf Club, and the New South Wales Golf Club, are recognised as some of the best in the world.

Many clubs in Australia are private or semi-private golf clubs. Access is often limited to members. However, some clubs allow limited access to visitors, often from out of the country or with guests who are members, to play at specified times of the day, often later in the afternoon.

These clubs often have a great golf course design if they change, as well as practice facilities, golf academies, and high-end amenities. Ocean views, sandbelt-style layouts, and well-kept golf greens will ensure an experience that caters to golfers of all levels.

1. The Lakes Golf Club, New South Wales

The Lakes Golf Club is a historic championship golf course situated near downtown Sydney. The course's front nine has sandy country, while the back nine weaves in and out of water hazards, creating different golf tests. The proximity to the city makes it appealing to members and visitors for top-quality golf. It has been the host site for many Australian Opens and has a high golf status on the Australian golfing circuit. 

• Build Year: 1928
• Length: 6874 Yards
• Par: 72
• Number of Holes: 18
• Green Speeds: Fast
• Types of Hazards: Water hazards, bunkers (sand traps), and vegetation
• Average Slope Rating: 143
• Facilities Available: A short-game area, a state-of-the-art teaching facility, a fine dining restaurant, a unique wine selection, a spa and sauna, and complimentary lockers and pull buggies, along with a GPS motorised cart fleet
• Golf Course Designer: Initially designed by Eric Apperly and Tom Howard, and later re-designed in 1970 by Bruce Devlin and Robert Von Hagge
• Address: Vernon Ave & King St, Eastlakes NSW 2018, Australia

2. New South Wales Golf Club, New South Wales

Located high on the coastline of Sydney, New South Wales Golf Club offers breathtaking ocean views and a thrilling golf experience. The course rolls through rolling sand dunes, and the natural terrain undulates all of the fairways. The strong coastal wind does add to the challenge. The course greens are firm and fast, requiring one to have confidence in their putting game. One round is as visually stunning as it is challenging.

• Build Year: 1926
• Length: 6245 Yards
• Par: 72
• Number of Holes: 18
• Green Speeds: Fast
• Types of Hazards: Water hazards and bunkers
• Average Slope Rating: 139
• Facilities Available: A well-appointed clubhouse with a restaurant and bar, practice facilities like a driving range, chipping green, and putting greens
• Golf Course Designer: Alister Mackenzie
• Address: Kamay Botany Bay National Park, 101 Henry Head Lane, La Perouse NSW 2036, Australia

3. Huntingdale Golf Club, Victoria

Located in Melbourne's Sandbelt area, Huntingdale Golf Club is a popular golf destination for golf lovers, having played host to the Australian Masters for over thirty years. The Golf Club features narrow fairways, strategic bunkers, and fast greens that test the golfer's course management skills and accuracy. The golf club's tournament history and excellence make it a special place to play golf.

• Build Year: 1941
• Length: 6980 Yards
• Par: 72
• Number of Holes: 18
• Green Speeds: Tru & Fast
• Types of Hazards: Bunkers and water hazards
• Average Slope Rating: 138
• Facilities Available: A clubhouse with function rooms, a bar, BBQ facilities, a cafe, car parking, and conference/convention facilities, along with a championship golf course
• Golf Course Designer: C.H Halison
• Address: Windsor Ave, Oakleigh South VIC 3167, Australia

4. Cape Wickham Links, Tasmania

Situated on King Island, Cape Wickham Links is a spectacular visual links course as every hole overlooks the ocean. The rugged coastline naturally delineates every fairway and interacts with the wind, rolling dunes, and wild grasses to shape the playing experience. The wind is always a factor, creating the need for skilful shot-making and strategy. The deep pot bunkers are a challenging addition to each hole.

