GOLD COAST

KOORALBYN VALLEY GOLF COURSE

Kooralbyn Valley offers something increasingly rare in modern golf - a genuine escape. Set on 800 acres in Queensland’s Scenic Rim, Australia's first integrated resort combines championship golf, spectacular scenery and a relaxed country atmosphere, all within easy reach of Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

The course opened in 1979 and was chosen to host the Queensland Open just two years later. Greg Norman served as the resort's tour professional during its early years, helping establish Kooralbyn as one of Australia’s standout golf destinations.

Kooralbyn Valley GC.

Designed by renowned Scottish architect Desmond Muirhead, the layout takes full advantage of the dramatic landscape. The front nine winds through natural valleys and watercourses, while the back nine plays around 10 hectares of lakes. Among its highlights is the famous par-3 fifth, a 220-metre hole that drops almost 100 feet and was featured in the book Classic Golf Hole Design.

Hundreds of kangaroos roam the property, adding to the sense of being immersed in nature. Since reopening in 2016 following a major redevelopment that included rebuilt greens, refurbished bunkers and a new irrigation system, the course has consistently ranked among Australia’s Top 37 courses and is recognised as Queensland's No.1 Resort Golf Course by Golf Course Guide Top 100 Courses.

Beyond the golf, guests can enjoy everything from tennis and putt-putt to farm experiences and exploring the wider Scenic Rim.

LINKS GOLF & WELLBEING (HOPE ISLAND)

Just a short drive from Surfers Paradise and less than an hour from Brisbane’s CBD, Hope Island’s Links Golf & Wellbeing is a standout among the Gold Coast’s many golfing options. The 6492-metre, par-72 championship layout caters to all skill levels, thanks to five tee choices on every hole, while 117 pot-style bunkers and manmade water hazards ensure plenty of interest along the way. Keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife as you make your way around the course. Afterwards, settle into the modern Mediterranean clubhouse or take advantage of the GPS-equipped carts, golf shop, club hire and extensive free parking.

INTERCONTINENTAL SANCTUARY COVE RESORT
For golfers looking to experience one of the Gold Coast’s most exclusive destinations, Sanctuary Cove delivers in style. Home to the members-only Pines and Palms courses, access is typically reserved for members, although guests of the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort can also enjoy these highly regarded layouts.

The Palms blends championship golf with plenty of visual appeal following an $8.8 million redesign by renowned architect Ross Watson, which improved playability while preserving the course’s classic feel. Just across the resort, The Pines – Australia’s only Arnold Palmer signature design – winds through 101 hectares of established pine forest, where tree-lined fairways, six lakes and smart course design create a memorable round.

BURLEIGH GC
Just a stone’s throw from the Gold Coast’s famous beaches, Burleigh Golf Club has been a favourite with locals and visitors alike since 1950. With a sub-tropical climate delivering more than 300 days of sunshine each year, golfers can expect great conditions whenever they tee it up.

The course is enjoyable for players of all abilities, but there’s enough challenge to keep things interesting. Undulating greens and the natural grain of the 328 Bermuda place a premium on good putting, while 50 bunkers scattered throughout the layout encourage smart decision-making rather than simply reaching for the driver at every opportunity.

THE GLADES GC
A round at The Glades Golf Club is easy to see why it has earned a reputation as one of the Gold Coast’s standout resort courses. Designed by Australian golf legend Greg Norman, the layout combines plenty of challenge with some impressive scenery, making it enjoyable for golfers of all abilities.
A real highlight is the course’s Creeping bent grass greens, which provide a smooth, true putting surface favoured by both professionals and everyday players. Whether you’re teeing it up with friends or planning a corporate golf day, The Glades offers a relaxed yet high-quality golfing experience in a beautiful setting.

RACV ROYAL PINES RESORT
Set just a short drive from Surfers Paradise, RACV Royal Pines Resort is a great place to enjoy a round on the Gold Coast. The course sits comfortably within the natural landscape, with scenic lakes, deep bunkers and beautifully manicured greens framed by a stunning mountain backdrop. Made up of three distinct nine-hole layouts, Royal Pines offers plenty of variety, with each course presenting its own challenges and character. Tight, tree-lined fairways and undulating greens keep things interesting, but the overall experience is as much about enjoying the surroundings as it is about the score on your card.

RACV Royal Pines Resort.

LAKELANDS GC
A round at Lakelands offers the chance to experience a layout created by one of golf’s most iconic figures. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the course showcases the expertise he has developed through decades of success both as a player and golf course designer. Lakelands combines quality design with an enjoyable golfing experience, earning a strong reputation among Gold Coast golfers. The course is rated 74 from the black tees and 72 from the blue tees.

Lakelands GC.

PALMER COLONIAL
There’s a distinctly relaxed feel to a round at Palmer Colonial, a Gold Coast favourite which began life as Paradise Springs Golf Course when it opened in 1992. Designed by Mitsuaki Kobayashi, the 6424-metre, par-72 layout winds through a scenic landscape of towering eucalyptus trees, lakes and tranquil waterways. Immaculately presented fairways and greens add to the appeal, while flowering trees, ornamental bridges and lush surrounds create an enjoyable backdrop for a day on the course. Afterwards, the Queenslander-style clubhouse is the perfect place to unwind, with its wide verandas offering beautiful views across the course and towards the Gold Coast Hinterland.

MEADOWBROOK GC
Set between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Meadowbrook Golf Club is the sort of place where golfers can easily spend an entire day. The 27-hole public course offers plenty of variety, while the driving range is ideal for warming up or working on your game. Beyond the course, Logan’s first mini golf attraction adds another layer of fun, with 18 holes and beginner and advanced pin positions making it suitable for all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re catching up with friends for a round, planning a family outing or hosting a special event, Meadowbrook provides a relaxed and enjoyable golfing experience.


PARADISE GOLF TOURS
If your idea of a perfect golf trip involves great courses, comfortable accommodation and someone else handling the logistics, Paradise Golf Tours has it covered.

Drawing on 25 years of experience, the company specialises in tailored golf getaways across the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and the Tweed to Byron region. Whether you’re organising a trip with mates, a golf club group or a corporate outing, Paradise Golf Tours can build an itinerary to suit your interests and budget.

The golf is, of course, the main attraction, with access to some of the region’s finest resort courses and accommodation. The experience, however, doesn’t stop when the final putt drops. Three and five-day packages can be customised with a host of additional activities, including race meetings, brewery and distillery tours, winery visits, fishing charters, restaurant bookings, Top Golf outings and tickets to NRL and AFL games.

The appeal is the simplicity. Rather than spending hours researching courses, accommodation and transport, travellers can leave the planning to people who know the region inside out.

Whether you’re after a golf-focused escape or a trip that mixes fairways with a few extra adventures, Paradise Golf Tours makes it easy. Just tell them what you'd like to do and they'll take care of the rest. Visit them at www.paradisegolftours.com.au