What to Expect When Golfing in the Australian Summer
Australia is home to some of the world’s most iconic golf courses. Summer brings warm, sunny weather and long daylight hours for extended rounds. Melbourne’s sandbelt region is world-famous among golf purists, with natural dunes and sand-based ground soil naturally lending itself to exceptional course conditions and links-style features.
An Australian golf tour offers the perfect opportunity to experience amazing coastal scenery, including the Great Ocean Road. Stretching 150 miles from Melbourne to Adelaide, it’s one of the most scenic routes in the world.
Vibrant cities include Sydney, famed for its exceptional New Year’s firework display over the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, plus iconic beaches including Bondi and Manley. Witness the Australian Open each year, or even play the host courses which include Kingston Heath and Royal Sydney.
With multiple courses ranked in the world’s top 100, Australia’s unique wildlife and varied landscapes make each round memorable. A Premier Golf tour unlocks exclusive access and stress-free planning to this down-under golfing wonderland.
Play the Best Golf Courses in Australia
Below is a list of our top three golf courses in Australia.
Royal Melbourne
Regarded as Australia’s number 1 golf course, Royal Melbourne offers 36 holes across the East and West courses. The ‘Composite Course’, which combines the holes from each course, consistently ranks among the world’s top 10.
Famed for its brilliant Sandbelt design by Dr. Alister MacKenzie, Royal Melbourne is the must-play on an Australian golf tour. Host to headline tournaments including the Presidents Cup and Australian Open, Royal Melbourne has true championship pedigree.
Kingston Heath
Kingston Heath is another Melbourne Sandbelt masterpiece, known for exceptional bunkering and slick greens. The layout, created over 100 years ago, is the mastermind of both Dr. Alistair Mackenzie and Dan Soutar. The routing is compact but challenging, creating a test of precision over power. Kingston Heath, alongside neighboring Royal Melbourne, regularly hosts the Australian Masters and other top-tier events.
The Australian Golf Club
Sydney’s oldest golf club, The Australian Golf Club was founded in 1882, and redesigned by Jack Nicklaus in 1977. A frequent host of the Australian Open, the layout features water hazards and bold bunkering to test every part of your game.
Unique Australian Golf Course Characteristics
The famed Sandbelt courses of Victoria have very distinctive characteristics: firm, fast fairways with strategic bunkering. Greens are slick and well-guarded.
Many of Australia’s best courses are coastal, which offer dramatic ocean views and wind challenges. Tasmania is the pinnacle of coastal golf in Australia. You’ll find courses may not be as manicured as in the U.S., with native vegetation often framing the fairways.
Courses are usually designed to be walkable, rather than American-style resort courses; however, due to the hot weather and challenging architecture, caddies are often recommended.
Australian golfers such as Adam Scott, Jason Day, and Greg Norman are notorious for being excellent bunker players, and this comfort in the sand isn’t due to days spent on the golden beaches. Thanks to coastal Australia’s sandy grounds, most courses are guarded with deep bunkers that require skillful escapes.
Due to Australia’s temperate climate, you will find conditioning is world-class year-round. However, our preference is late spring or early fall to enjoy the best all-around conditions. A highlight of an Australian golf tour is the local wildlife, expect to spot kangaroos or native birds, and keep a lookout in the trees for lazy koala bears, relaxing in the native eucalyptus.
How Hot Does Summer Get in Australia?
Summer in Australia is the direct opposite of the USA and the Northern Hemisphere. If you’re asked what are Australia’s summer months, they run from December to February, otherwise known as our Winter.
Temperatures can vary greatly by region in Australia year-round, in particular when comparing coastal areas to inland. Fortunately, coastal cities like Sydney and Melbourne enjoy sea breezes, which keep the temperatures more moderate for golf, while inland regions can see temperatures above 95°F (35°C).The further north you travel, in contrast to the USA, humidity increases, tropical states like Queensland and Northern Territory see high temperatures and heavy rainfall during the steamy summer months.
As with any hot-weather destination, early morning tee times are the best way to beat the heat. Late summer can see afternoon storms build, which also affects play. When on an Australian golf tour, we recommend Spring or Fall for the most temperate conditions; however, always remember to check daily forecasts and pack accordingly.
Don’t Miss These Australian Summer Events
The Australian Open, the country’s biggest golf event, takes place in December each year, attracting many of the world’s best golfers. The 2025 event runs from 4th-7th of December, with practice days on Monday and Tuesday, and the official Pro‑Am on Wednesday. Hosted at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club, the event will be a TV spectacle and a great test of golf.
