Experiences

Cairns

Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and many other natural wonders and adventures.

It is also home to 18 top-class championship and resort golf courses, many of which boast splendid views and lush foliage.

Paradise Palms Golf Course www.paradisepalms.com.au

Located between the World Heritage rainforest in Cairns and the Coral Sea, this championship course, which is set on the site of a former sugar cane plantation, offers stunning views along every hole.

Designed by Graham Marsh and Ross Watson, this par-72 has a course rating of 76. The challenge comes from its six lakes, 91 bunkers and the creek that meanders throughout the course.

Known as one of the best golf courses in Queensland and described by Greg Norman as one of the most difficult in the world, Paradise Palms has continually ranked among Australia's Top 100 golf courses.

The Links Golf Club www.thelinks.com.au

Located at Port Douglas, this par-71 links course features the undulating fairways and pothole bunkers that are famous in Scottish-style links layouts, but without the kind of gloomy weather these courses typically bear.

Carefully crafted across the landscape by world-renowned golf course designers Thomson, Wolveridge & Perrett, The Links also has the unique presence of dense rainforest pockets nestled throughout its course.

With its huge greens, some of which are multi-tiered, this is one course where good distance control and skilful putting are necessary for a good score.

Mirage Country Club www.miragecountryclub.com.au

Located right next to Four Mile Beach, the first nine holes border the sea while the next nine offer views of the hills.

This Peter Thomson-designed course features an unusual combination of six par-threes, six par-fours and six par-five holes.

While it is a very playable course, some holes can be tricky.Holes 10 to 18, for instance, have several water hazards - some of which are populated by crocodiles. So you might want to remember not to fish around in the shallows for your ball.

Palm Cove Country Club www.novotel-pcr.com.au

Set in the lovely seaside village of Palm Cove, this 9-hole course, in true resort style, promises to be a lot of fun.

It plays up and down a hillside offering terrific views of the surrounding rainforest-covered mountains. This par-70 course, with its lush open fairways, is ideal for beginners.

But more seasoned golfers will also enjoy the chance to hone their game, particularly at some of the more challenging holes.

Cairns Golf Club www.cairnsgolfclub.com.au

If you’re running short of time but you’re itching to squeeze in a quick game, this is where you should head.

Located minutes away from the Cairns city centre, this club is easily accessible and offers good value for money.

A favourite of the locals, its greens are in good condition and its wide fairways, ponds and lush foliage make for a very enjoyable experience.

Its 18 holes rack up a 72 par over 6,139 metres and its layout - with well-protected greens and strategic bunkering - is tricky enough to give you a nice challenge.