Tasmania’s Barnbougle - The Dream Golf Destination!

Words: Roxanne Andrews

What does ‘destination golfing’ mean precisely? The term gets bandied about a bit but if you want to see the perfect example of it, put Barnbougle on your must-play list. 

When Barnbougle first opened back in 2004 it almost immediately launched Tasmania into the stratosphere of the eagle-eyed global golfing community. Today it remains one of Australia’s most coveted golfing destinations and sits diligently high on the list of ‘best golf courses in the world’ rankings.  

Barnbougle is the fruition of founder, Richard Sattler's (who rightfully anticipated a great golf course to be constructed on a sandy coastal patch amid his 5200ha farm near Bridport, Tasmania) long-term vision. 

There are two superb courses here, The Dunes and The Lost Farm and both will test what you thought you understood about your golfing strategies. Yep, a trip to Barnbougle can be a mindblowing game-changer that’s both enticing and exciting.  

Travel Tip: stay a few days and make time to play the shorter, Bougle Run layout too. It’s a fun but decidedly tricky course that warrants the attention of golfers of all skill levels. 

Unsurprisingly (the people love it!), during my stay at Barnbougle, I encountered several repeat guests and was informed it’s wise to book well ahead to secure your tee times and accommodation here. 

Diehard golfers were visiting Barnbougle from mainland Australia but there was also a decent percentage of casual golfers winging in from the US, Europe and some trans-Tasman friends from New Zealand. 

Barnbougle Dunes This famous links course layout, designed by renowned modern golf architect Tom Doak and Australia ex-European tour pro and course designer Mike Clayton, meanders over and between massive coastal dunes and serves up sensational views, along with a few intimidating tee boxes mind you. The Dunes is an 18-hole championship course that’s testing enough to challenge gifted golfers, yet fair enough to be enjoyed by the average player. Remember that my friends! 

I was inclined to take my club selection and shot selection much more seriously from the edge of the roaring forties because even if the winds are favourable and the weather Gods play nice, the multiple challenges (e.g. the biggest bunker I’ve seen in my life) of the Dunes course is undeniable. But as the saying goes, ‘no risk, no reward’ and I was proud, and quite surprised, to finish my round with two pars. This is now a story I will regale to anyone who will listen. I mean The Dunes was hard and to come away with a decent scorecard is worthy of recognition.   

Barnbougle Lost Farm Adjacent to Barnbougle Dunes, the Lost Farm resembles some of the most dramatic British Open courses with spectacular holes that wind along the Bass Strait coast and turn inland. The Lost Farm looks as though it’s been part of the landscape forever, so ensconced is it in its surroundings. 

This 20-hole course (tip: bring snacks from the pro shop or look for the food cart) has magical greens that play hide-and-seek among the dunes. The fairways are wide, the greens are undulating, and the challenge is unrelenting. In saying that, it’s a lot more forgiving than its mate the Dunes and I welcome its much wider fairways with glee.  

Being at the Lost Farm feels quite surreal! Such is the appeal of one of Australia’s, and the world's, finest courses. Keep an eye on other players as they traverse a series of stunning holes and note the common facial expressions abound. Hint: it’s that of astounded wonder in action. 

Accommodation & Dining After a long day on the course, I chose to either retire to my lovely room overlooking the Bass Strait, enjoy a fine dining experience at The Lost Farm Restaurant, or wind down at the sports bar with a pizza where the spirit of the Barnbougle golfing comradery is palpable.  Breakfast, lunch and dinner can be enjoyed daily at the Dunes Clubhouse too. Hint: a local scallop-based seafood chowder by the fireplace and a glass of whisky goes down quite nicely. 

There are numerous accommodation offerings on-site to cater to group sizes and all budget requirements. Have a look at the below options and see what suits you best. 

• The Dunes Cottages
• Lost Farm Lodge
• Ocean Villas 
• Bunker Villas

Getting There Fly to Launceston and Bridport is approx. a 1-hour drive. The team at Luxury Golf & Scenic Tours Tasmania is ace for private transfers and tailored tours too. To do: stop for a sparkling wine and cheese tasting at Clover Hill on your way to Barnbougle.