• Build Year: 2015
• Length: 6276 Yards
• Par: 72
• Number of Holes: 18
• Green Speeds: Fast
• Types of Hazards: Bunkers, sand dunes, the ocean, and rough limestone outcroppings
• Average Slope Rating: 137
• Facilities Available: 16 ocean-facing villas for accommodation, a clubhouse with dining and bar facilities, and equipment hire, including motorised golf carts
• Golf Course Designer: Mike Devries & Darius Oliver
• Address: Cape Wickham Rd, Wickham TAS 7256, Australia

5. Hamilton Island Golf Club, Queensland

​Located on Dent Island in Queensland's Whitsundays region, Hamilton Island Golf Club boasts an exceptional 18-hole championship course. Known for its challenging profile, characterised by valleys and steep ridges, golfers need to give their best strategic shot with elevation plans in every hole. This place provides a golfing experience with a view you cannot forget in a spectacular setting. ​

• Build Year: 2009
• Length: 6710 Yards
• Par: 71
• Number of Holes: 18
• Green Speeds: Fast & true
• Types of Hazards: Ridges, valleys, water bodies, and bunkers
• Average Slope Rating: 136
• Facilities Available: A clubhouse with a restaurant and bar, a pro shop, and facilities for practice, including a driving range and putting/chipping greens
• Golf Course Designer: Peter Thomson
• Address: Dent Island, Whitsundays QLD 4802, Australia

6. Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club (North Course), Victoria

Located in Frankston, Victoria, the North Course at Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club provides a first-class experience with golf experience. The fairways naturally funnel into the terrain whilst testing your ability. After a recent overhaul, the course has achieved international standing, solidifying its spot amongst Australia's premier performances. It's a guaranteed fun round of golf that will test your ability with spectacular views of Sandbelt golf at its greatest.

• Build Year: 1967
• Length: 6953 Yards
• Par: 72
• Number of Holes: 18
• Green Speeds: Fast
• Types of Hazards: Bunkers, rough undulating grounds, and native grass 
• Average Slope Rating: 134
• Facilities Available: Clubhouse with a restaurant, bars, and function rooms, along with practice facilities like a driving range, chipping greens, and putting greens, and a swimming pool, gym, and tennis courts
• Golf Course Designer: Sloan Morpeth
• Address: 211-279 Skye Rd, Frankston VIC 3199, Australia

7. Royal Adelaide Golf Club, South Australia

A true links-style course, Royal Adelaide offers a unique blend of rolling dunes and firm fairways. Natural sandy waste areas define the course. The fairways are generous but demand smart positioning to access the best angles. The greens are quick and well-guarded, making approach shots critical. Its stunning natural setting and strategic design create a memorable challenge.

• Build Year: 1892
• Length: 6557 Yards
• Par: 72
• Number of Holes: 18
• Green Speeds: Fast
• Types of Hazards: Water hazards, bunkers, rough train lines, and natural dunes
• Average Slope Rating: 133
• Facilities Available: Practice facilities, a pro shop, dining and bar options, and function spaces for events
• Golf Course Designer: H.L. Rymill, C.L. Gardner, and Dr. Alister MacKenzie
• Address: 328 Tapleys Hill Rd, Seaton SA 5023, Australia

8. Kingston Heath Golf Club, Victoria

Kingston Heath has a well-deserved reputation for being one of the best-conditioned courses. It is another treasure found on the Sandbelt and rewards players for being disciplined to focus on accuracy rather than relying on power. The course has a compact layout but with no shortage of strategic tests in the shape of some of the best bunkers you will ever encounter. Kingston's simplistic approach has become the golfer's favourite.

• Build Year: 1925
• Length: 6352 Yards
• Par: 72
• Number of Holes: 18
• Green Speeds: Fast
• Types of Hazards: Dense scrub, bushland, and bunkers
• Average Slope Rating: 133 for navy blue tees, 132 for red tees, and 107 for white tees
• Facilities Available: A clubhouse featuring a restaurant, bar, and a pro shop, along with practice facilities including a putting green, pitching area, and a full-length driving range
• Golf Course Designer: Dan Soutar
• Address: 74/120 Kingston Rd, Heatherton VIC 3202, Australia

9. The National Golf Club (Moonah Course), Victoria

The Moonah Course is set in coastal dunes on the Mornington Peninsula and is an exceptional mix of traditional links characteristics and modern golf design. The fairways are generous but require accuracy to avoid getting into deep bunkers. You need to strategically place your shots to get around the natural undulation. It's naturally beautiful and just plain hard. It's a wondrous championship course.

