Paradise found : Two days at Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm Golf Courses
Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm golf courses are two of the most spectacular golf destinations in Australia, situated on the north-east coast of Tasmania. Both courses are designed by renowned golf course architects, and they offer breathtaking views of the ocean and the surrounding countryside.
Playing golf at Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm is an unforgettable experience that every golfer should add to their bucket list. The courses are challenging, with a mix of links-style and inland holes that require precision, accuracy, and strategic thinking. The scenery is awe-inspiring, with rugged sand dunes, coastal vegetation, and panoramic views of the Bass Strait.
We landed early in the morning and had a 2pm tee time to play Lost Farm Golf Course. Lost Farm is markedly different from Barnbougle Dunes, it is steeper and has wide fairways and undulating greens. Golfers of all levels will find it pleasurable and exciting. It was rated #2 public golf course in Australia ( Golf Australia Magazine ) and #23 in the world ( US Golf Digest ).
Lost Farm has 20 holes, including a tidy little Par 3 to end called 18a, conveniently located under the Sports Bar.
We stayed at The Lost Farm Lodge in a spacious room with a view of the course and ocean. The accommodation is designed to blend in with the natural environment, providing a peaceful and relaxing retreat after a day on the golf course.
Dining at the Lost Farm Restaurant is a culinary delight, with a focus on fresh local produce and innovative cuisine. The restaurant offers a range of options, from casual dining to fine dining, with a menu that reflects the best of Tasmanian cuisine. The wine list is equally impressive, with a selection of Tasmanian wines that complement the food perfectly.
Day two was an 8am tee of time at Barnbougle Dunes. A course rated #2 in Australia ( Australian Golf Magazine 2013 ) and #11 in the world (US Golf Digest) and it attracts visitors from around the world. It is a traditional Links golf course which truly creates challenges on windy days, however we were lucky that the weather was absolutely calm on the day we played.
One of the unique features of playing golf at Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm is the opportunity to experience Tasmania's rugged and wild landscape. The courses are set in a remote location, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, providing a peaceful and tranquil setting for golfers. The ocean breeze, the sound of the waves, and the natural surroundings create a sense of serenity that is hard to find elsewhere.
After the game we lunched at the Dunes Clubhouse which offers a range of sandwiches, salads and hot meals.
Sally, our designer was inspired by the beautiful landscapes and spent later in the day recording it in her sketch journal.
The Bridport Bunker Club was recommended to us for dinner and we found it to be fantastic with an extensive wine list of Tasmanian wines. We can also recommend The Bridport Cafe for a great coffee and breakfast.
And what did we wear to golf ? Forrest Golf of course ! In fact, the clothing is so versatile you can wear it off the course. We travelled from Melbourne with our golf bags and therefore had to pack our clothing in our carryons. With versatile golf clothing that we could also wear to lunch and dinner , it meant staying under the 8kg carry on limit was made easy.
Angus wore his navy stretch cotton Blakey Polo and latte light weight stretch Muzza pant and the following day he wore the lucky shamrock green Blakey Polo with the navy Muzza Pant. It must have been lucky, as he played well and didn't lose a ball.
Sally wore the new ice blue Jacqui Polo with the black Zara pant on the first day and swapped out the top with a white organic stretch cotton Penny Polo for day two. It was around 22 degrees and the long sleeve tops were comfortable and provided excellent sun cover.
Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm is an approximately one hour drive from Launceston. We suggest it is well worth making time to visit Pipers Brook Winery and Janz Tasmania on the way.
In conclusion, playing golf at Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm golf courses is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that every golfer should try. The courses offer a challenging and breathtaking golfing experience, with stunning views of the ocean and the countryside. Accommodation and dining at Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm are equally impressive, providing a luxurious and relaxing retreat after a day on the golf course.