This course of two halves in the Port Stephens region of New South Wales has been seducing golfers for the past 16 years. Designed by James Wilcher, and ranked No.59 in Australian Golf Digest’s Top 100, Pacific Dunes is all about wooded landscapes for the first nine holes and water hazards for the inward half. And there are few, if any, breather moments in between. It’s a tough but fair examination that demands golfers stay switched on for the full 18 holes. Accuracy is essential to avoid the woodlands flanking both sides of nearly every hole going out or the water that’s seemingly always in play on the back nine. It’s certainly a must-play when you are in the stunning Port Stephens region, and with additional activities like whale watching, quad biking in the sand dunes and some local craft beer to sample, it’s set up for a great golf getaway.

THE DETAILS
Pacific Dunes Golf Club
Where: Championship Drive, Medowie NSW 2318
Phone: (02) 4916 0500
Web: pacificdunes.com.au
Green fee: Weekday rounds for $68