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.
More Inspirational Stories
Sea Cliff Bridge, CliftonCredit: Destination NSW
Sun rising over the Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.
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From surfing at beautiful beaches and driving across the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge to attending vibrant cultural events and dining on fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants, the Wollongong area is one of those destinations that has something for everyone to enjoy. Make the most of this summer by exploring this vibrant city with the following guide.
Eat and Drink
The Scarborough Hotel
With bush-covered escarpments backdropping what must be one of the most spectacularly located beer gardens in Australia, heritage-listed The Scarborough presides over the Pacific Ocean as its patrons sip ice-cold Riesling and peel prawns by the bucketload. As you drive into Wollongong after the Sea Cliff Bridge, this is the perfect pit stop anchored in good times.
Dagwood Bar & Kitchen
Take the greatest menu hits from all corners of Asia, from bao to bulgogi, shake it with some coastal classics and garnish with a Mexican-accented drinks list and you have Dagwood – a neon-lit, shiso-laced feast with a side of chips and edamame. It’s a mix tape of riotous fun and flavour in the city centre.
Juniper Bar
Another small city bar, this one is gin-centric with more than 60 different incarnations of the spirit. You’ll find your own good spirits here as you settle into a holiday state of mind.
Longboard Café
The beachside cafe at City Beach with a philosophy intention to craft food for the soul; made with the freshest local ingredients. Think classic café eats with a focus on whole food, plant-based, vegetarian and vegan options, from the earth, for the soul.
Lee and Me
Lee and me is a cafe operating out of a charming old terrace house. A must visit for breakfast, lunch, specialty coffee and cocktails. Freshly baked goods and takeaway available. Open 7 days a week.
Kneading Ruby
Nestled in the heart of Wollongong and participating in the town’s cheery seaside dining scene is Kneading Ruby on Crown Lane. Imposed from the outside with high brick walls, the inside is unassumingly elegant, with lofty ceilings giving an airy feel to pair with delicate vines draped across timber ceiling beams and polished floors. Naturally lit during the day for a breezy café feel and cast under a soft glow for more ambient evening dining.
Diggies
Perched on the edge of North Beach, Diggies is a bright, casual cafe serving fresh food and great coffee with coastal vibes. Aussie beach culture is brought to life via a seasonal menu sourced from high quality, local ingredients. Soak up the ocean breeze over an all day brunch menu, epic cocktail and wine list, plus a Little One's menu.
The Scarborough Hotel, Scarborough Credit: Destination NSW
Young people having an afternoon drink at The Scarborough Hotel in Scarborough on the Illawarra coast.
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The Scarborough Hotel, Scarborough Credit: Destination NSW
Young people having an afternoon drink at The Scarborough Hotel in Scarborough on the Illawarra coast.
Main Beach, Wollongong Credit: Destination NSW
People enjoying the sand and surf at Main Beach, Wollongong.
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Main Beach, Wollongong Credit: Destination NSW
People enjoying the sand and surf at Main Beach, Wollongong.
Play
Symbio Wildlife Park
Say hello to a motley crew of cheetahs, red pandas, lemurs and koalas at Symbio Wildlife Park on the outskirts of Royal National Park home - along with some less cuddle-receptive reptiles. Once you’re done ogling the residents, point the kids in the direction of the Splash Park and let the squeals ensue.
Hang Glide Oz at Bald Hill, Stanwell Park
If you feel inclined to check your adrenaline reserves, place yourself in the reassuring hands of Hang Glide Oz. The almost-theatrical beauty of the Stanwell Tops escarpment may be lost on you as you prepare to launch yourself off the edge, but no doubt, as the wind gently guides your descent and your pounding heart calms, you’ll find a moment to appreciate the landscape and an intoxicating sense of mid-air liberation.
Anita’s Theatre
This iconic Thirroul theatre, built in 1925, spent time as a roller-skating rink in the ’60s after a decline in theatre patronage until it was restored to its designated purpose as a venue and reopened in 2007. Since then, Anita’s Theatre has been the source of all hot tickets in town and surrounds.
Wollongong Art Gallery
Be in awe at one of the largest regional art museums in Australia. The Wollongong Art Gallery presents an exciting range of exhibitions and activities that showcase the energy and creativity of the Illawarra region, as well as touring exhibitions of national and international significance. The diverse and growing permanent Collection features important Australian, Aboriginal, Asian and contemporary art for visitors to really indulge in their creativity.
Explore
Wollongong Botanic Garden
As you tread the well-tended pathways of this half-a-century-old garden, allow your chattering mind to hand the reigns over to your senses. No matter your botanical preferences, there’s a garden here to satisfy your horticultural inclinations, from succulents and palms to natives and rainforest plants. Ascend to the annexed Mount Keira Summit Park to absorb the sweeping vista of Wollongong below.
Grand Pacific Drive
Threading through pins dropped at points of wonder, the Grand Pacific Drive road trip is a pilgrimage of veritable joys. Stretch out the journey for as long as you can to take in the Illawarra’s unrelenting charm. Starting from Sydney, navigate through the waterfalls and white cliffs of the Royal National Park, frolic in the waves of Wollongong’s beaches, ascend to a state of tranquillity in the Minnamurra Rainforest, sip local wines and slurp river-harvested oysters at Crookhaven River and delight in diving dolphins on a Jervis Bay boat cruise.
Symbio Wildlife Park, Helensburgh Credit: Destination NSW
The Symbio Wildlife Park in Helensburgh provided interactive animal experiences and an opportunity to explore the Conservation Splash Park Adventure Playground.
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Symbio Wildlife Park, Helensburgh Credit: Destination NSW
The Symbio Wildlife Park in Helensburgh provided interactive animal experiences and an opportunity to explore the Conservation Splash Park Adventure Playground.
Stanwell Park, South Coast Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Stanwell Park on NSW's South Coast..
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Stanwell Park, South Coast Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Stanwell Park on NSW's South Coast..
Stay
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Located in a front-row position to take in the ocean’s perpetual show, the Novotel is also close to many of the city’s best-loved attractions, such as restaurants, WIN Stadium and the Botanic Gardens. Hop from beach to bar and back again before returning to roost for the evening.
Headlands Austinmer Beach
Just minutes from Thirroul, Headlands Austinmer Beach features apartments ranging from studio to penthouse, offering gaze-lingering views of the ocean and the city’s protective Illawarra Escarpment. There’s a brasserie and bar, pizza and dumplings dispensed from an airstream caravan, and, of course, the turquoise beach right in front of you.
Hotel TOTTO
Hotel TOTTO is your latest escape smack bang in the centre of Wollongong. Steps away from world-class waves, they're your industrial-style home base for exploring the laidback Wollongong scene. Each of their 150 rooms is ideal for the ultimate chilled-out experience.
Austinmer Beach, Austinmer Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking Austinmer Ocean Pools, Austinmer Beach.
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Austinmer Beach, Austinmer Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking Austinmer Ocean Pools, Austinmer Beach.
Wollongong Botanic Garden, Wollongong Credit: Destination NSW
Wollongong Botanic Garden located in Wollongong is a natural beauty of the botanic garden containing 18 native and exotic collections and home to many native animals.
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Wollongong Botanic Garden, Wollongong Credit: Destination NSW
Wollongong Botanic Garden located in Wollongong is a natural beauty of the botanic garden containing 18 native and exotic collections and home to many native animals.