Melbourne and Victoria Golf Holidays

This sophisticated, vibrant world city in the south east corner of mainland Australia is home to an eclectic fusion of fashion, festivals, sports and the arts. Whatever your taste or budget, Melbourne delivers.

Melbourne's myriad of attractions and events throughout the year will guarantee to inspire, entertain and excite even the most discerning of travellers. Melbourne is immersed with a pulsating energy, with a calendar of non stop events, amazing choice of restaurants and stylish boutiques.

Expect a holiday rich of discoveries. A world class food and wine industry and an innovative art and cultural scene are testament to Melbourne's passion for food and the arts. Its architectural elegance, reminiscent of Europe, dominate the city's historical buildings and an outstanding network of parks and gardens weave their magic through the city.

GOLF COURSES IN MELBOURNE
Tee off and be amazed by the range, depth and quality of courses found in Melbourne, the south east suburban 'sandbelt' region and Victoria's beautiful countryside. Head to the mountains, the flats, the rivers or the forests and choose from hundreds of courses to challenge and delight you. Tee off with the pros at Royal Melbourne and the many private and public golf courses.

1. Royal Melbourne Golf Course
Composite layout long ranked in the world's top 10. Designed by legendary architect Alistair Mackenzie, it features all the elements of strategic design that make it both challenging for professionals and playable for amateurs. Lightening fast greens surrounded by cavernous bunkers will catch any wayward shots. Fairways lined by thick tea tree scrub. The 10th hole on the West course measures less than 300 metres, yet remains one of the more inspirational tee shots. Ranked 1 in Australia's Top 100;

2. Metropolitan Golf Course
Host of seven Australian Opens, five Australian PGAs and the 2001 US PGA Tour WGC Matchplay Championship. Acclaimed as having the best fairway turf in the country - in 2001 Stuart Appleby said, 'It was better conditioned than Augusta!' Improvements in the mid-90s included additional length and bunkers, making this a testing championship layout. Ranked 2;

3. The National Golf Course (Moonah Course)
Located on the Mornington Peninsula coastline, The National, designed by Greg Norman, ranks as one of the best pieces of golf real estate in the country. The Old Course designed in 1988 features spectacular ocean views. The Moonah Course is a links style that debuted in the Top 10 courses in Australia. A state of the art clubhouse situated centrally to the three courses provides spectacular views of Bass Strait, the 'Cups Country' and Ocean and Moonah Courses. Ranked 8;

4. The National Golf Course (Ocean Course)
The Ocean Course, designed by Thomson, Wolveridge and Perrett combines the vast knowledge of links golf of its designers and is based on the great links of Scotland and Ireland. A state of the art clubhouse situated centrally to the three courses provides spectacular views of Bass Strait, the 'Cups Country' and Ocean and Moonah Courses. Ranked 46;

5. Moonah Links Golf Course (Open Course)
18 hole championship links course designed by Thomson, Wolveridge & Perrett situated on the Mornington Peninsula. Host of Australian Open and home of the Australian Golf Union. Undulating landscape with ancient dunes makes it near perfect for links golf. The naturally draining sandy soil avoids water logging and keeps the course playable all year round. The ultimate championship playing experience. Luxuriously appointed guest rooms, conference centre, restaurant, Spike Bar, gym/day spa. Fully integrated golf pavilion with state of the art facilities. Ranked 17;

6. Moonah Links Golf Course (Legends Course)
The Legends Course is very different layout to the Open Course, blending undulating fairways that wind through ancient Moonah forests with pure sweeping links country. The fairways are generous and the putting surfaces gentle. Panoramic views from raised tees, shared greens and a host of other unique features. In contrast to the Open Course which was built to challenge the modern champion, the Legends Course is a more friendly golfing experience for players of all ages and abilities. Ranked 37;

7. Commonwealth Golf Course
Located in Melbourne's sandbelt region. A memorable finishing stretch of holes with plenty of variety in design. Extensive tree plantation program places a premium on straight driving. Probably the grandest clubhouse on the sand belt, with majestic views across the final fairway and green surrounded by majestic bunkering. Ranked 18;

8. Woodlands Golf Course
Located in Melbourne's sandbelt region. Famous for small, hard and fast greens that place a premium on iron play and putting. Greenside bunkering is well manicured and the couch fairways are tree lined. Features an outstanding array of short holes. Has hosted the Victorian Open, Victorian PGA and state amateur championships. Ranked 26;

