Pullman Magenta Shores Resort, MagentaCredit: Destination NSW
The championship 18-hole course at Magenta Shores Golf & Country Club on the Central Coast offers sweeping sea and lake views.
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If golf is your game, New South Wales has some sweet spots for golf getaways, from wine country to the mighty Murray, from the Blue Mountains to the Southern Highlands. The good news is that just because your round ends, doesn’t mean your holiday has to — many of the state’s most scenic courses come with (or are in easy reach of) extremely comfortable accommodation with all the trimmings. So tee off, then check in, at these seven stay-and-play courses around NSW.
Bonville Golf Resort, Coffs Coast
Located a five-hour drive north on Sydney on the Coffs Coast, Bonville Golf Resort deserves its reputation as one of the world’s most beautiful courses. The 18-hole, par-72 championship course is hemmed by soaring gum trees (look out for koalas and black cockatoos), its secluded fairways dipping and rising over the countryside. Finished your round? Check in to one of the 30 contemporary rooms, take a dip in the lagoon-style pool, stroll through the rainforest or dine on-site at the Flooded Gums Restaurant.
Gibraltar Country Club, Southern Highlands
The 18-hole, par-69 course at Gibraltar Country Club is like a slice of the Southern Highlands, its setting just outside Bowral (115km southwest of Sydney) offering postcard-worthy views over the town and Mount Gibraltar. Fairways are lined with mature native and European trees, with holes providing surprises and challenges for golfers of all experience levels. The 76 rooms in the on-site hotel overlook course lakes and forest — some come with living areas, and all feature large marbled bathrooms. There’s no need to leave, thanks to the bar, restaurant and spa. Also in Bowral is Peppers Craigieburn Bowral, which has its own short but challenging nine-hole course.
Howlong Golf Resort, Murray River
The Murray region has its fair share of golf courses. Highly rated for its relaxed country swagger is Howlong Golf Resort, its namesake town located right on the river that acts as NSW’s southern border. The 18-hole, par-70 course is compact but challenging, with flat, firm greens enveloped by Australian forest — it’s particularly pretty in spring when the bush begins to bloom. Spacious rooms come with plenty of colour, and are complemented by non-golf diversions including a saltwater pool, sauna, kids’ playground and tennis court.
Magenta Shores Golf and Country Club, Central Coast
A 90-minute drive north of Sydney, tucked between the Pacific Ocean and Tuggerah Lake on the Central Coast, the 18-hole, par-72 Magenta Shores Golf and Country Club is one of Australia’s great links courses, its manicured greens spread along the coastline, with many holes offering water views. It’s a private club, but guests of the on-course Pullman Magenta Shores Resort Hotel are permitted to play — reason alone to check in. When you’re not teeing off, unwind in one- to three-bedroom villas, dive into the pools or bliss out in the spa.
Peppers Craigieburn, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
A couple enjoy golf at Peppers Craigieburn, Bowral.
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Peppers Craigieburn, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
A couple enjoy golf at Peppers Craigieburn, Bowral.
Magenta Shores Golf & Country Club, Magenta Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a day of golfing at Magenta Shores Golf and Country Club, Magenta.
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Magenta Shores Golf & Country Club, Magenta Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a day of golfing at Magenta Shores Golf and Country Club, Magenta.
The Lakes, Sydney
A regular host of the Emirates Australian Open, The Lakes is one of the state’s most preeminent private golf clubs. The 18-hole, par-72 course is split by the airport-to-city freeway, with natural water hazards, rolling dunes and seaside winds all part of the challenges of play. There’s no dedicated on-site accommodation, but it’s just a 10-minute drive to the funky Citadines Connect hotel at Sydney airport, which comes replete with views over runways (not fairways) as well as a rooftop cinema.
The Vintage Golf Club, Hunter Valley
Golfing legend Greg Norman designed the 18-hole, par-71 course at The Vintage Golf Club, surrounded by vineyards in one of the state’s premier wine regions. Set 250km north of Sydney in the Hunter Valley, the superbly manicured, well-bunkered greens come with plenty of challenges, including unexpected water hazards; there’s a driving range and golf pro on call, should you wish to fine-tune your game. Don’t spend all your time on the course — the on-site Château Élan at The Vintage hotel offers an indulgent country escape, its luxuriously appointed villas just a few steps from the day spa and lauded restaurant.
Leura Golf Club, Blue Mountains
With dramatic sandstone escarpments and deep valleys, the Blue Mountains is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, whether hikers, bikers or golfers. It’s here, just 100km west of Sydney, you’ll find the Fairmont Resort & Spa Blue Mountains, MGallery by Sofitel, its resort-style rooms overlooking the Jamison Valley and expansive hotel facilities, including a maze, pool, multiple restaurants, spa and cinema. Many check in here for easy access to neighbouring Leura Golf Club, the 18-hole, par-69 course the oldest of its kind in the region. Look forward to undulating greens with panoramic vistas over the World Heritage-listed national park — much the same outlook is enjoyed from the 19th hole (the clubhouse bistro).
Leura Golf Club, Leura Credit: Destination NSW
Man enjoying a round of golf at Leura Golf Club in the Blue Mountains.
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Leura Golf Club, Leura Credit: Destination NSW
Man enjoying a round of golf at Leura Golf Club in the Blue Mountains.
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Sydney Harbour in SummerCredit: Destination NSW
Your dog will enjoy seeing the sights of Sydney as much as you do.
