Queensland offers far more than sunny weather and coastal scenery. From championship layouts and resort courses to courses shaped by Queensland’s distinctive landscapes, the state has plenty to offer golfers looking for memorable rounds. In this guide, Golficial highlights some of the golf courses in Queensland, Australia, that are particularly worth considering, based on their layout, setting, playing experience, and overall appeal.
Note: Information about the golf courses featured in this guide was referenced from official course websites, Google Maps, and relevant golf course rankings, with information last checked on 20 August 2026. Course details, facilities, prices, availability and rankings may change over time, so we recommend checking with each course directly before planning your visit.
1. Pacific Harbour Golf & Country Club
Located on Bribie Island between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, Pacific Harbour Golf & Country Club is a Ross Watson-designed island links course surrounded by wetlands, native vegetation and coastal landscapes.
Water is a defining feature of the layout, with lakes and waterways coming into play across the course. Golfers can expect lush fairways, fast greens, challenging par-3s, long par-4s and rewarding par-5s suitable for different playing levels.
The club also offers an aquatic driving range, chipping area and putting green. After the round, golfers can relax at The Deck Restaurant, which overlooks the golf course, lake and native gardens.
Overview:
- Course type: Island links-style golf course
- Designer: Ross Watson
- Opened: 2006
- Access: Open to the public
- Location: Bribie Island, Moreton Bay region
- Key features: Lakes, wetlands, native vegetation and coastal surroundings
- Practice facilities: Aquatic driving range, chipping area and putting green
- Playing experience: Fast greens, challenging par-3s, long par-4s, and rewarding par-5s
- Restaurant: The Deck Restaurant, with views over the golf course and lake
- Driving range: Open daily, with a bucket of balls listed at $7
Practical information:
- Address: 141-159 Avon Avenue, Banksia Beach, Queensland
- Website: https://www.pacificharbourgolf.com.au
- Phone: (07) 3410 4011
- Clubhouse hours: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm daily
- Driving range hours: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm daily
- Price: Golf fees vary, check the official website for current rates
- Rating on Google Maps: 4,3
2. Emerald Lakes Golf Club
Just 7km from Surfers Paradise and around 25 minutes from Gold Coast Airport, Emerald Lakes Golf Club is a convenient option for golfers visiting the Gold Coast. The 18-hole par-72 course was redesigned by Graham Marsh in 2005 and features wide fairways and generous greens, making it challenging without being overly demanding for average golfers.
The club offers more than just the course, with a driving range, practice facilities, coaching centre and an 18-hole mini golf course. Its clubhouse overlooks the surrounding lakes and fairways, providing a relaxed spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner after a round.
Overview:
- Course: 18-hole, par 72
- Designer: Graham Marsh
- Redesigned: 2005
- Suitable for: Golfers of different skill levels
- Facilities: Driving range, practice area, coaching centre and 18-hole mini golf
- Location: 7km from Surfers Paradise
Practical information:
- Website: https://emeraldlakesgolf.com.au/
- Address: Corner of Nerang Broadbeach Road and Alabaster Drive, Carrara QLD 4211
- Phone: (07) 5594 4400
- Driving range: 6:30 am – 7:00 pm Monday-Thursday; 6:30 am – 6:00 pm Friday-Sunday
- Price: 18 holes walking: $67 weekdays / $77 weekends; with cart: $89 weekdays / $99 weekends
- Dress code: Collared shirt required; no thongs or singlets
- Rating on Google Maps: 4,4
3. Tallai Country Golf Club
Tucked away in Tallai on the Gold Coast, Tallai Country Golf Club is a 9-hole par-3 course offering a shorter but challenging golfing experience. The course is designed to test your accuracy and short-game skills without requiring a full day on the course, making it a practical option for a quick round.
Golf carts are available, and bookings are essential. After playing, visitors can relax at the club’s restaurant, which offers lunch and dinner in a casual setting. With its quiet location, friendly atmosphere and compact course, Tallai is a good choice for golfers looking for something different from a traditional 18-hole round.
Overview:
- Course: 9-hole par 3
- Difficulty: Challenging, with a focus on accuracy and short-game skills
- Golf carts: Available
- Booking: Essential
- Restaurant: Lunch and dinner available
Practical information:
- Address: Cnr The Panorama and Worongary Rd, Tallai, QLD 4213
- Website: tallaigolf.com.au
- Phone: (07) 5530 2335
- Golf course hours: 6:30 am – dark, Monday – Sunday
- Price: Contact the club for current green fees
- Rating on Google Maps: 4,2
4. Lakelands Golf Club
Located on the Gold Coast, Lakelands Golf Club is a Jack Nicklaus Signature course and was the first course in Australia designed under his signature. Nicklaus reportedly spent 25 years searching for the right location before choosing Lakelands, which opened as one of his notable Australian designs.
The course offers a challenging layout, with a rating of 74 from the black tees and 72 from the blue tees. Lakelands is also ranked 56th in the latest Australian Golf Digest Top 100 Australian Golf Courses, making it a strong choice for golfers looking to experience a highly regarded course on the Gold Coast.
The clubhouse’s Signatures Restaurant and Bar overlooks the 10th hole and 18th green, providing a scenic spot to relax after a round.
Overview:
- Course: 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature course
- Designer: Jack Nicklaus
- Course rating: 74 from black tees / 72 from blue tees
- Ranking: #56 in Australian Golf Digest Top 100 Australian Golf Courses
- Key feature: Jack Nicklaus Signature design
- Restaurant: Signatures Restaurant and Bar
Practical information:
- Address: 100 Lakelands Drive, Merrimac, Gold Coast QLD 4226
- Website: lakelandsgolfclub.com.au
- Phone: (07) 5579 8700
- Pro shop & driving range: From 6:00 am Wednesday – Monday; from 7:00 am Tuesday
- Price: Contact the club for current green fees
- Rating on Google Maps: 4,5
5. Virginia Golf Club
Located in Banyo, Brisbane, Virginia Golf Club is a 27-hole course known for its scenic setting, welcoming atmosphere and long history in Queensland golf. The club has also played a role in the early careers of Australian golfing greats including Greg Norman and Wayne Grady.
Open to the public and designed to accommodate golfers of different levels, Virginia offers a more accessible option for visitors who want to play golf in Brisbane without being a member. With 27 holes to choose from and a family-friendly clubhouse, it is a popular choice for both local golfers and visitors.
Overview:
- Course: 27 holes
- Location: Banyo, Brisbane
- Notable golfers: Greg Norman and Wayne Grady
- Access: Open to the public
- Suitable for: Golfers of different skill levels
- Clubhouse: Food and beverage facilities available
Practical information:
- Address: Elliott Road, Banyo, Brisbane, QLD 4014
- Website: virginiagolf.com.au
- Phone: (07) 3267 6333
- Email: golf@virginiagolf.com.au
- Booking: Online bookings and phone bookings available
- Price: Contact the club for current green fees
- Rating on Google Maps: 4,4
Queensland is a strong destination for golfers, with courses that offer a wide range of experiences across the state. Whether you are looking for a challenging championship layout, a scenic resort course or a more relaxed round, there is plenty to explore. The courses featured here are a starting point for discovering the diversity of golf in Queensland, with Golficial helping you decide which ones are worth adding to your next golf trip.