9. Peninsula Golf Course (North Course)
Two excellent layouts. The addition of classic sand-belt bunkering and heath-land grasses has transformed the layout. It is not a long course; it is one that resists scoring by strategy rather than length. Known for its excellent couch fairways, bent grass greens and traditional sandbelt bunkering. On-site accommodation is available. Ranked 28;

10. Peninsula Golf Course (South Course)
The South course is long and difficult and has hosted several national championships and amateur events. A challenging course long been known as one of Australia's tough and testing championship courses. Also known for its excellent couch fairways, bent grass greens and traditional sandbelt bunkering. Ranked 50;

11. The Dunes Golf Course
27 hole layout situated in the Mornington Peninsula region. Open to the public 365 days a year. Situated just an hour south of Melbourne in beautiful undulating links terrain in the Scottish and Irish traditions. Dry all year round with sandy base. Fully irrigated Santa Ana Couch fairways with excellent Cobra bent greens. Designed by Tony Cashmore and Associates. Ranked 29;

12. Barwon Heads Golf Course
Links style course set amongst coast tea-tree and sand dunes in the Bellarine Peninsula region. Undulating, fast running pure couch fairways and very slick greens. Not especially long with cleverly positioned hazards, subtle slopes and greens along challenging tee positions. Affected by wind so the course is rarely played the same twice in one week. Superbly maintained turf. Functions and events facilities available. Residential accommodation for 38 persons available all year. Ranked 32;

13. Huntingdale Golf Course
Premier championship 18 hole sandbelt course. A memorable finishing stretch of holes with plenty of variety in design. Home to the Australian Masters and played host to some of the most famous names in international golf, including Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Ian Baker-Finch, Nick Price and Tiger Woods. The greens are true and fast and are generally kept in Masters condition throughout the year. Ranked 33;

14. Yarra Yarra Golf Course
A Russell-Mackenzie design featuring large greens that provide a true challenge in hot weather. Situated in the sandbelt region. The incredible 11th hole - a long uphill par three to a notorious green with heavy fortification - is perhaps the most difficult one-shotter in the country. The approach to the crested fifth green is also a standout. Hosted the Australian Open for women and the men's PGA title. Ranked 34;

15. The Heritage Golf Course
36 hole layout in the Yarra Valley. The Heritage is home to the St John course, Australia's only private Jack Nicklaus signature course. Boasts unrivalled views across the Yarra Valley and the Henley course, a links style layout designed by Tony Cashmore in consultation with Jack Nicklaus. Stunning clubhouse has fine dining restaurant, bar, change room facilities, golf bag drop off service to members, five star hotel on course and conference centre. Ranked 35;

16. 13th Beach Golf Course
36 hole layout in the Bellarine Peninsula. The Beach course, a challenging and natural links style course features spectacular par 3's and natural wildlife. The course is dry all year round, cutting through the abundant sand dunes and winding around Murtnagurt Lagoon with 3km ocean frontage. The Creek Course designed by Nick Faldo in conjunction with Tony Cashmore has the feel of the very best of Melbourne's sandbelt through its gently rolling terrain and broadly separated fairways. Ranked 41;

17. Portsea Golf Course
Carved through natural tea tree scrub resulting in a variety of holes. From long sweeping par 5s which wind their way through deep valleys through to tight par 3 holes. Pinpoint accuracy is required to ensure the ball remains on the putting surface. Rolling hills provide spectacular views across the bay and also give you a good aerobic workout along the way. Ranked 47;

18. Spring Valley Golf Course
Located in the heart of Melbourne's sandbelt region. Beautifully bunkered. The holes demand well shaped shots from the tees and the irons to the flags must be played with precision. Home to a huge variety of bird life. Its immaculate greens, fairways and signature bunkering contribute to 'The Valley's' rating in the top ten courses in Victoria. Spring Valley is what would be referred to as a traditional course. Exclusive functions centre with panoramic view. Ranked 70;

19. Cape Schanck Resort Golf Course
Built on a unique site dominated by sand dunes, the rolling fairways and elevated tees offer spectacular views of Bass Strait, Port Phillip Bay and the Mornington Peninsular. Strong prevailing winds, many blind shots and tricky doglegs must be negotiated before the golfer attempts to take the severely bunkered, lightening fast greens. Ranked 81;

