It took decades, but the Victoria-NSW border region has finally over-taken Queensland’s south-east as the number one choice among Australians for golfing getaways, but Tasmania is rising fast.

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A report by the Australian Golf Industry Council (2014) showed the following:

• 1.57 million golf trips were taken in Australia in 2013, generating 8.4 million golf visitor nights
• The average spend by domestic golf tourists, who stay on average 5.3 nights, is $302 per night
• Tasmania is the hottest golfing destination in the country right now

So it seems prudent now to take a look at some of the best golf deals packages in the country, to help you decided which way to go.

The Murray

‘’The best time of the year to head here for a golfing getaway is spring to summer,’’ says Amy White, marketing manager of the Rich River Golf Club Resort in Moama NSW.

Rich River … best value and quality.

‘’There’s a perception that the golf clubs on the Murray are getting a bit tired, but what is actually happening is the clubs are spending and spending on their golf courses to make them even more enjoyable to play.’’

The best of them are as follows:

Rich River Golf Club Resort: Two 18-hole championship courses to test your ability, and receptive greens for the player who can control spin and likes visuals (deep bunkering through the fairway and green).

Winter package: two nights accommodation, unlimited golf for two days, one bucket of range balls, two club vouchers, daily cooked breakfast, 12 months social membership. Price per person: from $357. Beer is cheap.

Tocumwal Golf Club Winter Special: Quad share includes a $45 meal voucher per person; unlimited golf for three days, accommodation for three nights at the price of two. From $245 per person and runs from June to September 6.

Notes: This is a golfer’s set of courses; beautiful, tough layouts on both sets of 18-holes. Pure, fast greens and driving range.

Tocumwal – a great test over two courses.

Accommodation is not owned by the club so prices will vary. Beer is cheap.

Thurgoona Country Çlub Resort: We stayed and played at Thurgoona in 2014, and it’s a bit of a brute even for low markers. There’s lots of run on the two 18-hole layouts and it’s tight on some fairways. Requires a lot of accurate iron play to really rack up a good score, but it can be done. The course is undergoing extensive renovation of its rough and fairways.

Winter stay and play package includes the following:

• Accommodation in a comfy suite
• 18 holes of golf
• Meal voucher (roast dinner every night)
• Continental breakfast daily
• Tennis courts, pool etc
• From $98 per person per night

Queensland

Royal Pines Stay and Play: Offering a winter special of 18 holes of golf for two, accommodation for two (twin share) and breakfast from $360 per night.

Noosa Springs: An interesting two-night package which includes video instruction, 18 holes of golf for two days, carts included, hydro massage and steam experience, unlimited range balls and breakfast for two from $536 quad share.

Hamilton Island: The three-night stay and play package includes: VIP return transfers to airport, VIP chauffeur around the island, gourmet dinner, a la carte breakfast and one 18-hole round on their championship course; from $1658 per person twin share.

Western Australia

You’d have to be pretty serious about your golf to make the five-hour flight to Perth, but if you do, here’s the courses we suggest you add to your list:

Joondalup: Arguably the most visually-appealing golf course in Australia, apart from Barnbougle in Tassie. If you are a golfer who wants something to remember, get a round in at Joondaluop’s 36-hole complex. Their summers are long, so the summer special might still be in play. $110, including 18 holes of golf in a motorised cart (shared).

What a joy to be at Joondalup.

Karrinyup: We throw this in because it’s a spectacular golf course, but you are unlikely to get a look at it because it’s super exclusive. We had a look on their website for deals … and could only hear the sound of crickets.

Bunbury Golf Club: it’s two hours south of Perth, but that’s where the best clubs are found. Bunbury, set back off the Cockburn Sound is an absolute gem, where professional Nick O’Hern practises each year before the British Open. 18 holes is $47 which is amazing for a club we rate as one of WA’s best.

Next week: We rate the rest, including Tassie, but if we’ve missed anything, email the author: [email protected]