Sydney and Surrounds Golf Holidays

A truly global city, Sydney is Australia's oldest and biggest city with a population of approximately 4 million. Sydney and its surrounding areas offer its visitors a cosmopolitan lifestyle, with a sense of fun and love of sport and celebrations. Sydney's laid-back outdoor lifestyle, natural beauty and temperate climate year round make it an ideal golf holiday destination.

Situated on one of the world's most striking harbours and blessed with a pleasant climate most of the year, Sydney is a truly magical place to plan your golf holiday around. A vibrant cityscape of contemporary and historical architecture, Sydney's energy offers a stimulating, contrasting blend of the old and the new. Award winning restaurants, fabulous shopping and friendly faces blanket this cosmopolitan city and its surrounding areas with a well established public transport system.

World famous tourist attractions and diverse surrounding localities each with their own unique character are waiting to be explored. Iconic beaches, such as Manly and Bondi, World Heritage Listed sights such as the renowned Sydney Opera House, an exciting arts and cultural scene and fantastic celebrations such as The Sydney Festival and Australia Day are just some of the plethora of thrilling attractions the city of Sydney has to offer.

GOLF COURSES IN SYDNEY AND SURROUNDS
Sydney's fantastic climate all year round makes it a perfect golf holiday destination with a number of quality golf courses in the region to choose from.

1. New South Wales Golf Course
Traditional links style course surrounded by the Pacific Ocean coastline, this links course is a true golfing challenge. Carved out of the natural coastal flora and fauna the layout produces a diverse range of challenges. Narrow fairways with deep English pot style bunkers will test the best golfer not to mention the wind. Ranked 2 out of Australia's Top 100.

2. The Australian Golf Course
Redesigned by Jack Nicklaus in 1977, The Australian has moderated undulations and water hazards and enjoys spectacular views. A magnificent clubhouse offering the best in modern Australian cuisine, award winning wines and friendly personalised service. The history and traditions surrounding The Australian Golf Club together with its contribution to sport in Australia has cemented its reputation as one of the best Australian golf clubs. Located close to Sydney International Airport. Ranked 9;

3. The Lakes Golf Course
The Lakes golf course is rich in Australian golfing history. Renowned for its presentation and is generally regarded as one of the best wet weather courses in the region. A course that requires accurate shot making, if rough and water are to be taken out of play. The overall course design is considered to be a classic mix of old fashioned and modern Championship design. First class modern clubhouse. Abundant wild life, scenic views and a wide range of golf shots, makes The Lakes a memorable experience. Ranked 18;

4. Terrey Hills Golf Course
A course to challenge golfers of all levels. Designed using the natural forests, native shrubs, flora and grasses to create an excellent golfing experience of new standards. Gently contoured challenging fairways, Broadbent grass ensures a smoothly rolling putt, while the wintergreen couch provides a superior surface on the fairways. Native grasses are used to achieve a gentle transition between the undulating fairways and rugged natural vegetation. Host to the Canon Challenge. Ranked 47;

5. Concord Golf Course
A tree lined Championship course that will provide a challenge to all levels of golfers. Concord golf club is Sydney's second oldest course providing abundant trees & bunkers. Host to 2002 PGA championship, 2004 Australian Women's open and 2005 Golf Writers Championship. Ranked 38;

6. St Michaels Golf Course
A seaside links course located right next to the Pacific Ocean just a short drive from the CBD. A members course that offers fabulous ocean views and a very challenging 18 hole layout. A real challenge in windy conditions. The course is well groomed and is always in tip top condition. Provides spectacular views of the sea and surrounding coastline. Ranked 57;

7. Bonnie Doon Golf Course
One of Sydney's premier clubs and oldest member courses in Australia. A traditional tree lined course in Sydney's sand belt region only 10 minutes from Sydney International Airport. Very testing for players of all standards. Its putting surfaces have long been recognised as among the best in NSW. Elevated tees with sweeping views of the city are key features of the course design which emphasises the rugged natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. Ranked 85;

8. Ryde Parramatta Golf Course
Gently undulating tree lined course set amidst breathtaking gardens and water cascades designed by Ross Watson. Semi-private golf course however limited opportunities exist for non-members to play;

9. Riverside Oaks Golf Course
A resort undulating championship course set on 587 acres of natural bush land bordering the Hawkesbury River and a wildlife reserve. Held the Australian PGA in 1988, 89 & 90. Play with the Kangaroo's whilst enjoying the finest facilities on offer in the Sydney region. Twisting couch fairways demand careful club selection. Water hazards come into play on all the back 9 holes;

