Among the many outdoor activities that you can enjoy in the Grampians, golfing is one of the most popular. This region boasts some of the most magnificent courses in the country offering golfers an unforgettable experience.
Sculpted out of a natural bush landscape at the base of the magnificent Mud-dadjug (Mt Abrupt), Grampians Golf Club boasts not only challenging terrain but also breathtaking panoramic views. Just a short drive from Dunkeld, you’ll share your round with a plethora of native wildlife so make sure you keep an eye on any errant tee shots! The wide fairways and accessible greens, kept impeccably by the knowledgeable greenskeepers, offer plenty of scoring opportunities for players of all skill levels.
The Chalambar Golf and Bowls Club boasts a magnificent 18-hole course situated amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Pyrenees Ranges. A shorter course that looks deceptively simple on paper will bite back off the tee with narrow fairways and a couple of longer par 3s that will test even the most consistent ball-strikers. A short par 3 in front of the bowling green on 18 gives you the chance to end your round a hero - there’s no better finish!
Tucked away in the picturesque heart of the Grampians lies the charming Halls Gap Golf Course, a 9-hole oasis. Designed by Peter Thomson in 1996, its well-manicured greens and wide-open fairways offer a great experience to golfers of all skill levels. With recent upgrades including a full underground watering system the course now sits in pristine condition year round. The 9-hole layout is perfect for a quick twilight round during the summer months and of course, the spectacular views will keep you coming back.
The oldest established golf club in Victoria to remain on the same site, the tree-lined fairways of Hamilton Golf Club pose a series of tough questions off the tee. Dog-legs left and right on the first two holes refuse to let golfers settle into the round early, providing a shot shaping challenge that favours bold play. The tee shot on 2 offers the biggest risk-reward on the course - with players that can carry driver over 250m encouraged to cut the corner and drive the green over water. No matter how you play, the natural beauty of this course will make the day worth your while. Turn your round into a weekend away with a stay at the nearby AAT28 Goldsmith Motel.
A country gem, the Stawell Golf Club acts as a haven for golfers escaping city courses. Enjoy a relaxing round in the fresh country air as you explore the open fairways and undulating landscape of the course. From hole 5 onwards, the creek that runs through the property is always in play so strong course management and being well placed off the tee is crucial to scoring. Just around the corner from the club you’ll find the Miner’s Rest - a quaint weatherboard cottage fully renovated with all the comforts and amenities of home. If staying a while longer in Stawell, why not follow up your relaxing round of golf with a different type of relaxation, and experience a Reiki treatment at Heart Centred Reiki in nearby Black Range?
One of Golf Australia’s top 100 public access courses for 2023 (climbing 17 spots in the rankings!), the Horsham Golf Club is a must for any golfer visiting the area. Well-protected greens and complex bunkering is the hallmark of the course, with precise iron play rewarded and missed greens punished. This is truly one of the best value-for-money rounds of golf you can play in Australia. Along with a world class course and practice facilities, Horsham Golf Club is also home to a great cafe and bar - so why not make a day of it! If you decide to make the trek to Horsham, accommodation options such as Horsham Holiday Park, Comfort Inn Capital Horsham, and Meringa Springs offer great stays at any price point.
Once you’ve played golf on one of these golf courses, why not play a round, Grampians Adventure Golf-style? Located in the heart of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, it’s a picturesque, fun and challenging 18-hole adventure golf course set in beautiful bushland, and with its waterfalls, views and tunnels is like a mini version of the National Park. Before or after your round, be sure to enjoy the eclectic art gallery that is MOCO Gallery, and enjoy a bite of brunch or lunch daily (or dinner at the weekend) at Adventure Café Bar.
The Grampians is a foodie's paradise, and there are plenty of great eateries to try after a long day on the links. Try Flame Brothers for a smoky barbecue experience, Paper Scissors Rock Brew Co for contemporary cuisine, or Spirit of Punjab for authentic Indian flavours. No matter your taste preference, these restaurants are sure to satisfy.
With a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, you won’t have a problem finding a clubhouse for your next golf trip. In-and-around Halls Gap, Heath House, Hemley House, Icon Central Halls Gap, DULC, Golton in the Gap and Cedar Country Retreat all offer luxurious and spacious accommodation with modern amenities, while Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park, Lake Fyans Holiday Park, Breeze Holiday Parks - Grampians and Breeze Holiday Parks - Halls Gap are great options for families and groups. If you're looking for something rustic then Halls Gap Log Cabins offer a collection of cabin-style accommodations sure to delight.
If immersing yourself in a round of golf surrounded by the flora and fauna of the Grampians region wasn’t enough of a native wildlife, birdlife and native gardens fix for you, then be sure to stay at D’Altons Studios, Grampians Pioneer Cottages, Halls Haven Holiday Units or Grampians View Cottages & Units.
If you’re keen on playing at Chalambar Golf Club, you can’t go past booking your Ararat stay at Acacia Caravan Park and Holiday Units. Or put your feet up and unwind in your accommodation at Royal Mail Hotel or Southern Grampians Cottages after a round at Grampians Golf Club.
Your golf might not be up to scratch, but the view will be. Enjoy golf - the Grampians Way.