20. Sanctuary Lakes Golf Course
A spectacular Greg Norman links style championship course meanders over undulating terrain. Features impressive lakes and watercourse aspects which blend in prefect harmony with the adjoining wetlands sanctuary. The greens are fast, the fairways wide and well grassed and the bunkers deep. Home of the Victorian PGA Championship and its own golf academy. World class clubhouse overlooking the lake and golf course. Stylish function rooms suitable for corporate golf days, product launches and private functions. Ranked 87;

21. Kingston Heath Golf Course
An Alistair Mackenzie masterpiece featuring sculptured bunkers and unforgettable par threes situated in the sandbelt region. Perfectly manicured its bunkering and clever use of dips and hollows visually fools the non observant golfer. Hosted seven Australian Opens, seven Australian Match Plays, two Tournament Players Championships and seven Victorian Opens. Australasian host for the British Open qualifying event;

22. Victoria Golf Course
The Victoria Golf Club is acclaimed by golfers the world over for its fine hospitality and superb world championship course. Situated in the heart of Melbourne's sandbelt region, it offers a sporting experience on par with the world's best. Fairways flow through avenues of gums and undulations lined with tea-trees. Extensive bunkering surrounds an exceptional collection of elevated greens and the design incorporates a number of blind drives that land on down-slopes. Designed to challenge both the amateur and professional golfer. The scene of many great tournaments including two Australian Opens in the past 25 years;

23. Kingswood Golf Course
Challenging layout on formed flat to undulating terrain in Melbourne's sandbelt region. An exceptional test of golf. Couch fairways. Bent grass greens, approximately 80 bunkers. Excellent variety with lakes in play on 3 holes. First class facilities for members and excellent catering facilities for Private Functions, Weddings, Seminars and Corporate Golf Days;

24. Sandhurst Golf Course
36 hole layout. Home of the PGA of Australia. Two Championship golf courses, the North Course (opened 2004) and the Champions Course (due for completion in 2007). Resort style facilities include gymnasium, spa, 25 metre indoor swimming pool and tennis courts. Fully private with limited public access. Modern, 21st century corporate golf venue, with magnificent clubhouse boasting state of the art presentation areas and equipment and panoramic views of entire course;

25. Growling Frog Golf Course
The first Victorian course designed by Graham Marsh. Just 30km's north of the CBD. Gently undulating fully watered championship course with strategic bunkering throughout. Santa Ana couch fairways and tees. Generous A1 bent grass greens built to USGA standards. Open vistas with magnificent 300-year-old mature river red gums and spectacular views of the Dividing Ranges. Abundant wildlife and wetlands, with small vineyard on entry;

26. Kingston Links Golf Course
This is a true Links style course in the traditional mould of Scottish and Irish courses. Features undulating Santa Anna fairways, superbly fast bent greens and several water carries. With a choice of tees, this luxury course provides a stern challenge for the social player or the dedicated golf purist. Water influences the line on many shots but fairways are generous enough;

27. Yarra Bend Golf Course
This course is not especially long but it is still a course to be treated with the greatest respect. It has glorious rows of trees, fast greens and plenty of bunkers to catch the wayward shot. A pretty setting and more challenging than the average public course. Cross slopes on many holes feed the ball into run-off areas. Aiming posts are set into some fairways to help alignment on 'blind' tee shots that are a feature of the layout. Parrots, ducks and other native fauna are a feature;

28. Keysborough Golf Course
Perfectly positioned within Melbourne's famous sandbelt region. A demanding and challenging layout set to test professional and club golfers alike. Grass greens, wide undulating fairways, bunkers, five lakes and dams providing watering for whole course. Function facilities catered to meet all function needs. Tuition and golf pro shop on site;

29. Eagle Ridge Golf Course
Kevin Hartley designed course modelled on the prestigious Royal Melbourne. Designed to appeal to experienced golfers and beginners alike, a challenging round with exceptional surrounds. Gently undulating fairways, landscaped tees and manicured greens. Australian heritage homestead style clubhouse with function room and corporate golf event facilities;

30. Torquay Sands Golf Course
Situated on the Bellarine Peninsula, this unique links course designed by Stuart Appleby, winds its way through dunes country of the coastal location. The course demonstrates his flair for providing a challenging and unique experience for the golfer. Residential precincts with both water and bunkering are key features of the design. This magnificent course has been constructed with knowledge and experience to create a challenge as well as being an enjoyable play.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN MELBOURNE
The diverse nature of Melbourne is perhaps best highlighted by the wonderful choice of tourist attractions that fill the city throughout the year. Melbourne's awash with a range of hallmark events, historically rich architecture and a renowned food and wine industry.