10. Camden Lakeside Country Club Golf Course
Designed by 5 times British Open Champion, Peter Thomson. A championship traditional links course with all the facilities you would expect of a resort style course. Challenging fairways requiring accurate shot making. The bunkers are seaside pot style, so escape is not easy. The real challenge is getting to the green and once there fairly flat greens will test your putting skills. Ranked 72;

11. Twin Creeks Course
Designed by Graham Marsh, the course opened in April 2006. Set in a peaceful rural setting with beautiful surrounds in the outer western suburbs of Sydney. A challenging layout with unique bunkering features Bent greens, Legends couch fairways and Santa Anna tees. The preservation of native woodland and position of water features combine to create a marvellous golfing experience;

12. The Coast Golf Course
Located south of Sydney overlooking the spectacular panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding coastline. A challenge for all levels of players. Situated approximately 12 km south of the CBD and 8 km east of the airport. Ocean views from every hole. Stretching along the coastal cliffs, the course is greatly affected by wind strength and direction. The club boasts a popular and well regarded restaurant with spectacular views;

13. Mona Vale Golf Course
This is a truly picturesque layout for a golf course, situated on Sydney's Northern Peninsula, overlooking Mona Vale beach. Parkland setting for first 10 holes with lush fairways lined heavily by trees of many varieties, remaining holes have a more links feel, fewer trees, closer to ocean thus more susceptible to ocean breezes. The course is a traditional tree lined seaside course with abundant birdlife. Hosted the 2004 NSW Champion of Champions, and host of the 2007 NSW Medal;

14. Long Reef Golf Course
A pure seaside links course with magnificent panoramic ocean views on Sydney's Northern Peninsula. Surrounded by ocean on 3 sides, this typical seaside links layout has gently undulating fully watered kikuyu fairways with Poa and Bent grass greens, bunkers and lakes;

15. Kogarah Golf Course
Established 75 years and located on the Cooks River near Botany Bay, Sydney, 15minutes from the CBD and 5 minutes from Sydney International Airport. The course is 18 holes of championship golf with easy walking and a layout to suit and challenge all golfers. Fully watered Kikuyu fairways, Bent greens, course offers a flat walk with tree lined fairways. Water in play on 14 holes. A functions centre provides facilities for weddings, social events and conferences.

Outer Sydney Golf Courses:
16. The Vintage Golf Course
The first Greg Norman designed 18 hole world class golf course in the famous winemaking region of The Hunter Valley just 2 hours North of Sydney. Prestigious 5 star lifestyle golf community of 482 residential home sites surround the vineyards and rolling hills of this famed region. Built to complement the area's natural environment and spectacular views. Vineyards, award-winning restaurants and cafes, a golf clubhouse, community centre, fitness facilities and a pathway and trail system linking all neighbourhood amenities. Ranked 44;

17. Cypress Lakes Golf Resort Course
Five star resort facilities and an 18 hole championship golf course set in the lush Hunter Valley vineyards. The architects have enhanced the natural features of this historic rural landscape in the Hunter Valley. A contrasting course with the front nine tree lined and punishing with the back nine playing amongst the vineyards. Ranked 100.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN SYDNEY AND SURROUNDS
Sydney is blessed with an enormous variety of attractions under its warm sunny skies, so a visit to these magnificent natural wonders and historical architecture makes for a wonderful holiday experience to add to your golf holiday.

1. The Sydney Opera House
One of the great architectural masterpieces of the 20th Century. Take a guided walking tour inside and around the Opera House;

2. The Rocks and Circular Quay
Walk the streets of the historic Rocks precinct. A hub of activity day and night, the area has character filled cobbled streets, the city's oldest building, Cadman's Cottage, typical lively pubs, galleries, museums, gift and tourist shops alongside designer fashion and plenty of charming cafes;

3. The Sydney Harbour Bridge
Walk, drive or take a guided climb tour across one of Sydney's most recognisable landscapes. Climb tours are available day or night, dawn or twilight through Bridgeclimb;

4. Harbour Walk
Sydney's waterfront from the Sydney Opera House to Mrs Macquarie's Chair, then on to historic Macquarie Street;

5. Sydney Observatory Museum of Astronomy & Public Observatory
Part of the Powerhouse Museum. Find out how Australia's first astronomers, the Aboriginal people, explained the creation of the southern skies;

6. Dining waterside at Woolloomooloo Wharf or Watson's Bay
For a glorious view of the city in the distance, quality dining at award winning restaurants one of the many habourside and beach promande restaurants in these beautiful areas of Sydney;

7. Sydney Beaches
Visiting one of Sydney's many iconic beaches such as Bondi, Manly, Palm Beach, Balmoral or Cronulla;

8. Botannical Gardens
Seeing the native fruit bats and 30 hectares of themed gardens in the Royal Botanic Gardens on a guided Aboriginal heritage tour;

