When considering the top golf courses in Australia, Royal Melbourne and Kingston Heath likely come to mind, as they are consistently ranked in the top 5 of Golf Digest's Top 100 Australian Courses, however the problem is these courses are extremely private and therefore difficult to even get a peep in through the gates!!

Therefore I'm going to come at this one from a different angle...

What are the best golfing areas in Australia that you can actually get on for a game without too much fuss?

I'm putting myself in your shoes and imagine you've either loaded the caravan with the clubs or you're flying somewhere for a week or two and want to know, what are the best courses in the area you're heading.

So with out further-a-do here is my favourite courses to play for each golfing zone in the country.

Tasmania

Quiet little Tasmania has been doing some pretty extraordinary things when you stop and think about it..

Often overlooked as a small island state, Tasmania has made significant strides in the golfing world over the past decade. The state has built four new courses on picturesque coastal landscapes, which have been recognized as some of the best in the country for public access. In fact, these courses are currently ranked 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th on Golf Digest's top 100 list of public course access.

This is truly an extraordinary accomplishment for such a small state and it's a testament to the dedication and effort put into creating these premier golfing destinations.

My Tassie favourites are:

• Barnbougle Dunes

• Lost farm

• Cape Wickham

• Ocean shores

The Murray River

As someone who is from the Murray River region, I may have a slight bias when it comes to the golf courses in the area. However, I can confidently say that the Murray River boasts an impressive selection of over 40 courses that are consistently in great condition throughout the year.

The abundance of sunshine in the region contributes to the well-maintained fairways and greens, making it an ideal destination for a round of golf.

If you're planning a visit to the Murray River and looking to play some golf, I highly recommend checking out my top picks:

• Murray Downs

• Yarrawonga

• Black bull

• Rich River

• Echuca

• Tocumwal

• Mildura

• Coomealla

Melbourne / Mornington peninsula

As previously mentioned, the Melbourne area is a golfer's paradise, not just in Australia, but globally.

The Sandbelt region is particularly well-known for its collection of high-quality golf course architecture, drawing golfers from around the world. However, if you are unable to secure a spot on one of these famous courses, there is still an abundance of options available.

The Mornington Peninsula, located just an hour south of Melbourne, offers nearly 20 courses that are open to the public. These courses offer a great opportunity for golfers to experience the quality and challenges of the Sandbelt region.

My top 5 of the courses on the Sandbelt if you can get on

• Kingston Heath

• Royal Melbourne

• Metropolitan

• Woodlands

• Commonwealth

My top 5 on The Mornington Peninsula:

• The Dunes

• The National (Old Course)

• Portsea

• Moonah links (Legends Course)

• Cape shank
  

Queensland

Queensland offers a wide variety of high-quality golf courses, especially in the southwest region of the state. With so many options to choose from, it can be challenging to select the best ones.

However, if you have the luxury of time, I suggest taking the opportunity to play as many courses as you can. The favorable weather in Queensland makes it an ideal location for golfing and gives you the chance to discover your favorite courses

My favourites offer a lot visually, not just in terms of the picturesque scenery and natural surroundings, but also in terms of the overall design and layout of the course. The fairways and greens are meticulously maintained to ensure that they are in top condition all year round, providing a challenging and enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels.

My favourite Queensland courses are:

• Hope island

• Indooroopilly

• Brookwater

• Noosa springs

• Lakelands
  

New South Wales

New South Wales boasts an impressive array of high-quality golf courses. In fact, there are more quality golf courses throughout New South Wales than Elvis had hits!

There are so many options that you are spoilt for choice.

My advice is to pack your clubs and explore the coast from top to bottom. If you have the opportunity, make sure to play my personal favorite, Bonville, which has earned the nickname "Australia's Augusta" due to its exceptional design and challenging gameplay.

My favourite New South Wales courses are:

• New South Wales GC

• Bonville

• Magneta shores

• Newcastle

South Australia

Although South Australia may not have as many golf courses as some other states, the quality of the courses it does have is exceptional.

One of the things I appreciate about playing in South Australia is the warm and friendly atmosphere provided by the staff and local golfers. This welcoming atmosphere sets a positive tone for the entire golfing experience.

Additionally, the courses are well-maintained and presented to a high standard all year round.

When you add in the beautiful sunshine that South Australia is known for, it creates the perfect setting for a great round of golf.

My favourite South Australia Courses are:

• Grange

• Kooyonga

• Glenelg

• Royal Adelaide

• Waikerie
  

Western Australia

If you find yourself in Western Australia, you're in luck, as the region boasts a variety of visually stunning golf courses. Among my personal favorites are Joondalup and Kalgoorlie. These courses offer not just a challenging round but also a visually pleasing experience with their well-designed layout and beautiful surroundings. If you're planning a visit to Western Australia, make sure to add these courses to your list and play them first

My favourite Western Australia Courses are:

• Joondalup

• The Vines

• The Cut

• Port Kennedy

• Kalgoorlie
  

In Summary, we Aussies should be extremely grateful for the number of amazing Golf Courses we have!!

This guide aims to help you plan your next golf adventure and point you in the direction of some of the best

golfing destinations in the country.

My personal favourites provide a visually stunning and challenging experience that will keep you engaged and entertained throughout your round.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or a casual golfer, I can assure you that you will enjoy playing these courses.

If you need any additional assistance or have any questions, I would be more than happy to help.

Happy golfing and enjoy the beautiful courses Australia has to offer!