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Planning a sojourn to Sydney and don’t want to leave your beloved pooch behind? With hotels increasingly willing to cater to pets, there’s no reason you have to. From beachside to the inner city, these luxury escapes not only welcome four-legged friends, they also provide special inclusions tailored for dogs. Just be sure to book in early, as not every room in these properties can house pets.
Pier One Sydney Harbour, city centre
Nestled below Sydney Harbour Bridge in historic Walsh Bay, Pier One Sydney Harbour is one of the city’s more memorable stays. The hotel sits on a former working wharf over the water, and has devoted some of its ground-level rooms to furry family members. Stay here and your dog will have direct access to the boardwalk that wraps around the sides of the hotel facing the water, with plenty of seagulls to keep it entertained. Pier One’s Puppy Package comes with all the extras: an eco-friendly dog bed, food and water bowls, and a mini bar stocked with treats. Keen to really amp up the spoils? Check out the dog-friendly in-room dining menu, or book an outdoor spot at the hotel’s ground-level The Gantry Restaurant, which offers a Doggy Degustation menu with such treats as beef bone broth and Doglato (a gelato equivalent for pooches) for dessert.
QT Bondi, Bondi Beach
Right on the esplanade facing Sydney’s most famous city beach, QT Bondi welcomes guests trailing sand and their beloved pets. With its chic, contemporary style and energetic vibe, the hotel mirrors Bondi’s laid-back beach lifestyle and allows easy access to its café, bar and restaurant scene. The hotel offers a pet-friendly room that features a special mini bar filled with doggie treats and a pooch-friendly vegan in-room dining menu. Although dogs aren’t permitted on Bondi Beach itself, you’ll be in good company joining the parade of dog-walkers on the promenade, or head to the nearby Rose Bay Foreshore, where pets are free to frolic off-leash.
Little Albion, Surry Hills
The Little Albion boutique hotel occupies a charming former convent in Surry Hills, a leafy inner-city hub populated by creative types and dog lovers. There are two pet-friendly rooms at the hotel, both at ground level, with a bed, bowl and blanket included, but if it’s an over-the-top spoil session you’re after, the Plush Pup Package can’t be beat. Pets are welcomed with Mimi & Munch baked doggie treats on arrival; gifted with a The Daily Edited personalised name tag to look their fashionable best; booked in for a fitting with Dogue doggie stylist; assigned a butler, in case you need to dash out solo; and even receive a turndown service with Doglato.
Doggy Degustation, Pier One Sydney Harbour Credit: Anna Kucera
Chowing down on the Doggy Degustation menu at Pier One Sydney Harbour hotel.
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Doggy Degustation, Pier One Sydney Harbour Credit: Anna Kucera
Chowing down on the Doggy Degustation menu at Pier One Sydney Harbour hotel.
QT Bondi, Sydney Credit: QT Bondi
Your dog will love a fur-friendly stay at QT Bondi.
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QT Bondi, Sydney Credit: QT Bondi
Your dog will love a fur-friendly stay at QT Bondi.
InterContinental Sydney Double Bay
Despite occupying prime real estate in one of Sydney’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, the InterContinental Sydney Double Bay is not too posh to pooch. Suitably elegant and opulent in its well-to-do setting, the hotel invites dog owners to book its Pet Stay Package. Your room will be set up with a stylish pet bed and bowls, and you can order a meal from the dog-friendly in-room dining menu, which includes options such as Banjo’s Delight, a feast of Angus beef, pumpkin, carrots and sweet potato. Double Bay is conveniently close to the city and the Eastern Suburbs beaches, yet has a peaceful village feel and is the ideal idyll for people- and dog-watching.
Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour
Sydney’s sister Ovolo hotels, Ovolo Woolloomooloo to the east of the city centre and Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour in inner-city Pyrmont, are both dog-friendly and are equally luxurious and immaculately designed. But the Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour earns pooch preference points for being close to Pyrmont’s off-leash Waterfront Park. While all Ovolo hotels indulge human guests with complimentary munchies from the mini bar and drinks at social hour, pets also get the star treatment. The V.I.Pooch Package at each Sydney Ovolo includes a comfy dog bed, food bowl, and the never more aptly named doggy bag ꟷ packed with treats and toys they’ll drool over.
The Langham, Sydney
Pet-friendly may not be a description you’d first associate with the ultra-regal The Langham, Sydney, near Barangaroo in the city centre. Yet along with its plush interiors, a private tennis court, an indoor pool with an amazing painted dome and the serene The Day Spa by Chuan, it happily allows you and your furry charge to co-habit during your stay. Rooms are set up with a dog bed and eating bowls, there’s an in-house dog-friendly menu, and if you fancy letting yourself off the lead to hit the town, dog-sitting services can also be requested.
Pup Package, Little Albion, A Crystalbrook Collection Boutique Hotel Credit: Little Albion, A Crystalbrook Collection Boutique Hotel
Bedding down at the Little Albion hotel in Sydney’s Surry Hills.
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Pup Package, Little Albion, A Crystalbrook Collection Boutique Hotel Credit: Little Albion, A Crystalbrook Collection Boutique Hotel
Bedding down at the Little Albion hotel in Sydney’s Surry Hills.
The Langham, Sydney Credit: The Langham
Your dog will feel like canine royalty at The Langham, Sydney.
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The Langham, Sydney Credit: The Langham
Your dog will feel like canine royalty at The Langham, Sydney.