1. Melbourne Design Festival
Developed by designers to celebrate the creative arts and promote further understanding across all creative disciplines;

2. The Australian Open
Held every January, attracts vistors from all corners of the globe to watch world class tennis at its best;

3. The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) or Telstra Dome
For the true Melbourne sporting experience watch an Australian Football League (AFL) game;

4. Melbourne Cup
Experience fashion, food, dining and a feast of world class thoroughbred racing at this extravagant event that attracts visitors from across the globe and nationally;

5. The Royal Exhibition Building
A World Heritage listed building. An outstanding example of the great 19th century international exhibition movement;

6. Melbourne Town Hall
Learn about the architectural, social and political significance of this impressive nineteenth century building;

7. Rippon Lea Estate
Enjoy one of the most romantic gardens in Melbourne, the last of Australia's great privately owned nineteenth century suburban estates;

8. Schwerkolt Cottage
Explore the original pioneer stone cottage and enjoy beautiful gardens and a park-like setting beside Mullum Mullum Creek;

9. Old Melbourne Goal
Victoria's first prison, the Old Melbourne Gaol, is one of Melbourne's oldest surviving buildings. This imposing bluestone institution is where 136 people, including infamous bushranger Ned Kelly were hanged;

10. 'Marvellous Melbourne' Heritage Trail Walk
Experience how the discovery of gold shaped the city. See the majestic architecture and hear stories from your professional guide about the colourful characters of early boom town Melbourne;

11. The Royal Botanic Gardens
See historic and botanic treasures at The Royal Botanic Gardens and also take The Aboriginal Heritage walk;

12. Fitzroy Gardens
Boasts historic and botanic treasures and Cook's Cottage, the re-located home of Captain James Cook's parents;

13. The Bunjilaka Aboriginal Centre
Located at the Melbourne Museum, exhibits the customs and rich heritage of the Aboriginal people in Melbourne and Victoria;

14. Melbourne Tram
Take a ride on a tram to visit one of many inner suburbs each with its own special character.

LEISURE ACTIVITIES IN MELBOURNE
Set around the shores of Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne sits on the northern banks of the Yarra River. Leisure activities can be planned around the beauty of the Yarra, the impressive arts and cultural scene, or centred on the rich historical landscape.

1. Picnic, barbeque or laze By the river, parks, coastline and bay;
2. Outdoor Cinema Viewing,Go to see a film at an outdoor cinema or during the Melbourne Film Festival;
3. Walk on a Heritage Trail Through city streets or cycle along a picturesque Yarra River path and admire the brilliant vistas;
4. FishingIn Port Phillip Bay and take your pick from the numerous barbecue and picnic spots Melbourne has to offer;
5. Play a Game of Tennis Where the champions play, Melbourne Park, home of the Australian Open;
6. Sail BoardingMelbourne's proximity to the Great Southern Ocean provides a plentiful supply of onshore winds making it an ideal location for sailboarding;
7. Water ActivitiesCanoeing, kayaking or charter a boat down the Yarra River through a bushland setting will make you feel as if your a million miles from the city;
8. Air BallooningTake an early morning balloon flight over Melbourne and gain a unique perspective of the city landmarks from a wicker basket;
9. Go the the OperaOr watch a show at Her Majesty's Theatre;
10. Watch an Australian Football League (AFL) Game Experience the spectacular excitement of Melbourne's favourite sport;
11. Stroll the Streets Immerse in the arts scene of creative visual displays scattered throughout the city;
12. People Watching On one of the may café strips in Richmond, St Kilda, Fitzroy, South Melbourne and Prahran.

CLIMATE OF MELBOURNE
Melbourne has a temperate climate of mild temperatures with four distinct seasons free of extremes. Melbourne has a reputation of experiencing all four seasons in one day. Summers from December to February are warm to hot and temperatures can exceed 25°C. Winters can get quite cool to brisk, autumn runs from March to May with mild temperatures and spring runs from September to November, with temperatures being cool to mild.