Luxury Vacation & Golf Tours — Best of AU Golf
Luxury Vacation & Golf Tours — Best of AU Golf
A Golfer’s Paradise on King Island, Tasmania
Siturated along the rugged coastline of King Island, Tasmania, Ocean Dunes is a masterpiece of golf course design. Created by Graeme Grant in 2016, this course spans a breathtaking two kilometers of ocean frontage. Located just minutes from the King Island Airport and north of Currie, Ocean Dunes offers an unparalleled golfing experience that seamlessly blends natural beauty with challenging play.
Graeme Grant, a lifelong golf enthusiast with over 40 years of experience, envisioned Ocean Dunes as a celebration of the sport’s roots in links golf. From his early days as a caddie to his esteemed career as a course designer, Grant has seen and worked on courses worldwide. Yet, even he was awestruck by the potential of King Island’s coastal terrain.
“When I was shown this site, I couldn’t believe how good it was,” Grant shared. “There were golf holes everywhere—along the shoreline and through the natural valleys shaped by the dunes.” Minimal earthmoving was needed, allowing the course to retain its raw, unspoiled charm.
Ocean Dunes begins with a 500-meter par-5 that sets the tone for the journey ahead. The hole rises over a hill before bending sharply around a massive bunker and plunging down to a green framed by the rocky shoreline. Elevated tees offer sweeping ocean views, while the wide fairways provide multiple strategic options for reaching the green.
At just 280 meters, the short par-4 2nd hole promises excitement. A wide fairway invites bold drives, but only those who flirt with the right edge—along the rocky shoreline—gain a clear approach to the green. For players who play it safe to the left, the second shot becomes a blind pitch over a bunker carved into the dune’s face.
The 130-meter par-3 4th hole is the course’s crown jewel. Played across a rocky ocean inlet, the tee sits just above the waves, while the green features a central bunker that divides it into two distinct areas. In spring and summer, the surrounding pigface blooms with pink and purple flowers, adding to the hole’s visual allure.
The course moves inland with holes like the par-5 5th, which winds through undulating dunes. With the wind at your back, reaching the green in two is a tempting challenge. For those laying up, the third shot from a valley framed by dunes provides an opportunity for both precision and creativity.
Among the inland gems is the par-3 8th hole. Spanning 180 meters, the hole’s elevated tee and green are separated by steep bunkers carved into the dunes. The minimalist design highlights the natural beauty of the terrain while offering a striking challenge.
The back nine returns to the coast with the par-3 10th, which requires a dramatic ocean crossing. Measuring 210 meters from the back tees, the “Redan” green is positioned diagonally and slopes subtly, with bunkers on either side to demand precision.
The final one-shotter, aptly named “Lookout,” is played from the highest point on the course. At just over 120 meters, the tee shot descends 25 meters to a narrow green, with sweeping ocean views and exposure to the elements adding complexity to this seemingly simple challenge.
Ocean Dunes feels as though it was crafted by the golfing gods. Its blend of dramatic oceanfront holes, rolling dunes, and strategic challenges rivals the best links courses in Scotland or Ireland. Yet, this stunning course resides on King Island, ready to enchant all who visit.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or a casual enthusiast, Ocean Dunes promises an unforgettable experience. Its beauty, variety, and connection to nature make it a must-play destination for golfers worldwide.
To learn more or book your visit, contact us!
