Australia’s premier golf escape.
More than three hours’ drive north from Melbourne along the iconic Hume Freeway lies one of Australia’s most satisfying multi-round golf destinations. The Murray River region straddling Victoria and New South Wales has long been a favourite for keen players seeking sun, wide-open fairways and courses that reward thoughtful golf. With three standout courses featured in Australian Golf Digest’s Top 100, each offering a distinctly different experience, it’s the perfect choice for a four to seven-day getaway that pairs great golf with genuine regional charm.
At the heart of the region’s golf offering is Black Bull Golf Course, ranked No.75 in the Top 100 and widely regarded as the Murray’s premier test. Designed by five-time Open champion Peter Thomson in partnership with Ross Perrett, Black Bull’s 18 holes wind through lakes and native parkland on the shores of Lake Mulwala. Water comes into play on 14 holes, and the par-5 18th, guarded closely by the lake, provides a memorable finish that is as strategic as it is scenic. The course’s links-like characteristics and strong year-round conditioning make it an ideal early-season or shoulder-season choice for travellers wanting a true championship challenge.
A short drive from Black Bull is Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club, one of Australia’s largest public-access golf complexes. Its Murray and Lake courses both feature in national rankings, with the Murray particularly highly regarded for its classic inland routing and moments alongside the river. The Murray course, designed by Thomson and Michael Wolveridge, navigates creeks and stands of towering red gums before revealing glimpses of the mighty Murray itself – offering variety and character that reward repeat play. The Lake course presents a contrasting style, with open fairways and a scattering of water hazards that test all facets of your game.
Completing the trio is Rich River Golf Club in nearby Moama, which remains a must-play on any Murray itinerary thanks to its spacious layout and classic design. Two 18-hole courses, East and West, sit within an expansive property that complements a long day on the links with equally generous club facilities, making it a favourite for golfers planning multiple rounds across a single visit.
After golf, The Murray offers no shortage of ways to round out your days, or simply slow the pace between rounds. The Sebel Yarrawonga, set right on the shores of Lake Mulwala, provides a luxurious and supremely comfortable base from which to explore the surrounds, whether you’re stepping straight onto the water or heading out to discover the region. Lake Mulwala itself is a playground for watersports enthusiasts: kayak or paddleboard at your own pace, cast a line for prized Murray cod, or take a scenic cruise beneath the ghostly silhouettes of river gums as the light softens at dusk. For wine lovers, historic cellar doors including All Saints Estate in Wahgunyah offer fortified classics and cool-climate shiraz alongside stories dating back to the 19th century.
Culinary experiences abound as well, from boutique wineries to the riverside Blacksmith Provedore in Mulwala, where regional produce pairs perfectly with local shiraz and relaxed afternoon tastings. Nature trails, birdwatching and scenic foreshore walks provide gentle ways to enjoy the landscape beyond golf, while vibrant food and cultural scenes in towns such as Echuca reward exploration.
For those planning their next golf adventure, the Murray River region represents a rare combination: courses that challenge and delight, a landscape that refreshes and a pace of life that invites you to stay a little longer.
