The best golf holiday Australia has to offer
Playing any championship course is a thrill in itself, but when you have a cluster of world class courses all within one region and only a short drive from each other it makes for a golfing escape without equal. That’s exactly what’s on offer in the Sandbelt region and Mornington Peninsula.
Easily accessible from Melbourne, the Sandbelt region stretches south east of the city and is the gateway to the picturesque Mornington Peninsula. The stunning selection of courses is enough to make any golfer’s head spin. Royal Melbourne, Kingston Heath, Metropolitan, Victoria, Commonwealth, Huntingdale and Yarra Yarra are all iconic names that showcase the work of the world’s finest course designers.
The Mornington Peninsula offers a paradise of sights, tastes and touring experiences, which are sure to please a non-golfing partner, or to add some variety to your golfing getaway. It’s an area that is rich in viticulture and culinary delights, set on a backdrop of delightful countryside.
Hit the food, wine and farmgate trail
Why not tempt the tastebuds on a food, wine and farmgate trail to sample the rich bounty of this region of plenty. The wineries are just as world-class as the golf courses, with a superb selection of cellar doors to visit.
If you are into gourmet produce you are in for a real treat. Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm offers a ripe and juicy reward for picking your own basket of berries and a host of farmgates beckon with delicious cheeses, dairy produce, olive oils, honey, fruit and vegetables. Once you have worked up an appetite, there are a range of premium restaurants and cafes to choose from, right across the region.
For a change of pace, you can enjoy the seaside towns such as Dromana, Rosebud and Sorrento for beautiful beaches and stunning views over Port Phillip Bay.
Make sure you plan ahead
Being private courses means that course visits must be arranged in advance and certain criteria must be observed in order to qualify to play. One alternative is to use the services of an organised golf tour operator, which can help make access a lot smoother and allows you to incorporate a range of other tourism experiences within the one package.
Written by Tom Raeside. Republished with permission of Wyza.com.au.