Barwon Heads 4 Day / 3 Night Public Access Golf Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Warm-Up Round

Morning:

  • Arrival: Drive from Melbourne to Barwon Heads (~1.5 hours).
  • Accommodation Check-in:
    • Barwon Heads Resort at 13th Beach: A modern resort offering comfortable rooms with access to the golf course and other amenities like a restaurant and spa.

Mid-Morning Tee Time (10:30 AM):

  • 13th Beach – Beach Course:
    • Overview: Designed by Tony Cashmore, the Beach Course at 13th Beach is a true links-style layout, featuring wide fairways, deep bunkers, and undulating greens. The course is known for its fast, firm playing conditions and strategic design, rewarding thoughtful shot placement and creativity around the greens.
    • Features: Set along the rugged coastline, the course is heavily influenced by the natural sand dunes and coastal vegetation, offering a visually stunning and challenging experience. The ever-changing coastal winds play a key role, requiring adaptability from golfers of all skill levels.
    • Duration: Approximately 4.5 hours.

Afternoon:

  • Drive to Lunch (10 min):
  • Lunch at Annie’s Provedore & Produce Store (Barwon Heads): A charming cafe offering fresh, locally sourced produce, gourmet sandwiches, and delicious coffee in a cozy setting.

Evening:

  • Drive to Dinner (10 min):
  • Dinner at At The Heads (Barwon Heads): A relaxed coastal eatery with stunning waterfront views, serving fresh seafood and modern Australian cuisine.
  • Drinks at Barwon Heads Hotel (Barwon Heads): A classic pub with a friendly atmosphere, featuring live music, a great selection of beers, and a spacious beer garden.

Day 2: Championship Links & Local Exploration

Morning Tee Time (8:00 AM):

  • Drive to Course (5 min):
  • Barwon Heads Golf Club:
    • Overview: Established in 1907, Barwon Heads Golf Club is one of Australia’s most prestigious links courses. The course is renowned for its traditional layout, featuring tight fairways, pot bunkers, and undulating greens that demand precision and strategic play.
    • Features: Set amidst coastal dunes and natural vegetation, the course provides a classic links experience reminiscent of the famous layouts of Scotland and Ireland. The wind often plays a defining role, making each round unique and requiring careful club selection.
    • Duration: Approximately 4.5 hours.

Lunch:

  • Drive to Lunch (10 min):
  • Lunch at The General Store (Barwon Heads): A popular local cafe offering hearty breakfast and lunch options, fresh pastries, and excellent coffee.

Afternoon Activity:

  • Drive to Surf Beach (10 min):
  • Afternoon at Ocean Grove Beach: Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the beach, take a dip in the ocean, or grab a coffee at one of the nearby beachside cafes.

Evening:

  • Drive to Dinner (10 min):
  • Dinner at The Dunes Ocean Grove: A casual beachside restaurant serving wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood, and local wines.
  • Drinks at Driftwood Cafe (Ocean Grove): A laid-back bar and cafe with a great selection of local beers, wines, and live music.

Day 3: Coastal Golf & Culinary Delights

Morning Tee Time (7:30 AM):

  • Drive to Course (10 min):
  • Lonsdale Links:
    • Overview: Recently redesigned by Ogilvy, Clayton, Cocking & Mead, Lonsdale Links offers a modern interpretation of classic links golf. The course features bold bunkering, unique green complexes, and a variety of hole designs that keep players engaged throughout the round.
    • Features: The course takes inspiration from the great links courses of the UK, incorporating wide playing corridors, firm and fast conditions, and strategic design elements that make every round an exciting challenge.
    • Duration: Approximately 4.5 hours.

Lunch:

  • Drive to Lunch (10 min):
  • Lunch at Piknik (Swan Bay): A converted roadhouse offering fresh, homemade dishes with a focus on local produce in a relaxed setting.

Afternoon:

  • Drive to Wine Tasting (15 min):
  • Wine Tasting at Oakdene Vineyards (Wallington): A boutique winery offering tastings of premium cool-climate wines, set in a quirky and artistic vineyard setting.

Evening:

  • Drive to Dinner (15 min):
  • Dinner at Queenscliff Brewhouse (Queenscliff): A lively brewpub serving locally crafted beers, hearty pub meals, and live music on weekends.
  • Drinks at The Vue Grand Hotel Bar (Queenscliff): A historic hotel with a stylish bar offering cocktails, craft beers, and a refined yet relaxed atmosphere.

Day 4: Final Round & Departure

Morning Tee Time (7:00 AM):

  • Replay or Short Course (Optional):
    • Option to replay a favorite course or play a shorter morning round at one of the resort’s alternate layouts.

Brunch & Departure:

  • Brunch at Rolling Pin Pies & Cakes (Ocean Grove): Famous for award-winning pies, delicious pastries, and great coffee, perfect for a final meal before heading home.
  • Return to Melbourne (~1.5-hour drive).