Port Douglas and Cairns golf courses are some of the most beautiful in Australia so if a golfing holiday is your idea of a perfect getaway, you won’t be disappointed with a trip to the Far North.
There are actually quite a few golf courses in FNQ so in order to provide a comprehensive overview we decided to do some research and get some insights from a few local die-hard golfers who play on a regular basis. Here’s a summary of what they told us:
Paradise Palms Resort & Country Club
This is considered one of the best Cairns golf courses in the region and has even been rated in the top 20 golf courses in Australia. It has beautiful views of the rainforest and ocean as well as creeks running across some of the course.
The course itself has sweeping, undulating fairways with 94 bunkers and six lakes and is suitable for all skill levels.
Strict dress codes apply so a collared shirt and shoes are required. Green fees include the cost of the compulsory golf cart as walking on the green is not allowed.
Fees are $120 for 18 holes, $70 for 9 holes and club hire is from $35.
This is part of a larger complex which includes a hotel, large lap pool, children’s adventure playground, mini-golf, restaurant and bar.
It’s ideal for anyone travelling with kids who wants to sneek a few rounds of golf in. Good golf and accommodation packages are available.
Cairns Golf Club
Only 7 kilometres from the city centre, this is a stunning Cairns golf course and it has recently been landscaped with native and tropical plants. The course itself can be a little challenging but it suits all skill levels and it is the most central golf course if you are staying in Cairns.
However, it is not open to the public on Wednesdays or Saturdays as these are member-only days.
And while the golf course can be seen from the main road it can’t be accessed from the highway so make sure you jot down directions as it is only accessed off Ray Jones Drive, then off Kate Street (can be tricky to find for out-of-towners).
Neat casual attire is required and golfers can play 18 or 9 holes. Green fees are $45 for 18 holes and $25 club hire, or $30 for 9 holes and $15 club hire.
This is probably the most interesting golf course to play in Cairns as crocodiles are par for the course (excuse the pun).
Since it’s so close to the beach, saltwater crocodiles often take up residence in the golf course lakes and as I write this now, I can verify there are currently two crocodiles residing at Half Moon Bay Golf Club.
Local golfers are not perturbed by the sight of crocs on the fairway but new golfers are advised to watch their back while playing, just to be safe.
The course itself is beautiful with an undulating layout, sand bunkers, water hazards, putting green and practice nets. The view is pretty spectacular too with ocean, wetlands and mountain range.
The golf course is very close to the beach and just 15-20 minutes drive north of Cairns city centre in Yorkeys Knob. Golf fees are $38 for 18 holes and $25 for 9 holes plus $18 to hire golf clubs.
This luxurious, international standard championship golf course is in Port Douglas, about an hour’s drive north of Cairns.
Labelled one of the world’s leading resort golf courses, it has attracted many A-listers over the years including former US President Bill Clinton and professional golfer Greg Norman.
Players can enjoy beautiful views while teeing off on perfectly manicured fairways. Many local golfers say this course is a true golfer’s paradise.
Green fees are $90 for 18 holes and $70 for 9 holes, which include the cost of a shared cart. Club hire ranges from $20- $45.
Fees are cheaper for guests staying at the resort.
Named after billionaire mining magnate Clive Palmer, this golf course in Port Douglas is spectacular, picturesque and voted one of the top 50 public access golf courses in Australia.
There are varying undulating fairways and the course is surrounded by wetlands, rainforest and mountains. A neat dress code is required by all golfers and there is a no metal spike policy to protect the course.
Green fees are $145 for 18 holes and $85 for 9 holes, which includes the golf cart. Club hire fees are $35 for 18 holes and $24 for 9 holes.
Palm Cove Country Club (9 holes only)
An incredibly scenic golf course set on around 50 acres with large undulating fairways lined with lush rainforest, a large man-made lake, water hazards and a practice chipping area.
Located about 25 minutes north of Cairns in Palm Cove, this is yet another fantastic Cairns golf course, even if it is a shorter course.
Green fees are $20, club hire is $20 and motorised carts are $20.