• Build Year: 2000
• Length: 6576 Yards
• Par: 72
• Number of Holes: 18
• Green Speeds: Fast
• Types of Hazards: Bunkers, water hazards, vegetation, and strategic fairway
• Average Slope Rating: 133 for black tees and 126 for blue tees
• Facilities Available: Short-game practice areas and a premium clubhouse with dining and bar options
• Golf Course Designer: Grey Norman & Bob Harrison
• Address: The Cups Dr., Cape Schanck VIC 3939, Australia

10. Barnbougle Dunes Golf Links, Tasmania

Located on the rugged northeast of Tasmania, Barnbougle Dunes provides a very pure links experience defined by incredible sand dunes and firm fairways. The rugged bunkers and quick greens will require thoughtful club selection. The course organically blends into the rugged landscape, offering tremendous ocean views. Every round is a test of one's own skill and effort against the elements.

• Build Year: 2004
• Length: 6148 Yards
• Par: 71
• Number of Holes: 18
• Green Speeds: Fast
• Types of Hazards: Bunkers, dunes, ocean, and rough fairways
• Average Slope Rating: 132
• Facilities Available: A driving range, putting and chipping greens, onsite accommodation, a clubhouse with restaurant and bars, and golf lessons
• Golf Course Designer: Tom Doak & Mike Clayton
• Address: 425 Waterhouse Rd, Bridport TAS 7262, Australia

11. Yarra Yarra Golf Club, Victoria

Located in Bentleigh East, Victoria, Yarra Yarra Golf Club is one of Melbourne's proud members of the famous Sandbelt courses. Yarra Yarra Golf Club is a recognised, iconic golf course known for its great par-3 holes, which have hosted some of Australia's most prestigious tournaments. Golfers can expect a layout that is both demanding of precision and embodies the rich history and traditions of the Yarra Yarra Golf Club.

• Build Year: 1929
• Length: 6731 Yards
• Par: 72
• Number of Holes: 18
• Green Speeds: Fast
• Types of Hazards: Bunkers, fairways, and strategic tree placement
• Average Slope Rating: 132
• Facilities Available: A heritage-listed Mediterranean-inspired clubhouse, a driving range, a putting green, and a short-game area
• Golf Course Designer: Alex Russell
• Address: 567 Warrigal Rd, Bentleigh East VIC 3165, Australia

12. Commonwealth Golf Club, Victoria

Located in Melbourne's Sandbelt, Commonwealth Golf Club is recognised for its classic architecture, along with its strategic challenges. Tree-lined fairways and well-placed bunkers will require you to execute well-placed shots. The greens are fast, have complex, subtle breaks, and will challenge your putting game. A proud and storied club history adds to the appeal of playing this historic course.

• Build Year: 1920
• Length: 6335 Yards
• Par: 73
• Number of Holes: 18
• Green Speeds: High
• Types of Hazards: Trees, bunkers, long fairways, and extreme weather conditions
• Average Slope Rating: 131
• Facilities Available: A clubhouse with dining and bar areas and practice facilities, along with dedicated spaces for events
• Golf Course Designer: Sam Bennett
• Address: Glennie Ave, Oakleigh South VIC 3167, Australia

13. Royal Melbourne Golf Club (West Course), Victoria

Royal Melbourne Golf Club's 'West Course' is an exceptional example of strategic design, filled with natural undulation and stunning bunkering. While the fairways are spacious, they require positioning your tee shot in safe locations to suit your particular strengths. Each hole is unique and a product of the classic sandy soils and sand belt routing. It is one of the best courses globally, and it is certainly a memorable experience.

