Ocean Dunes, King Island

Ocean Dunes, King Island: Sitting in the Bass Strait between the Australian mainland and Tasmania, King Island waited a long time for a world-class championship golf course to appear. Then, like the proverbial London bus, two come along at once. Although perhaps not occupying as spectacular (and wind-blown) a site as Cape Wickham Links, which opened in the north of the island in 2015, the one-year older Ocean Dunes is also set to become a household name amongst travelling golfers.

Some will argue that Ocean Dunes is arguably the better crafted layout. The terrain's natural undulations, combine with swirling dunes and a snaking burn to create a wonderfully authentic links golf environment. The layout features two kilometres of coastline, which provides ever-present ocean views from the course.

The opening holes on both nine-hole loops run directly alongside the cliffs and the seashore. King Island's notoriously windy climate has required the fairways be generously wide, while penal rough has been kept at a reasonable behind the landing areas.

Although Cape Wickham Links stole many of the early headlines, its Ocean Dunes companion on King Island also looks set for an excellent future. The two courses provide a double attraction for golfers wanting to check-out this hitherto "unknown" golf destination in the Bass Strait. And while visiting the island, you can also enjoy a round at "Australia's best nine-hole course" at the King Island Golf & Bowling Club, located in the township of Currie.