I made an 11-day holiday trip to Australia in June this year to the cities of Melbourne and Sydney, meeting and catching up with friends. It was an enjoyable trip.
Breakfast at Victoria Market
Melbourne
While in Melbourne, I had the pleasure and benefit of enjoying a panoramic view of the city from the highest floor of Aurora Melbourne Central, one of the tallest buildings in Melbourne, courtesy of my excolleagues who are based there. The spectacular view from the top revealed a sprawling, well-designed city that seamlessly blends urban and suburban landscapes. Beyond the bustling Central Business District, Melbourne unfolds into meticulously planned housing estates, with beautifully landscaped streets lined with trees and pockets of parks in between. Melbourne’s architectural diversity, from historic buildings to modern skyscrapers, reflects its rich cultural heritage and contemporary dynamism, making it a city of charm, innovation, and natural beauty. It certainly lived up to its reputation as a liveable city.
View from Aurora Melbourne Central
Playing at Royal Melbourne Golf Club
My RSGC buddy suggested that I make use of our reciprocal arrangement, which I did, for a round of golf at the famous and rich in history Royal Melbourne Golf Club. I had an enjoyable round of 18 holes at the East Course. Unfortunately, I couldn’t finish the full 18-hole as the evening was already dark by the time I finished the 17th hole. Still, all was not lost as I stood in awe taking in the spectacularly lit-up Royal Melbourne Club House at night. It was certainly a sight to behold. I am sure many of our members had played at the club before, so I would not delve too much into Royal Melbourne Golf Club except to share a few photos here.
My goal is to share with members another two beautiful golf courses that I got to play at during my trip, which are the Shell Cove Link Course in Shell Harbour City and the Park Proxi Gilbratar Golf Course in the southern highland town of Bowral.
Shell Harbour City
Shell Cove Link Course is located in Shellharbour City, a coastal city in New South Wales’s South Coast, and an hour away from Sydney. It is a beautiful little city with lots to offer as a lifestyle and tourist destination. It boasts a stunning coastline, beaches, lakes, waterfalls, and a great place to simply stroll on the marina’s boardwalk. It seems like a perfect place for escapades and exploration with the numerous outdoor activities available.
Picturesque Shell Harbour City
Shell Cove Link Course
It is a picturesque and beautiful 18- hole golf course. Being a link course, the course is quite open, guarded by waters and bunkers with not many tall trees in between. It was a cool and breezy day when I was there, just perfect for an enjoyable round of golf. It is open to the public, and only cost around AUD 34 per player, cart included. You have to be wary of birds picking up and flying away with your golf balls, though.
Park Proxi Gilbratar Golf Course
After playing at the coastal Shell Cove Link course, our next golf destination was further inland to the southern highland town of Bowral.
The Gilbratar Golf Course is an 18-hole well-maintained golf course, set against breathtaking landscapes and stunning scenery. With the cool wind blowing, this golf course in the southern highland of Australia is the perfect getaway for a golfing holiday. It is an undulating course, but lovely to walk on the highland under the windy conditions. This course is also open to the public, and only cost about AUD 35 per player, cart included.
We had our breakfast in the restaurant that directly overlooks the golf course. Amazing view.
Conclusion
If you are travelling to Sdyney for golf, it might be worth considering playing at Shell Cove Link Course and Gilbratar Golf Course too. It was a wonderful experience for me.