The Vic Open is a mixed-gender event, historically held in the 1st and 2nd week of February. Usually held at 13th Beach Golf Links, Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria, the 2025 tournament has already been and gone, and Golf Australia hasn’t announced the 2026 dates, but we expect it to remain consistent. Combine tournament viewing with tee times at nearby courses in Victoria and the Melbourne Sandbelt.
Visitor Access: Tee Times & Etiquette
Similar to the UK and Ireland structure, many top clubs in Australia welcome international visitors, but plan ahead; tee times are limited and sell out quickly.
On rare occasions, you may find some private clubs require an introduction or reciprocal membership, while partner hotels sometimes offer guest access.
Melbourne’s prestigious sand belt clubs often have specific guest days, and Premier Golf will build an itinerary to work for all tee time availability.
Dress codes are strictly enforced in Australia’s best clubs; collared shirts and no metal spikes are two key rules to follow. Etiquette standards are high both on and off the course, we recommend a sports jacket if you choose to enjoy a drink or dine in the clubhouse after your round.
Access is limited among the best golf courses, so book your Australian golf tour early, and Premier Golf can help you secure hard-to-get tee times for your group.
Travel Tips: Getting Around Australia
Most long-haul flights arrive in Sydney, which is the ideal place to start your Australian golfing journey. Melbourne and Tasmania are then easily accessible through very regular Domestic flights. Sydney to Melbourne is the classic golf travel route, however if you have the time, Tasmania’s Barnbougle is only a short hop from Melbourne and is well worth the visit. The vast expanse of the country means rental cars give flexibility to explore nearby attractions, or Premier Golf can provide convenient private transfers.
Multi-city itineraries designed to experience different regions are a great option; you may even choose to take some time off the course to explore the Outback and Uluru, or some of the best vineyards and wineries. Premier Golf is happy to arrange tours, guides, and itineraries to ensure you make the most of your trip
Pro Tips for Summer Golf in Australia
- Always wear SPF 50+ sunscreen — the sun is strong.
- Light, breathable clothing and wide-brimmed hats help.
- Hydrate before and during your round.
- Pack electrolytes for extra hot days.
- Aim for early morning or twilight tee times.
- Bug spray can be useful in tropical areas.
- Bring a refillable water bottle — many courses have fountains.
- Respect local wildlife (e.g. Don’t feed kangaroos).
Plan Your Dream Australia Golf Tour
How to summarize golf in Australia? World-class courses, stunning scenery, and great weather. However, due to the scale and complexities in planning a golf itinerary down under, we do recommend Premier Golf’s experience with Australian golf tours. There is great value in utilizing experts to plan tee times and logistics.
There is also a lot to this great nation beyond golf, so we recommend filling your tour with iconic local experiences, including sightseeing, wine tasting, and city dining.
Australia can be a great destination for a companion group or couples, with plenty of options to suit all tastes and so much to see and do away from the course.
Due to the popularity and limited access of Australia’s best golf, we recommend booking early, 18 to 24 months in advance will be best if you intend to travel in peak summer months. Ready to experience Australia’s world-class golf for yourself? Contact Premier Golf today to start planning your personalized Australian golf tour and secure your tee times at the country’s most exclusive courses.
FAQs
Australia is famous for its unique wildlife, and many golf courses are home to kangaroos, native birds, and sometimes snakes. Courses take safety seriously — you’re unlikely to have problems, but golfers should watch where they step, avoid tall grass, and never feed or approach wildlife.
Many top Australian clubs are very walkable and encourage golfers to walk with or without a caddie. Some clubs offer motorised carts, but availability can vary, so check ahead — especially in summer, when walking in the heat may not suit everyone.
Most major courses and resorts offer high-quality rental sets, often with top brands. Bringing your own clubs is common, but if you want to travel light or try new equipment, renting is a convenient option. Premier Golf can help arrange rentals in advance.
A four-hour round is standard at most private and resort courses. Many locals walk and play briskly. Visitors should be prepared to keep pace and maintain good etiquette, especially on busy summer days.
Unlike in the US, tipping is less common in Australia. Caddies and exceptional service staff may appreciate a tip, but it’s not required or expected in most cases. Dress codes and etiquette, however, are taken seriously — neat golf attire is a must.
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