• Build Year: 1931
• Length: 6646 Yards
• Par: 72
• Number of Holes: 18
• Green Speeds: Fast
• Types of Hazards: Bunkers and undulating fairways
• Average Slope Rating: 131
• Facilities Available: A clubhouse with dining and function rooms, a pro shop, practice areas (driving range, putting green, chipping area), and coaching programs
• Golf Course Designer: Alister Mackenzie
• Address: 88 Cheltenham Rd, Black Rock VIC 3193, Australia

14. The Metropolitan Golf Club, Victoria

One of the finest courses in Melbourne's Sandbelt, Metropolitan is renowned for its immaculate conditioning and strategic depth. Its fairways are framed by towering trees, demanding accuracy off the tee. The bunkers are deep and well-placed, shaping the best approach angles. Subtle elevation changes add complexity to shot-making. It's a true test of precision and strategy.

• Build Year: 1908 
• Length: 7706 Yards
• Par: 72 
• Number of Holes: 18
• Green Speeds: Fast
• Types of Hazards: Bunkers and sand belts
• Average Slope Rating: 131 for blue tees and 134 for black tees
• Facilities Available: A newly redeveloped clubhouse, golf services wing, PGA teaching professionals, extensive practice facilities, and caddies available on request
• Golf Course Designer: J.B. Mackenzie
• Address: Golf Rd, Oakleigh South VIC 3167, Australia

15. Kooyonga Golf Club, South Australia

Kooyonga Golf Club is recognised as a facility that meets international standards and is a championship course. With its rolling terrain, narrow fairways, and strategic bunkering, Kooyonga is a challenging course that requires pinch-hitting and strategy. Kooyonga has an incredible history of hosting major events, including the Australian Open five times. Kooyonga continues to upgrade its facilities and increase the difficulty of certain holes. 

• Build Year: 1923
• Length: 6899 Yards
• Par: 72
• Number of Holes: 18
• Green Speeds: Fast
• Types of Hazards: Fairway bunkers, wildlife, and water hazards
• Average Slope Rating: 123 to 150
• Facilities Available: A renovated clubhouse with dining and event spaces, a golf academy, and a pro shop, along with amenities like a driving range and accessible facilities
• Golf Course Designer: H.L (Cargie) Rymill
• Address: May Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5032, Australia

16. St. Andrews Beach Golf Course, Victoria

Located on the Mornington Peninsula, St. Andrews Beach Golf Course is a genuine links-style experience made possible by the original links golf course of Scotland. The course was designed by architect Tom Doak, with the design supporting its integration into the natural landscape, including the contour of land, and offering undulating fairways. The course's design is minimalist, providing you with a fun and unique style of excursion.

• Build Year: 2004
• Length: 6643 Yards
• Par: 70
• Number of Holes: 18
• Green Speeds: Slow
• Types of Hazards: Wildgrass, sand dunes, wind, rugged bunkers
• Average Slope Rating: 120 to 144
• Facilities Available: A clubhouse, pro shop, practice facilities, and accommodation options
• Golf Course Designer: Tom Doak
• Address: 209 Sandy Rd, Fingal VIC 3941, Australia

17. RACV Royal Pines Resort Golf Club, Queensland

Located on the Gold Coast, RACV Royal Pines offers golfers the championship challenge within a beautiful resort atmosphere. The course has an array of wide and narrow fairways, combined with the opportunity for players to make strategic decisions throughout the round, making it an enjoyable challenge, with each hole featuring water hazards and deep bunkers. The blend of beauty and difficulty makes RACV Royal Pines a popular tournament venue.

