The Best Golf Courses on South Australia’s Limestone Coast
There’s an abundance of cellar doors in Coonawarra, but did you know that South Australia’s Limestone Coast is also a popular golf destination? In addition to being oenophiles, the Redman family are keen golfers; we love hitting the greens when we’re not in the winery.
Unlike at some golf courses in other parts of the country, you don't need to be a member to play at many of the following courses. Plus, you can often get on the greens without having to book too far ahead of time.
Mount Gambier Golf Club
Visitors are welcome to this picturesque golf club on Attamurra Road. Established in 1909, Mount Gambier Golf Club is only five minutes from the city centre of Mount Gambier, which is famous for its Blue Lake. Elevated tees on many holes provide spectacular views over the course, none more stunning than the 8th hole. This signature par 3 course offers a southerly view to popular Centenary Tower. Santa Ana Couch fairways are generous and reward accuracy and placement. The large greens impress many a golfer. Green fees cost $40 for 18 holes.
Naracoorte Golf Club
Naracoorte has been ranked among Australia’s top 100 public-access golf courses. We love the rolling terrain and gum-tree-lined fairways, which make for an enjoyable stroll along the 18-hole, par 72 course. Just looking to practice your swing? There’s a driving range onsite, too. In the Wrattonbully wine region between Coonawarra and Padthaway, Naracoorte is close to the South Australia-Victoria border, only three and a half hours’ drive from Adelaide or five hours’ drive from Melbourne. Naracoorte is not only a lovely holiday base and a great place for a game of golf, but also a restful overnight stop on an Adelaide-to-Melbourne road trip. Like Mount Gambier Golf Club, green fees here cost $40 for 18 holes.
Penola Golf Club
This peaceful country course is nestled in natural bushland, 10 kilometres south of Penola and 42 kilometres north of Mount Gambier. The course boasts a friendly atmosphere and stays in good condition thanks to members who do a great job looking after it. Unlike some of the other South Australian courses set on dunes, Penola is flat but well-wooded, with tight fairways. The grass greens and fairways are well-watered and lightly bunkered. You’ll spot plenty of wildlife as you make your way through the course. Keep an eye out for kangaroos and rosellas. Green fees cost $20 for nine holes and $30 for 18 holes.
Millicent Golf Club
Mount Gambier’s Millicent Golf Club is a luxurious country course set within native gum forest. With its lush rolling fairways and water hazards bordered by tall gums, Millicent is one of South Australia's best country courses. The course is renowned for its scenic landscape, which is home to an abundance of animals and birdlife. The sandy soil base and temperate weather provide ideal playing conditions any time of the year. Green fees cost $20 for nine holes and $30 for 18 holes.
Robe Golf Club
Robe is a scenic coastal town, and Robe Golf Club is an equally scenic private members course that openly welcomes visitors to play on the green that overlooks the coastline. With a layout of three six-hole loops, there’s an option for every golfer. This charming regional course now boasts six new holes that follow the natural contouring of the dunes and provide the challenges of bush and vegetation just off the fairway. This expansion takes the links-style course to 18 holes, with green fee options for 6 ($20), 12 ($30) or 18 holes ($40), depending on how much time you have.
Once you’ve finished your round, don’t forget to swing by and visit the Redman cellar door. It makes for the perfect 19th hole, and some of Coonawarra’s finest wines are on offer to help you quench your thirst.