Launceston and surrounds
It’s fair to say that when Barnbougle (barnbougle.com.au) opened in 2004, it quickly became one of northern Tassie’s greatest assets. The two courses may be tough – understatement alert! – but any golfer worth their spikes wants to take the challenge. The bonus is that there are exceptional eateries in nearby Launceston and surrounds, more than 20 wineries within easy reach and a host of other courses to try. All told, it’s the stuff golf-travel dreams are made of.
PLAY
Positioned on the coastline near Bridport, Barnbougle is home to two of the country’s top courses: The Dunes, a customary 18, and Lost Farm, an unconventional 20. Each has a distinct personality – like evil twins. The Dunes is the straight-up tricky one; Lost Farm the more mischievous. (Think you’ve lost your ball? No, there it is! Think you’re safe? Think again.) On both courses, the rough will snatch errant balls before you can say “triple bogey”. But take heart: there are striking vistas (pastureland, Mount Arthur and the beautiful Anderson Bay) to temper the sting.
Back in Launceston, tee off at the park-bushland setting of the 6013-metre course at Launceston Golf Club (launcestongolfclub.com. au), the oldest 18-hole course in the state, or at the well-groomed Country Club Tasmania (country clubtasmania.com.au). Further west, try the tree-lined fairways of Devonport Golf Club (devonport golfclub.com.au) and Ulverstone Golf Club (ulverstonegolfclub.com.au).
STAY
Between rounds at The Dunes and Lost Farm, book in to one of Barnbougle’s slick new Ocean Villas. Overlooking the mercurial waters of Bass Strait, these two-bedders are chic and airy – a step up from the cottage-and lodge-style accommodation on the property. In Launceston, Two Four Two (hotel.qantas.com. au/twofourtwo) offers four modern self-contained apartments, perfect for daytripping golfers. The pick of the bunch is The Bakehouse, with its own private courtyard. Owner Pam von Stieglitz is a wealth of local knowledge: don’t hesitate to tap her for suggestions, especially hotspot dining.
EAT & DRINK
In Launceston, Stillwater (stillwater.com.au) remains the pinnacle nearly two decades after opening. The regionally focused and seasonally led menus show both confidence and flair. At smart newcomer Geronimo Aperitivo Bar & Restaurant (geronimorestaurant.com.au), the robust flavours are equally impressive (the Cape Grim beef tartare is a triumph).
For lunch, the Tamar wine trail is the best bet: Josef Chromy’s restaurant (josefchromy.com. au) focuses on local produce and elegant award-winning vinos, while Timbre Kitchen at Vélo Wines (velowines.com.au) does big and small share plates.
As for wine-tasting, cellar doors of note include Goaty Hill, Sinapius, Jansz, Holm Oak and Delamere. Further towards Devonport, Ghost Rock has a range of crisp, balanced wines as well as platters with locally sourced produce, best enjoyed on the sun-drenched balcony.