Situated in the Bass Strait, King Island has quickly become one of the Worlds golfing meccas. King Island, Tasmania, though, is not just known for its bucket-list golfing destinations.
Exquisite food and wine add to the charm and appeal of King Island. Primarily known for its spectacular and rugged scenery, the island provides the perfect backdrop for golf as the courses meander along the coastline and offer magnificent views of the Southern Ocean.
Many, or should I say, “most” of the holes at the courses on King Island provide unprecedented views of the Bass Strait. As far as links-style golf courses go, the three courses on King Island are probably some of the best in the world.
In this article, we’ll be taking a quick look at three of those courses:
- King Island Golf Course
- Cape Wickham Golf Course
- Ocean Oceans Golf Course, and
Well, also take a look at some of the must-stop destinations along the way and delve into the exquisite local food and wine produce King Island is known for.
King Island Golf Course
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The King Island Golf Course is situated on the island’s west coast and is about an hour’s flight from Tasmania. Golf on the island goes back to 1910, with the King Island Golf and Bowling Club establishing itself in 1931.
Just like the other courses, King Island offers spectacular and unprecedented views of the rugged Tasmanian coastline. The links-style course provides some of the most breathtaking and challenging tee shots you’ll ever play.
With the golf course exposed to the elements, golfers should get ready to buckle up because they’re in for one hell of a golfing challenge. Luckily, though, the views help soften the blow of losing golf balls to the ocean and the knee-high feskew rough.
The winds howl in from the west, meaning your best bet is to keep your ball flight low. If you can play the Tiger Woods “stinger,” you’ll probably shoot a decent score around King Island.
While every hole on King Island is breathtaking, it’s hard to surpass the par 3, third hole. With an elevated tee shot, you literally feel like you’re standing in the middle of the Bass Strait
The prominent golfing publication Inside Golf wrote:
“Several holes play through and across well-established foliage and rolling farmland before heading to the water, where the course is fully exposed to the elements of wind, surf, and the ever-changing weather patterns. Two sets of tees for each hole add to the variety of the course.”
Cape Wickham Links
Cape Wickham Golf Course is situated on King Island, and many golfers believe it’s the best of the four courses on the Island. In 2016, Golf Digest actually named Cape Wickham as one of the 25 best golf courses in the world.
The course is found at the Northern most point of the island and offers golfers unforgettable views of the Southern Ocean and the rugged coastline down below. Many European golfers have commented on how the Cape Wickham links remind them of their Scottish homeland.
However, just like most golf courses in Australia, once you tee off and start wandering the fairways, the uniqueness of the Australian flora and fauna comes to the fore. You’ll need plenty of creativity to shoot a good score around Cape Wickham. The wide-open and expansive fairways challenge even the most experienced golfers.
Undoubtedly, my favourite part of playing Cape Wickham is the considerable and well-manicured 12-hole practice putting green. Not only can you practice your putting, but the green also has designated areas for some pre-round chipping and pitching practice.
Once you’ve made a birdie on the 18th, it’s time to head to the clubhouse and indulge in some of the local produce, like award-winning King Island beef. Sip on a glass of local red and reminisce about your big day on the links.
Ocean Dunes Golf Course
Simply put, Ocean Dunes Golf Course is a bucket-list golf course that spans 290 acres of some of the most spectacular links-style landscapes on the planet.
Ocean Dunes Golf Course meanders along the breathtaking King Island coastline and, like the other courses on the island, is constantly buffeted by the wind blowing in from the Great Southern Ocean. This again puts a premium on shot-making and golfers’ ability to keep their ball flight low and out of the wind.
The bent-grass greens at Ocean Dunes are lightning fast, with some golfers saying they’re like putting on glass. The greens can be outright diabolical with the wind blowing, especially for high-handicappers. As you’d expect on any links-style golf course, the fairways are expansive, undulating, and well-manicured.