• Build Year: 1991
• Length: 7152 Yards
• Par: 72
• Number of Holes: 27
• Green Speeds: Fast
• Types of Hazards: Water hazards, bunkers, trees, and rough areas
• Average Slope Rating: 123 - 141 (men) and 124 - 133 (women)
• Facilities Available: Luxury accommodation, multiple dining and bar options, a day spa, a lagoon pool, a gym, tennis courts
• Golf Course Designer: Tomojiro Maruyama
• Address: Ross St, Benowa QLD 4217, Australia

18. Killara Golf Club, New South Wales

Killara Golf Club is one of the oldest courses in Sydney, featuring a classic parkland layout with tree-lined fairways and rolling terrain. This requires precision when navigating its narrow landing areas. The greens are fast, firm, and undulating, inducing very specific and tight approach shots. Every round at Killara takes place in a peaceful setting, and with all its challenges, every round is a combination of strategy and skill.

• Build Year: 1899
• Length: 6080 Yards
• Par: 72
• Number of Holes: 18
• Green Speeds: Fast
• Types of Hazards: Bunkers, trees, water hazards, and pine cones
• Average Slope Rating: 123-139 for men and 120-138 for women
• Facilities Available: Tennis, squash, lawn bowls, bridge, and billiards, along with a historical art deco clubhouse and high-quality dining options
• Golf Course Designer: Prosper Ellis
• Address: 556 Pacific Hwy, Killara NSW 2071, Australia

19. Federal Golf Club, Australian Capital Territory

Located in the bushland of Canberra, Federal Golf Club gives golfers the opportunity to escape and play a challenging layout. Fairways lined with trees require directness off the tees. Some fairways are followed by subtle elevation changes, which force players to consider their best shot selection on the approach. Each hole presents a challenge formed by the natural landscape. 

• Build Year: 1967
• Length: 6830 Yards
• Par: 72
• Number of Holes: 18
• Green Speeds: Fast
• Types of Hazards: Water hazards, bunkers, and tall trees
• Average Slope Rating: 121-140
• Facilities Available: A clubhouse with hospitality services, an award-winning function centre, a restaurant, and a bar, catering to weddings, corporate events, and private functions
• Golf Course Designer: Prosper Ellis
• Address: Gowrie Dr, Red Hill ACT 2603, Australia

20. Indooroopilly Golf Club, Queensland

Nestled along the Brisbane River, Indooroopilly Golf Club offers its members a relaxing yet challenging golfing experience. The layout embraces parkland beauty while also maintaining strategic shot approaches. Fairways are lined with mature trees, requiring players to be accurate off the tee. The peaceful surroundings make for an enjoyable experience whilst making sure the challenge remains competitive. 

• Build Year: 1926
• Length: 6970 Yards
• Par: 72
• Number of Holes: 36
• Green Speeds: Fast
• Types of Hazards: Water hazards, bunkers, challenging greens, and rolling terrain
• Average Slope Rating: 121
• Facilities Available: Extensive practice facilities, a well-stocked golf shop, a restaurant and bar, and function areas for events
• Golf Course Designer: Ross Watson
• Address: Meiers Rd, Indooroopilly QLD 4068, Australia

21. Victoria Golf Club, Victoria

Victoria Golf Club is a Sandbelt classic that challenges players with tree-lined fairways and strategic bunkering. Its fairways require well-placed drives to set up ideal approach shots. The bunkers are deep and penal, rewarding careful club selection. Greens are slick undulating, and demand a soft touch. The course's natural layout blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Every round here is a rewarding mix of beauty and precision.

• Build Year: 1893
• Length: 6304 Yards
• Par: 72
• Number of Holes: 18
• Green Speeds: Fast
• Types of Hazards: Water hazards, bunkers, trees, and hills
• Average Slope Rating: 113
• Facilities Available: A heritage-listed clubhouse with accommodation, a driving range, and short-game practice areas, along with dining and hospitality options
• Golf Course Designer: Oscar Damman and Bill Meader with assistance from Dr Alister MacKenzie
• Address: Park Rd, Cheltenham VIC 3192, Australia