9. Ferry Rides
Catching the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly for a truly scenic ride on Sydney Harbour;

10. Taronga Zoo
Overlooking the harbour, Sydney's Taronga Zoo exhibits Australia's many unique animals and wildlife. A great bird show daily is a must see;

11. Sydney Aquarium
Situtaed in Darling Harbour showcases an impressive collection of Australian aquatic life;

12. Museum of Contemporary Art
Situated in Circularv Quay, Australia's only museum dedicated to exhibiting, interpreting and collecting contemporary art from across Australia and around the world;

13. Art Gallery of NSW
The leading museum of art in New South Wales and Sydney, and one of Australia's foremost cultural institutions holding nearly forty exhibitions annually from around the globe;

14. Queen Victoria Building
A shopper's paradise, this opulent building built in 1898 has become one of the city's most prestigious shopping centres. Guided tours are available to learn historical facts and figures about this beautiful sandstone Sydney landmark;

15. Harry's Cafe de Wheels
Situated in Woolloomooloo, has been selling its famous late night pies and other refreshments since the 1940's to Sydney's night owls;

16. Darling Harbour
A lively harbour side precinct with restaurants, shopping and nightlife. Also home to The Sydney Aquarium, The Chinese Gardens and Imax Theatre;

17. Chinese Garden of Friendship
A serene haven set on the city fringe in Darling Harbour. Wander among beautiful trees and gardens and visit the traditional Chinese teahouse;

18. Hawkesbury River and Valley
A fascinating mix of natural attractions and a peaceful country ambience with the river winding its way through a fertile valley;

19. Manly
Situated between the harbour and a surf beach - a quintessential Sydney experience on Sydney's North side;

20. Mosman and Balmoral Beach
Harbour side affluent suburbs with many cafes, boutiques and parks to visit;

21. Newtown
A colourful, quirky and creative precinct with a strong arts culture, dining and unique retail shopping outlets;

22. Northern Beaches and Pittwater Peninsula
With the Pacific Ocean on one side and Pittwater on the other, stretches of pristine white sandy beaches, cafes, restaurants and boutiques.

LEISURE ACTIVITIES IN SYDNEY AND SURROUNDS
On a warm day, with a clear blue sky, there is no better place on earth than Sydney's harbour. Alternatively Sydney's surrounding areas offers a stimulating array of leisure activities such as water sports, wine tasting, sparkling waterways, World Heritage listed national parks, age-old mountains and ravines and some of the most stunning beaches and lakes on the planet.

1. Dinner CruisesOn Sydney Harbour;
2. Whale watching From May-August or September-November;
3. Jet Boat Rides Experience Sydney Harbour at high speed with a jet boat ride;
4. Cycling Tours Around the city over the Sydney Harbour Bridge or explore the famous Manly beaches with a sunset cruise;
5. Helicopter Rides Over the city at sunset;
6. ailing TripsOn the harbour to soak up the sun and pristine blue waters;
7. Walking Tours Twilight walking tours in and around Sydney's stunning harbour and its surrounds as the sun sets;
8. Relaxing At a luxury spa in the Hunter Valley, Blue Mountains or Southern Highlands;
9. Wine tasting And dining al fresco in the beauty of the Hunter Valley;
10. Bush Walking or AbseilingIn the spectacular beauty of the cliffs and canyons of the Blue Mountains;
11. Water Activities Such as reef, game-fishing charters, sailboard, or catamaran on one of the many local lakes;
12. Shopping In the Mecca shopping precinct of Darlinghurst, Paddington and Double Bay with stylish terraces, street lined pubs, and café lifestyle;
13. Sip a Macchiato In Sydney's Little Italy in Leichhardt. The place to go for all things Italian: from gelato to espresso, a vibrant nightlife and a typical Italian square;
14. Aquatic Adventures Located at the foothills of the breathtaking Blue Mountains, Penrith Valley offers a wide range of aquatic adventure activities from white-water rafting, canoeing, waterskiing and paddleboat rides on the Nepean River;
15. Country SideEnjoy a wealth of countryside lifestyle activities in the charm and tranquillity of the country side of Picton and Surrounds.

CLIMATE OF SYDNEY
Sydney's climate makes it a great city to visit any time of the year as it doesn't suffer extremes of cold or heat. Sydney enjoys sunshine for most of the year and has mild winters. The summer season is from December through to February where temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius and the winter months from June through to August can fall below 15 degrees Celsius. Autumn is lovely, especially around March and April, with clear, warm days and mild nights. In Spring (September to November) there's more chance of rain, but it usually clears quickly.