Golfers will find bunkers strategically placed, as my dad found out. Actually, that day he saw more sand than David Hasselhoff. In saying that, though, Ocean Dunes offers several teeing options meaning it’s an ideal course for everyone from low-handicappers to women’s golfers, seniors, and even juniors.
The two par 3s are some of the most spectacular holes I’ve been lucky enough to play, so make sure you’ve got your camera handy. If you’re looking for a luxury golfing getaway, the Ocean Dunes Golf Course is pretty hard to go past.
Travel, Play, And Stay In Style
If you’re thinking about making the trip to Tasmania, what better way than to book a luxury golf and scenic tour?
You’ll travel in first-class comfort and sip on a glass of wine while transported to your destination in a luxury air-conditioned vehicle. Take in the scenery, unique flora, and fauna that Tasmania is known for.
The Seven-Day Golf and Scenic Tour is the perfect way to experience the Island and play Australia’s oldest golf course. Tee off to stunning views of the rugged coastline and walk the undulating fairways and greens.
Maybe you like a wine or two? Our 4-Day Gourmet Tasmanian Produce & Wine Tour will have you living like Royalty, even if it is only for four days. Soak in the Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean views as you sip a glass of sparkling wine and indulge in some of the exquisite local seafood and cheeses.
Whether it’s a week-long getaway or a 1-day luxury golfing tour, there is no better way to combine the best golf courses in the world with the best food and wine.
King Island: World-Class Food And Drink
King Island is known for its “fresher than fresh” local produce, which is bursting with not only flavour but nutrients, too. From Hong Kong to London, many of the world’s finest restaurants use local produce from the region.
The food is sustainably produced, which helps to put the restaurant owners’ minds at ease, knowing their customers are getting food jam-packed with flavour and GMO-free.
On the island, you’ll find numerous cafes, pubs, and eateries that provide the perfect backdrop to take in the island’s spectacular views while sipping on a glass of local red wine.
The King Island Dairy and Cheese Shop
The King Island Dairy and Cheeses Shop is one of the most visited spots on the island, and with good reason. As the name suggests, the store produces local cheeses and dairy products which guests can taste and purchase during one of their many tours.
The cheeses are “turned” by expert cheesemakers and sold to shops and markets on the Australian mainland. The whole community plays a role in the cheesemaking products, including truck drivers and packers to front staff and cheese wrappers.
The King Island Brewhouse
Who doesn’t fancy a beer after just finishing 18 holes of golf and shooting the worst score of your golfing career? Owners Corey and Sarah Brazendale produce local craft beers, ciders, and an array of other alcoholic beverages.
You’ll find most of their craft beers at the many cafes and pubs dotted around the island. However, I highly recommend taking one of their popular tasting tours and experiencing the charm of the old brewery as you down a beer or local cider.
The King Island Distillery
The King Island Distillery is known for its bespoke spirits, which are the brainchild of distiller Heidi Weitjens. Heidi uses unique “stills,” which she refers to as her “copper angels,” and produces Vodka, Gin, Ruby Vodka, and Choice Single Malt Whiskey.
Like the King Island Brewhouse, you’ll find Heidi’s spirits sold at almost all of the island’s eateries. I will say that it’s great to see the locals all supporting each other’s business endeavors. It’s one of the most endearing characteristics of the local residents of King Island,
If you do pay Heidi a visit, make sure you book one of her tasting tours and purchase a bottle of her famous 40s Vodka.
King Island Seafoods
Last but not least is King Island Seafoods. Walk along the Currie Wharf and take in the spectacular views of the Southern Ocean as you soak in the sights and sounds, oh, and the smells, too.
As with many other local producers, King Island Seafood is sold locally and on the mainland and is sought after by some of the best restaurants in the world. Whether it’s the Atlantic Salmon, the Bass Groper, or the delectable oysters, there is something for everyone.
Call ahead, pre-order a seafood basket, and the friendly staff will put it together and guide you to some of the most scenic areas to sit down and enjoy your food and wine.
