Luxury Vacation & Golf Tours — Best of AU Golf
Luxury Vacation & Golf Tours — Best of AU Golf
An Unforgettable Golfing on King Island, Tasmania
If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable golfing experience, Cape Wickham Golf Course on King Island, Tasmania, should be at the top of your list. Situated in one of Australia’s most stunning and remote locations, this course offers not just challenging play, but breathtaking scenery and natural beauty. With its coastal cliffs, windswept dunes, and panoramic views, Cape Wickham Golf Course is a world-class destination that should be on every golfer’s radar.
The origins of Cape Wickham are as captivating as the course itself. Once a cattle-grazing property, the land’s potential for golf was first recognized by Andrew Purchase, founder of the golf-course construction company Programmed Turnpoint. On a visit to King Island in 2011, Purchase was struck by the site’s beauty and acquired a parcel of land south of the iconic Cape Wickham Lighthouse. However, the most desirable sections of the coastline were crown land, requiring negotiation with Tasmanian authorities to secure a long-term lease.
Enter Melbourne-based author and course critic Darius Oliver, along with Duncan Andrews, a prominent golf course developer. Together, they enlisted American designer Mike DeVries to realize the site’s immense potential. After several design iterations, DeVries and Oliver delivered a layout that seamlessly integrates with the dramatic landscape. Cape Wickham Golf Links officially opened in October 2015 and quickly earned its place among the world’s elite courses.
Cape Wickham lies 40 minutes north of King Island’s largest town, Currie. The course sprawls across the island’s northern tip, with the heritage-listed Cape Wickham Lighthouse providing a striking backdrop. Built in 1861, the lighthouse stands 48 meters tall—Australia’s tallest—and is a poignant reminder of the region’s maritime history, including the tragic 1845 sinking of the Cataraqui.
Beyond its historical appeal, the area is rich in natural features. The course shares its space with short-tailed shearwaters (or muttonbirds), which nest in the dunes and rough. Golfers are advised to tread carefully, as the land’s wildlife is an integral part of the experience. Small sandstone caves and rugged cliffs add to the site’s allure, particularly around the dramatic 12th hole, a par-4 that tempts players to drive the green.
Cape Wickham’s location in Bass Strait means weather conditions can be unpredictable. However, the course’s design caters to these challenges. Wide fairways and strategic bunkering allow for multiple playing lines, accommodating both calm days and ferocious winds. The result? A course that’s as playable as it is picturesque.
The layout’s pacing is another standout feature. The 6,150-meter course alternates between dramatic cliffside holes and subtle inland challenges. This ebb and flow keeps players engaged, with each hole offering unique tests and rewards. The seaside par-3s, particularly the 7th, showcase the course’s genius design, where strategy often reveals itself only after play.
From start to finish, Cape Wickham is a feast for the senses. The opening three holes hug the cliffs, with the ocean a constant presence. Inland holes, beginning with the 4th, showcase the site’s versatility, using dunes and natural contours to create a seamless connection to the land.
The closing stretch is unforgettable. The 14th and 15th holes challenge players with their nuanced strategies before the final trio delivers a dramatic crescendo. The par-4 16th is Cape Wickham’s most demanding hole, with a terraced fairway leading to a green surrounded by peril. The 17th, a short par-3, features a deceptively challenging green. Then comes the 18th, a spectacular dogleg par-4 curling around Victoria Cove. Here, the beach is more than a scenic feature—it’s very much in play. Staircases even allow golfers to attempt recovery shots from the shoreline, adding a touch of daring to the finish.
Cape Wickham Golf Links isn’t just a golf course; it’s an experience. With its rugged coastline, historical landmarks, and world-class design, it’s a destination that captures the spirit of adventure. Whether you’re chasing the perfect shot or simply soaking in the scenery, Cape Wickham offers a journey unlike any other.
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