Barnbougle Dunes

golf course

Barnbougle Dunes is an 18-hole links golf course near Bridport in north-east Tasmania, known for windswept dune scenery and top international rankings. Travelers come for championship golf, dramatic Bass Strait views and on-site accommodation.

Barnbougle Dunes HobartLaunceston, TasmaniaDevonport, TasmaniaBurnieBarnbougle Dunes

Barnbougle Dunes essentials

Address: Bridport, North-East Tasmania, Australia

Barnbougle Dunes sits among coastal sand dunes overlooking Bass Strait and was designed by Tom Doak and Mike Clayton; it opened in 2005 and quickly earned international recognition as a top public-access course. The layout favors walkable, strategic links golf rather than sheer length, and the strong coastal winds are a key part of the challenge. The site includes dozens of on-site villas plus a clubhouse with a restaurant and conference facilities perched on the dunes looking north over the strait. A second 18-hole course, Lost Farm, opened nearby in 2010 and a shorter Bougle Run layout followed in 2021, making the property a multi-course golf destination.

  • Dune and Bass Strait views: Wide coastal vistas from many holes show the sand-dune landscape and the Bass Strait beyond, changing character with wind and light.
  • Signature holes: Several holes play along the ridges and hollows of the dunes, where wind, turf contours and deep bunkers create memorable challenges.
  • Clubhouse and restaurant: The clubhouse and restaurant sit on the dunes with north-facing views over the course and ocean, good for watching the changing weather.
  • Lost Farm course: The adjacent Lost Farm layout by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw offers a different, equally celebrated links experience on neighboring dunes.
  • On-site accommodation: Dozens of villas on the property make it easy to stay on-site and play multiple rounds without long transfers.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Barnbougle Dunes#

Barnbougle Dunes can be played year-round but conditions change with the seasons; summer gives warmer weather while shoulder seasons can be calmer and still pleasant.

Summer (best)
December - February
Warmest weather and long daylight hours make summer the most popular time to visit, though coastal winds can still be strong on many days.
Autumn (good)
March - May
Autumn often brings milder winds and stable weather, a good balance for comfortable golf and fewer crowds than summer.
Winter (cooler, variable)
June - August
Winters are cooler and can be wetter and windier, which increases the challenge and may reduce the number of comfortable playing days.

Weather & Climate near Barnbougle Dunes#

Climate
Air Quality: AQI 29 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
25°
Warmest Month
8°
Coldest Month
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Barnbougle Dunes#

The course is beside the seaside village of Bridport in north-east Tasmania; the nearest major airport is Launceston Airport in Launceston, Tasmania, which has regular flights from mainland Australia. The Barnbougle Bus runs transfers from Launceston and the drive from Launceston to Bridport is around one hour by rental car or taxi.

From Bridport the last stretch is on local roads to the dunes; many visitors arrive by car from Launceston or via the scheduled transfer service, and smaller regional operators may offer shuttles - check services and availability when planning your trip.

Tips for Visiting Barnbougle Dunes#

  • Wind is a constant factor - bring windproof layers and set expectations for variable playing conditions.
  • Book tee times and on-site accommodation well in advance, especially in summer and during popular golf-season windows.
  • There is little shade on the links, so use sunscreen, a hat and eye protection on sunny days.
  • Although it is a public-access venue, confirm tee times and transfer options locally before traveling.