I’ve never quite understood why people treat golf like a spa day. But then I saw the rolling greens of Cape Wickham on King Island at sunrise, and something shifted. There’s something ridiculously peaceful about chasing a tiny white ball through dramatic coastal cliffs. Apparently, I’m not the only one who’s caught the bug.
Golf tourism in Australia isn’t just a niche trend, it’s becoming an economic power move. More travellers are booking holidays around tee times, not just tan lines. And destinations from Victoria to Tasmania are leaning in, carving out reputations as world-class golfing hubs with a side of wine, wildlife, and luxury.
From Niche to National Strategy
Australia’s golfing scene is low-key stacked. You’ve got Barnbougle Dunes, Royal Melbourne, The National and more courses ranked globally, each bringing a distinct vibe from windswept links to sand belt chic. Golf Digest doesn’t throw around those top 100 slots for nothing.
But what’s changed recently is how states are marketing this.
Tourism Australia has doubled down on sport-focused travel, especially as post-pandemic international visitors seek slower, more experience-driven getaways. Golf, with its built-in pace and built-out landscapes, fits perfectly. Add in top-tier restaurants, boutique lodges, and spa-toting resorts, and golf starts looking like a vacation gateway, not just a game.
It’s Not Just for Boomers Anymore
Surprisingly, the new generation of golf tourists isn’t just retirees in polos. Millennials (yes, the avocado toast crowd) are showing up too, often blending golf with wine tasting, remote work escapes, or digital detoxes. Resorts have taken note, updating their offerings with Instagrammable views, tech-driven services, and even wellness-focused itineraries.
There’s also a growing cohort of domestic travellers using golf trips as an excuse to explore lesser-known pockets of Australia. Think Western Australia's Kalgoorlie Golf Course with its rugged outback backdrop or the lush, underrated serenity of Bonville in NSW.
A Quick Nine... and Maybe a Spin?
Here's where things get unexpectedly interesting. Some golf resorts, particularly those with casino licenses like The Star Gold Coast near Sanctuary Cove or Country Club Tasmania in Launceston, have started blending recreational gaming with golf. The crossover is subtle but strategic: luxury, leisure, and low-stakes thrill-seeking all wrapped in one itinerary.
And even at courses without brick-and-mortar casinos, mobile gaming’s snuck in. It’s not uncommon to see players spinning reels on their phones between holes, like a cheeky round on BetZillo casino from the buggy while their mate lines up a birdie putt. For many, it's less about the gamble and more about the blend. Golf might take four hours, but the moments in-between are prime real estate for digital entertainment.
This hybrid of tradition and tech makes the experience feel richer, and it’s attracting a broader crowd. Couples on holiday might split time between the fairway and the blackjack table. Groups of friends plan entire weekends around alternating tee-offs and poker chips.
And resorts? They're all in, capitalizing on this new model by expanding amenities, refining loyalty programs, and keeping their offerings updated with the latest tech integrations.
Local Economies Are Teeing Off
Let’s talk money. A 2022 overview reported by different Australian Golf outlets found that golf tourism contributes over AUD $500 million annually to the economy. That includes everything from accommodation and food to merchandise and transport. And unlike festivals or seasonal tourism, golf runs year-round.
Regions like Mornington Peninsula and the Bellarine are seeing new life in the shoulder seasons thanks to traveling golfers who want quieter fairways and cozy cellar doors. The boost spreads beyond golf clubs, local cafes, gear shops, yoga studios, and boutique stays all get a piece of the pie.
New data also suggests that international golf tourists tend to stay longer and spend more per day compared to average leisure travellers. That’s a big win for regional towns hoping to rebound after the lockdowns. And unlike big one-off events, golf tourism builds a consistent flow of income that supports long-term infrastructure and hospitality jobs.
What’s Next for Australia’s Golf Tourism?
There’s room to grow. Australia still lags behind golf giants like Scotland and the U.S. when it comes to bundling golf with culture-rich packages. But that’s starting to shift. Tailored itineraries, eco-conscious course design, and indigenous tourism tie-ins are being explored as ways to deepen the offering.
One promising direction is the push toward sustainability. Several courses are redesigning their layouts to reduce water use and promote native biodiversity. Programs that blend golf with conservation education are starting to catch on, offering tourists a sense of purpose along with their putts.
And while not every player will care about a curated pinot noir pairing after the 18th hole, more travellers than ever are choosing golf not just for sport—but for escape. It’s the combination of space, nature, focus, and freedom that’s turning the sport into one of tourism’s fastest-growing edges.
Golf might be centuries old, but in Australia, it’s swinging straight into the future.
Author: Sebastian R.