Representative image Photo: Phillip Capper from Wellington, New Zealand · CC BY 2.0
Barnbougle Lost Farm
Bridport, Tasmania, Australia
20 Holes · Par 78 · AUD 174–305 · Links
— About
About Barnbougle Lost Farm
Barnbougle Lost Farm is a links course on remote Tasmanian duneland. Sharing a boundary with its sibling, Barnbougle Dunes, Lost Farm was designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw and opened in 2010 as the second course at a property that draws links golfers from across Australia and overseas. The course occupies a spectacular stretch of Bass Strait coastline in the far northeast of Tasmania, near the tiny town of Bridport. Here the duneland rolls with genuine drama, and Coore and Crenshaw used the natural terrain with confidence and restraint. Fairways tumble and curve through ridges of dense scrub, opening onto elevated tee boxes that deliver views across the Bass Strait to the Furneaux Islands on clear days. The routing makes continuous use of the natural topography, with almost no artificial earthmoving required to create the sequence of memorable holes. Lost Farm is par 72 across 18 holes (par 78 over the full 20) and offers a 20-hole option, incorporating two additional short holes that can be played as part of a full round for those seeking a slightly longer and more varied experience. The extra holes give the round something beyond the conventional. The turf is managed to play firm and fast in the links tradition, and the fescue rough surrounding the fairways can be unforgiving to anything less than accurate ball-striking. The resort experience at Barnbougle is deliberately minimal and authentic: a comfortable lodge, excellent food and wine featuring Tasmanian produce, and two links courses within walking distance of each other. This combination of links golf and genuine wilderness remoteness has made Barnbougle Lost Farm a destination that players return to repeatedly, always finding something new in the interaction between course, wind, and the wild Tasmanian landscape.
- Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw on natural Bass Strait duneland, requiring minimal earthmoving to create a course of exceptional character.
- Located alongside sibling course Barnbougle Dunes, allowing golfers to play two links layouts back to back on the same remote Tasmanian property.
- Unique option to play 20 holes, incorporating two additional short holes into the round for a distinctly unconventional and memorable experience.
- Remote Tasmanian wilderness setting delivers a purity of golf experience far removed from city amenities, with Bass Strait views from multiple elevated tee boxes.
- Firm, fast fescue playing surfaces reward creative links-style shotmaking, particularly bump-and-run approaches and imaginative recoveries from thick rough.
History of Barnbougle Lost Farm
The Barnbougle story began with Richard Sattler, a potato and cattle farmer who owned about 15,000 acres near Bridport on Tasmania's northeast coast. Greg Ramsay, a young Tasmanian entrepreneur who had spent time in Scotland, saw the links potential of the coastal dunes and convinced Sattler to consider golf there. Tom Doak and Mike Clayton designed Barnbougle Dunes, which opened in 2004. The success of that first course created demand for a second layout, and Bill Coore of Coore and Crenshaw designed a companion course on the same property, routed to complement the Anderson Bay coastline. Lost Farm opened in December 2010 as a 20-hole links with an 18-hole option. The property has since added accommodation and a brewery, while preserving the wilderness character of the setting.
Signature holes at Barnbougle Lost Farm
The par-3 7th at Lost Farm is one of the great short holes in Australian golf, playing from an elevated tee across a sweeping valley of scrub and dunes to a green perched on the edge of a ridge. The carry required varies from about 130 to 175 metres depending on tee selection, and the wind from the Bass Strait makes club selection genuinely unpredictable. Short and right is especially penal, with the ball disappearing into thick native scrub. The par-4 15th is equally celebrated, a dogleg right that plays along a ridge with the Bass Strait visible to the north, demanding a precise tee shot that must avoid the dense rough on both sides before opening the approach angle into a green that falls away sharply to the left. The par-5 18th provides a satisfying crescendo, curving left toward the clubhouse with a well-placed fairway bunker that forces a layup decision from big hitters.
When to play Barnbougle Lost Farm
Barnbougle Lost Farm is playable year round, but the best conditions typically fall between October and April, Tasmania's spring and summer months. November through February delivers the longest daylight hours, allowing early and late tee times that make it feasible to play both courses in a single day. The weather on the north Tasmanian coast is mild but changeable, and visitors should be prepared for wind and occasional rain regardless of season. The shoulder months of October and March offer good conditions with lighter crowds than the peak summer period. Winter rounds from June to August are perfectly possible but require warm layers and an acceptance that the Bass Strait wind will dominate the experience.
Playing Barnbougle Lost Farm: tips
Launceston is the nearest major airport and the most practical gateway for interstate visitors, with onward car hire available. The lodge accommodation on site is excellent and staying overnight is strongly recommended to allow a full two-course experience across two days. Buggies are not permitted, as walking is integral to the links experience. Caddies are available and offer invaluable local knowledge. Pack waterproofs and at least two layers regardless of the season. The property's Barnbougle Beer brewing operation makes post-round refreshment a particular pleasure.
— Weather at Barnbougle Lost Farm
Approximate conditions · Observed · Open-Meteo
Visit Barnbougle Lost Farm
425 Waterhouse Road, Bridport, Tasmania 7262, Australia
Bridport, Tasmania, Australia
— Facilities
Practical Information
— FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Barnbougle Lost Farm
Can I play both Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm in one day?
It is physically possible to play both courses in a single long day, particularly during summer when daylight extends well into the evening. However, a two-day stay with one course per day is strongly recommended to fully appreciate each layout without fatigue affecting your enjoyment.
What is the 20-hole option at Lost Farm?
Lost Farm offers the option to play 20 holes by incorporating two additional par-3 holes — known as 13A and 18A — into the standard 18-hole round, which takes the par from 72 to 78.
Is accommodation available on site at Barnbougle?
Yes. The Barnbougle Lodge provides comfortable accommodation adjacent to the Lost Farm course, with rooms and suites overlooking the duneland. The lodge includes a restaurant serving Tasmanian produce, a bar, and the on-site brewery. Booking well in advance is essential during the peak season.
How do I get to Barnbougle from mainland Australia?
Fly to Launceston Airport, which receives direct flights from Melbourne and Sydney. From Launceston the property at Bridport is reached by road; car hire is available at the airport.
What handicap is required to play at Barnbougle Lost Farm?
There is no formal handicap restriction for visitors to Lost Farm. However, the course is genuinely challenging with a slope rating of 142, and golfers should be comfortable playing links-style conditions with firm fairways and unpredictable winds to get the most from the experience.