Golf Courses in Far North Queensland, Australia

Fancy playing a round in paradise? Tropical North Queesland is a golfer’s dream come true with some of the most outstanding courses in Australia and absolutely stunning, scenic conditions to play in.

Nestled in the rainforest at the foot of a spectacular mountain range at Clifton Beach, 20 minutes drive north of Cairns, Paradise Palms is ranked amongst Australia’s most challenging and rewarding courses. A 5-star, par 74 course, it’s known as a ‘golfer’s golf course.

This 18-hole championship course, which opened in 1990, was designed by Graham Marsh and Ross Watson and has been enhanced by 4,000 trees including Poinciana and Frangipani. The course features spacious fairways, undulating greens, 94 bunkers and 6 lakes. All green fees ($100.00AUD pp) include a motorised cart and use of clubhouse facilities. Restaurants and bars are open to the public daily from 7.00am. A recreation centre includes tennis courts, a 25m pool and beach volleyball courts, along with conference facilities. Saunas, showers, lockers, as well as a clothes dryer, are all available.

Some of the biggest names in golf have competed at Paradise Palms including Greg Norman, Bernard Langer and Curtis Strange. Veterans such as Peter Thompson, Kel Nagle and Bruce Develin have also graced this course.

Annual tournaments include the Duesbury’s Pro Am, R & R Cairns Classic and the Blue Tee Challenge.

One of the best known courses in Far North Queensland, the Mirage course is rated as one of the best resort courses in the world. The 5 star, par 72, 18-hole international standard course was designed by renowned golf architect, Peter Thomson, it contains the usual combination of 6 par 3, 6 par 4 and 6 par 5 holes all within two markedly different 9s. The course is bordered by the Coral Sea and magnificent rainforest mountains.

The Mirage also has an aquatic driving range, practice putting green and bunkers, professional instructors and a pro shop.

Other facilities at the Country Club include floodlit tennis courts, gym, sauna, lap pool and an Italian restaurant.

This 3-star, par 70, 9-hole course is part of the Novotel Resort at Palm Cove, situated half way between Cairns and Port Douglas. A very pretty, lush course, green fees of $16.50 will get you 9 holes and cart. They also have a wide range of equipment for hire and pros on hand for lessons.

They have excellent sporting facilities including tennis courts and no less than 10 pools, to relax in after your golf game.

The Novotel currently has a $30 special on Tuesdays and Thursdays which includes 9 holes, a motorised cart and lunch at the Verandah bar.

The newest golf course in the region, The Links will officially open in July, 2000. Located just outside of Port Douglas, not far from Four Mile Beach, the Links is an 18-hole course with practice driving range. The Links will also have a pro shop, plus bar and restaurant.

Located not far from the township of Mossman, (15 mins drive from Port Douglas), Mossman is one of the most picturesque and reasonably priced public courses in the region. Price is $20 for 18 holes. Hire of a motorised buggy is $25. The course features 18 holes, bar, bistro, poker machines and golf shop. Pros are available by appointment.

Mareeba Golf Club is the only 18-hole course on the Atherton Tablelands. A reasonably priced club, the fee is $16 for 9 or 18 holes. Be prepared to share the course with native grey kangaroos. A motorised buggy is $20 and a pull along buggy is $5. Clubhouse facilities include a licensed bar and light snacks. 3-star rating, par 72.

Located in the Cairns suburb of Woree, this is an18-hole championship course. To play 9 holes will cost you $16 and hire of a motorised buggy is $25. The club house includes a bar and restaurant and there is also a fully equipped golf shop. Bookings are required.

Another worthwhile club in the Cairns district includes the 3-star, par 69, 18-hole Half Moon Bay course at the beachside suburb of Yorkeys Knob. This has a reputation as a tricky course that challenges even the most skilled players. Fees are $20 per day per person. An electric buggy costs $25 and a pull cart is $3.00.

The Gordonvale club, south of Cairns, is a 3-star, par 72, 18-hole course that is worth checking out. Situated next to majestic Pyramid Mountain, they offer very good value to players. Prices are $10 per day per person for 9 holes, $15 for 18 holes. A motorised cart costs $22.

If you’re keen to practise your skills, the Prize Golf driving range (6 hole par 3) is located on the Captain Cook Highway, just north of Cairns. They have 42 bays lit at night, a free putting green and club hire. Tuition is available by appointment.