For many golf enthusiasts, a trip to Australia represents a bucket-list experience, often centered around witnessing top-tier professional tournaments or playing on renowned courses. Melbourne, in particular, has a strong connection to the sport, having hosted prestigious events over the years. The prospect of seeing a player like Rory McIlroy, a five-time major champion, compete in Melbourne for the next two years adds a significant draw for visitors and golf lovers from all over the world.
Rory McIlroy: A Star Attraction for Melbourne Golf
While golf events featuring global stars are always a highlight, the possibility of seeing someone like Rory McIlroy play in Melbourne adds a special touch. McIlroy has played some of Melbourne’s most iconic courses, including Royal Melbourne Golf Club and Kingston Heath, both located in the city’s famed Sandbelt region.
Royal Melbourne, ranked among the world’s top 10 golf courses, has hosted the Presidents Cup, where McIlroy has drawn huge crowds. Watching him tee off in such settings is an unforgettable highlight for any golf lover visiting Australia.
Road Trip Begins: Great Ocean Road Golf and Adventure
After soaking in the excitement of professional golf in Melbourne, visitors can embark on one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives—the Great Ocean Road. This famous route not only offers jaw-dropping natural beauty but also a series of inviting golf courses, each with its own charm and challenges.
Top Golf Courses Along or Near the Great Ocean Road
Torquay Golf Club
Located about 75 minutes from Melbourne, this par-71 links-style course overlooks Torquay and Jan Juc beaches. Redesigned by Ogilvy Clayton, it features open fairways, undulating greens, and ocean views. Equipment is available for hire and visitors are welcome daily from 7 am to 6 pm.
Anglesea Golf Club
Just over an hour from Melbourne, Anglesea’s fairways are shared with a large population of eastern grey kangaroos. It’s a welcoming club known for its scenic bushland setting and offers kangaroo tours, which make it a great family-friendly stop.
Lorne Golf Club
Nestled in the hills above the coastal village of Lorne, this 9-hole course offers one of the most breathtaking views on the Great Ocean Road. The elevated position provides stunning panoramas of Louttit Bay and the surrounding forest. It’s a peaceful and picturesque course that’s ideal for a relaxed round between sightseeing stops. The clubhouse offers a casual setting for post-game refreshments and visitors are warmly welcomed. Lorne is also a popular stop for those starting shorter walks in the nearby Great Otway National Park.
Apollo Bay Golf Course
Perfectly situated at the start of the Great Ocean Walk, Apollo Bay Golf Club offers a unique opportunity to combine golf and hiking in one visit. It’s also home to Walk91, a local expert guiding walkers along Victoria’s iconic trail.
Apollo Bay Golf Club has just celebrated its 100th anniversary, and it remains a beloved institution among locals. The clubhouse offers stunning ocean views over its 9-holes, a laid-back atmosphere, and a warm welcome. More than just a golf venue, the club’s community room is a central hub—used for school graduations, fundraisers, local events, and more. It sits directly opposite the town’s significant war memorial, adding to its local importance.
Whether you’re playing a social round or stopping in for a coffee and the view, Apollo Bay Golf Club reflects the relaxed, community-driven spirit of the region.
Peterborough Golf Club
Located about 10 km from Port Campbell, this 9-hole course is nestled in coastal dunes, with dramatic views where the land meets the sea. It’s a great short-play option for those enjoying the drive.
Warrnambool Golf Course
Found along Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast, this public par-72 course features a traditional layout with a seaside twist. It’s open seven days a week and known for its laid-back atmosphere and striking coastal terrain.
Step Into Nature: The Great Ocean Walk
If you love walking and can manage to stroll around the wonderful Golf courses of Victoria Australia, why not increase your walking distances to cover some of the world-famous Great Ocean Walk? Apollo Bay Golf Course is situated at the start of this magnificent walking trail. The Great Ocean Walk is a 104 km trail spanning from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles and offers the chance to hike short sections from 3 Days, up to 6 Days or even 10 Days. This coastal route passes through Great Otway National Park and Port Campbell National Park, showcasing rugged cliffs, secluded beaches, and ancient forests.
Walk at Your Own Pace
Thanks to well-marked ‘step on’ and ‘step off’ points, you can choose short one day walks or tackle a multi-day trek. As local operators, Walk91 can offer help and advice if you are considering making the Great Ocean Walk part of your Victorian adventure in Australia. Based in Apollo Bay, we specialise in self-guided and guided experiences tailored to all fitness levels. We can provide:
- Luggage transfers between overnight stops
- Accommodation bookings
- Local transport and trail info
- Emergency beacons and phones for remote areas
For an idea of what you would need to bring for this adventure, read on.
Highlights Along the Trail
- Cape Otway Lighthouse – Australia’s oldest mainland lighthouse
- Wreck Beach – Home to shipwreck anchors visible at low tide
- Koala spotting – Particularly abundant around Cape Otway
- Twelve Apostles – Reach them on foot from the Glenample trailhead for a quieter, more personal view (and approximate 6km walk).
- Shelly Beach, Johanna Beach & Station Beach – Scenic and less crowded than coastal drive lookouts
Wildlife includes kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and a variety of birdlife. While snakes are occasionally seen, they typically avoid people, and walkers are briefed on safety. (And remember, you will see lots of wildlife on the golf courses between here and Melbourne! It’s not usually to have to share the fairway with grazing kangaroos!)
Wrap-Up: A Diverse and Enriching Coastal Holiday
Combining the thrill of watching Rory McIlroy compete in Melbourne, the charm of playing rounds at Torquay, Anglesea, Lorne, Apollo Bay, Peterborough, and Warrnambool, and the serenity of walking parts of the Great Ocean Walk, creates a rich and rewarding Australian holiday.
This itinerary offers:
- Golf on celebrated and scenic coastal courses
- Spectacular natural beauty from rainforest to sandy secluded beaches
- Cultural and community experiences at local clubs
- Active adventure without sacrificing comfort or flexibility
Whether you’re a golf enthusiast, a nature walker, or someone seeking a unique way to explore Victoria, this grand slam journey blends passion, play, and place into one unforgettable experience. Just get in touch with us at Walk91 if you have any questions. We would love to help you plan your perfect itinerary 🙂
