Forget New Zealand, Scotland or America; Australia has its own golfer’s paradise along the mighty Murray River. Golf is one of the main reasons people visit this popular Australian region, as it dishes up an array of challenging, picturesque and affordable courses. This brilliant circuit includes more than 10 golf courses, ranging from championship links and scenic riverside fairways to 36 and 45-hole giants.
The Murray River more than accommodates extended golf holidays, thanks to the stay-and-play packages at resort courses and other quality hotels. The resort courses offer excellent bang-for-your-buck with inclusive rounds of golf, cart hire and meals. They also come packed with extra facilities such as pools, game rooms, tennis courts and spas, so the entire family can enjoy the trip.
Whether it’s a family holiday, boys’ golf trip or a couple’s getaway, the Murray River’s golf courses and accommodation treats guests to unforgettable days on the links. To help visitors decide which golf course is right for them, we’ve highlighted the key features of the Murray’s six best, which also happen to boast some of HotelsCombined’s most popular hotels as chosen by our 26 million Australian visitors each year.
1. Murray Downs Golf & Country Club
This award-winning golf course has developed a reputation for challenging holes, immaculate fairways and the type of facilities that attract all types of golfers. Murray Downs Golf & Country Club has notable holes including the 5th, which contains a sizeable water trap that has taken many balls over the years. However, the course’s 18 holes do a fantastic job of grooming young players while challenging the older pros.
Golfers can enjoy quality on-course accommodation at the Murray Downs Resort, which is located just off the 16th hole. A large tropical pool, heated spa and a range of spacious rooms help visitors unwind on their rest days. The Murray Downs Bistro is perfect for a snack or dinner, and there’s even a bowls club nearby. Golfers looking to earn accolades can time their visit with one of its many annual tournaments.
2. Rich River Golf Club Resort
Combining two championship golf courses, Rich River Golf Club Resort sets the perfect scene for an unforgettable golf holiday. Players need to be at their most accurate on the West Course lest they find themselves amongst the trees on its tight fairways. The East Course is slightly longer and incorporates more water hazards. However, both provide the right amount of spotless fairways, surrounding nature, and inviting greens for a picturesque round of golf.
On-course accommodation includes the Rich River Apartment, which can house up to eight guests, perfect for a boys’ weekend away. There are also 40 Standard Rooms in the modern complex, which includes two pools and a charming spot for an afternoon barbeque. A 17-bay driving range, croquet greens, nine tennis courts, and a dedicated club house with live music and delicious meals keep visitors entertained.
3. Tocumwal Golf & Bowls Club
Tocumwal Golf & Bowls Club’s championship golf course boasts 36 holes, which can be played in six different 18-hole combinations. This variety is just the start of Tocumwal’s unique appeal, where pros and amateurs can compete in some of the Murray River’s top tournaments including the Southern PGA Trainee Championships.
Stay-and-play packages include two days of unlimited golf, meal credit, and accommodation at one of its four on-course hotels. One of these is Tocumwal Golf Resort, where players can enjoy one and two-bedroom units. Those with a longer stay in mind can rent out a fully furnished home on the 13th hole. The actual town of Tocumwal occupies a dream position along the Murray River and is widely known as one of the best spots to catch a prized Murray cod.
4. Cobram Barooga Golf Club
Experts and novices alike can enjoy the two 18-hole championship golf courses at Cobram Barooga Golf Club. Lined with native trees, the two courses provide challenges along with those memorable game moment opportunities. Fast fairways, cunning sand traps and unpredictable slopes are also ready to test a player’s skills.
Along with sunny days out on the links, visitors at Cobram Barooga can take advantage of a Sporties Food Court sandwich and coffee, a sports club with a kids’ room, and a fitness club. The golf club also benefits from modern and luxurious on-course apartments that let golfers walk straight to tee off. These glamorous art-deco residences incorporate private timber patios, heavenly beds and modern amenities across two luxurious levels.
5. Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort
A golfing behemoth, Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort is Australia’s largest public golf resort with an impressive 45 holes. The 18-hole Murray and Lake courses are aptly named, running alongside the Murray River and Lake Mulwala, respectively. The Executive Course’s nine holes are ideal for beginners and those looking for a quick hit out.
Experienced golfers seeking a challenge should opt for the Lake Course. Players mustn’t let the picture-perfect views distract them lest they fall prey to the uneven greens, deep bunkers and intimidating lakes. Self-contained apartments provide comfort and convenient amenities right on the course, while companies can combine work with play and enjoy a round of golf before talking business in one of the Resorts five conference rooms. Guests can choose from a range of villas, apartments and suites, which all come with a balcony or patio overlooking the links.
6. Commercial Golf Resort
Shopping, restaurants and nearby snowfields, the Murray River and now Commercial Golf Resort; Albury seems to have it all. When it comes to the latter, we’re talking an 18-hole championship course that caters to all skill levels and is considered one of the best in rural New South Wales.
The resort’s pro shop offers golf lessons, high-quality brands and Titleist club fitting, while the clubhouse has a balcony overlooking the 18th hole, perfect for a post-round pint. The on-course resort is ideal for golf holidays, boasting renovated rooms and a buggy path directly to tee off. The budget-friendly rooms can accommodate large groups or couples, and the airport is only minutes away.
Where is your golfing haven on the Murray River?
With so many golf courses catering to a variety of skill levels, the Murray River region poses only one question for visitors: Which one should I choose? Fortunately, travellers now have an overview of six of the best, highlighting championship-level courses, picture-perfect scenery and a destination where beginners can feel right at home.
The generous range of on-course accommodation and opulent hotels nearby also makes it easy for golfers to tailor their perfect holiday. The hotels most popular with HotelsCombined visitors place them as close as possible to the links while ensuring plenty of entertainment in the form of pools, bars and barbeque areas.
Where will you find that golfer’s paradise on the Murray River? Which course will be the next one you master?
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