Representative image Photo: Phillip Capper from Wellington, New Zealand · CC BY 2.0
Barnbougle Dunes
Bridport, Tasmania, Australia
18 Holes · Par 71 · On request · Links
— About
About Barnbougle Dunes
Barnbougle Dunes on Tasmania's north coast is a links course built on duneland that was part of a potato and cattle farm, designed by Tom Doak and Mike Clayton and opened in 2004. The duneland at Barnbougle is the genuine article: wind-blown sand hills, fescue turf, bass strait sea breezes, and the kind of naturally varied topography that normally only develops over centuries of coastal geological processes. Unlike many 'links-style' courses built on non-links terrain, Barnbougle Dunes is true links golf — firm, fast, windswept, and demanding the kind of low, running game associated with the great Scottish and Irish courses. The site also includes a second course — the Lost Farm — designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, so two links courses share the same property. Dunes is open to all visitors.
- Tom Doak and Mike Clayton design on Tasmania's north coast, opened in 2004
- Links golf on Tasmania's Bass Strait coast
- Companion course Lost Farm (Bill Coore / Ben Crenshaw) on the same property
- Open to all visitors, bookable online
- Built on duneland from a potato and cattle farm near Bridport
History of Barnbougle Dunes
Barnbougle Dunes grew out of the property of Richard Sattler, a potato and cattle farmer who owned about 15,000 acres near Bridport on Tasmania's north-east coast. In 2001 Greg Ramsay, a young Tasmanian entrepreneur who had spent time in Scotland, identified the coastal dunes as having the potential for links golf and persuaded Sattler to consider it. Ramsay assembled a design team including Tom Doak and Mike Clayton, and after his financing fell through Sattler built the project anyway, with a few investors and the state government. The course opened in 2004. The companion Lost Farm course, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, followed in 2010.
Signature holes at Barnbougle Dunes
The par-4 4th at Barnbougle Dunes is a long driving hole where the Bass Strait runs the entire left boundary, the wind off the strait is unpredictable in direction, and the approach demands a precise iron to a green that falls away toward the sea. The par-3 6th plays directly over a sandy hollow to a green framed by natural dune ridges, requiring carry over open ground with no bail-out options in a classic links short-hole configuration. The par-4 16th routes along the Bass Strait cliffs with the Tasmanian coast extending in both directions — a tee shot played with the full awareness of the natural links environment of Barnbougle.
When to play Barnbougle Dunes
October through April is Tasmania's summer and the prime golf season — mild temperatures of 16–24°C and the longest daylight hours. November through March offers the most settled weather, though wind is characteristic year-round at this Bass Strait-exposed site. May through September is cooler and windier, but Barnbougle is open year-round and winter conditions produce the firmest, fastest links turf. Book well in advance for summer visits — the course fills quickly during the peak December–February period.
Playing Barnbougle Dunes: tips
Barnbougle is open to all visitors — book tee times directly through the Barnbougle website. On-site accommodation (Barnbougle Dunes Lodge and Lost Farm cottages) fills quickly in summer; book accommodation and golf together well ahead of peak season. The nearest major airport is Launceston. Playing both Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm in the same visit is the standard approach for serious golfers making the Tasmanian trip.
Visit Barnbougle Dunes
425 Waterhouse Road, Bridport, Tasmania 7262, Australia
Bridport, Tasmania, Australia
— Facilities
Practical Information
— FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Barnbougle Dunes
Can visitors play Barnbougle Dunes?
Yes — Barnbougle Dunes is open to all visitors. Book tee times directly through the Barnbougle website. On-site lodge accommodation is also available.
What is the Lost Farm at Barnbougle?
Lost Farm is a companion links course on the same property, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw and opened in 2010. It has 20 holes, with an 18-hole option. Playing both courses is the recommended approach for a Barnbougle visit.
How do I get to Barnbougle Dunes?
Launceston Airport is the nearest major airport. Direct flights connect Launceston with Melbourne (1 hour) and Sydney (1.5 hours). Bridport is on Tasmania's north coast.
Why is Barnbougle considered a genuine links course?
The Bass Strait coastline at Barnbougle has natural links terrain — wind-blown sand dunes, firm sandy soils, and exposed coastal conditions that produce the firm, fast turf and running game associated with great Scottish links.
How much does it cost to play Barnbougle Dunes?
Green fees vary by season; check the Barnbougle website for current rates. Multi-round packages combining Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm are available.