Ranked fourth on the list of Australia’s Best Public Golf Courses, Ocean Dunes is situated on the remote King Island, in Bass Strait. Officially part of the state of Tasmania, King Island sits halfway between the Island State and the Australian Mainland, making Ocean Dunes and nearby Cape Wickham a highly sought-after golf destination. The golf course is reminiscent of the great Irish and Scottish links golf courses, despite only opening for play in 2017. The best time to visit Ocean Dunes is during the summer months from October to April, although the course is playable year-round and much cheaper during the middle of the year. It is accessible by charter planes from the Mainland or Tasmania, or by specialized cruises and dedicated boats, as there are no passenger ferries to King Island. Various images supplied by Ocean Dunes and Gary Lisbon.
The Ocean Course is very accessible to golfers of all abilities with the availability of multiple tee options. The golf course itself is located on the mid-west coast of King Island and is consequently subject to the prevailing south-westerly winds that come from the Great Australian Bight and Antarctica than its northerly neighbour at Cape Wickham is subject to. The result is a golf course looks like traditional Scottish courses such as Royal Dornoch, although Ocean Dunes has a uniquely Australian, and even King Island feel. The windswept links are comprised of undulating terrain topped with a mixture of fescue for tees and greens, and bentgrass carpeting the fairways.
One of the most satisfying things about playing Ocean Dunes is the world-class selection of par-threes on display. The golf course is named for its geography, with elevation changes to be expected throughout the two-kilometre stretch of coastline it occupies. There are six holes directly adjacent to the ocean. Many golfers elect to use carts due to the hilly terrain, but walking Ocean Dunes provides the most fulfilling experience; just pray it isn’t windy. The signature fourth hole is a stunning ocean-side par three that plays down to a narrow green with runoffs on either side into two bunkers, while the whole green complex is situated on a jutting peninsula flanked by crashing waves and orange-tinged rock that creates a photo-worthy opportunity with every visit—mention #Voyages.golf when you post your obligatory social post to be featured on our platforms.
Practice Facilities
Ocean Dunes Golf Course does not have the kind of practice facilities one would expect to find at dedicated resorts. Its location and functionality as a short-stay destination do not warrant full practice facilities; it is pure links golf at its finest. In the absence of a driving range and tuition, visiting golfers can, in traditional links-style, warm up on the chipping & pitching area as well as a putting green.
Clubhouse
The Ocean Dunes Clubhouse is a thing of beauty, featuring panoramas of the rugged coastline and world-class golf course. The restaurant offers both inside and outside seating so golfers can enjoy the best of the weather. Inside, the restaurant menu offers fresh seafood and King Island’s famous beef & cheeses. Ocean Dunes also has a bar that serves a wide range of refreshments. Additionally, the Pro Shop at Ocean Dunes is run by very knowledgeable and polite staff and stocks a great range of leading golf brands. Be sure to pick up some Ocean Dunes-branded golf apparel and accessories during your visit.
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