The new places to play golf.
For much of the game’s history, practice meant little more than a basket of balls and a strip of turf. Improvement was built on repetition and instinct. Today across Australia, that equation has shifted. Off-course golf has evolved into a sophisticated, technology-driven ecosystem that is reshaping how and where Australians engage with the sport.
Driving ranges are no longer simply warm-up zones. Add technology such as Toptracer Range, and they become entertainment hubs for golfers and non-golfers alike. Indoor studios now mirror high-performance training environments. Many venues integrate hospitality and flexible access, broadening their appeal. For the serious player, they deliver measurable data and structured development. For newcomers, they provide a welcoming, non-judgemental entry point.
The participation numbers reinforce the shift. More than 1.36 million Australians hit balls at a range, 395,000 visited an indoor simulator facility and 900,000 played mini-golf. In total, 2.65 million people experienced the game away from a traditional club setting.
Here is a snapshot of leading facilities where you can practise, play and experience the modern Australian golf venue.
Victoria
Swing Factory – Morack Public Golf
In Melbourne’s east, Swing Factory Morack stands as one of the country’s most advanced off-course venues. All 28 bays are powered by Toptracer technology, and an 18-hole, architecturally designed mini-golf is perfect for families and date nights. The facility strikes a deliberate balance between performance and accessibility and is supported by a contemporary food and beverage offering. The Swing Factory model is leading the industry in the off-course space.
swingfactory.com.au
Yarra Bend Golf
Situated minutes from the CBD, Yarra Bend pairs a busy public 18-hole course with an expansive driving range enhanced by Toptracer Range. The scale (40-plus bays) of the facility allows for genuine flexibility, from structured lessons to casual practice. Its riverside setting adds a rare sense of openness in an inner-city environment. A leading facility close to Melbourne’ CBD.
yarrabendgolf.com
Sandringham Golf Links
The redevelopment of Sandringham redefined the benchmark for public golf in Melbourne. The modern 18-hole layout is complemented by a 30-bay Toptracer-enabled driving range and quality short-game areas. Combined with a delibereate relaxed atmosphere reinforces the venue’s accessibility, making it a blueprint for contemporary metropolitan golf.
sandringham.golf
The Golf Lab
For golfers focused on technical refinement, The Golf Lab offers a high-performance indoor studio environment. Simulator-based coaching, detailed swing analysis and custom fitting underpin its approach. The emphasis is clear and purposeful improvement.
thegolflab.com.au
Yarra Valley Golf Studio
A boutique indoor facility specialising in personalised fitting and simulator play. The controlled setting allows golfers to focus entirely on performance metrics and equipment optimisation.
yarravalleygolfstudio.com.au
New South Wales
Swing Factory – Terrey Hills
In Sydney’s north, Swing Factory Terrey Hills has established itself as a leader in off-course innovation. With 58 Toptracer-powered bays, it’s one of the largest ranges in Sydney – delivering everything the golfer and non-golfer is looking for, while coaching pathways support progression from beginner to low marker. The family-friendly environment is contemporary and inclusive, reflecting the broader shift in ranges in 2026.
swingfactory.com.au
Moore Park Golf
An institution in Australian public golf, Moore Park combines a multi-level, technology-enhanced driving range with a busy 18-hole course. Operating from early morning through late evening, it remains one of the country’s most visible and heavily utilised golf precincts.
mooreparkgolf.com.au
Precision Golf – Chatswood and Cromer
Precision Golf’s indoor studios at Chatswood and Cromer offer high-performance golf environments focused on improvement. Featuring simulator play, detailed swing analysis and tailored coaching, both locations provide controlled settings where golfers can refine technique year-round. These venues are ideal for data-driven practice, personalised lessons and serious game development. precisiongolf.com.au
Thornleigh Golf Centre
Thornleigh Golf Centre in Sydney’s Upper North Shore is a comprehensive golf destination with a two-level, weather-protected driving range featuring 56 floodlit hitting bays and
20 auto tee-up positions – perfect for year-round practice. The venue also boasts two 18-hole mini-golf courses, PGA-qualified coaching, a pro shop and café, making it ideal for golfers of all ages and skill levels.
thornleighgolfcentre.com.au
South Australia
Golf Park Adelaide
Recently opened Golf Park Adelaide is a welcoming practice facility on the city’s fringe, offering a spacious driving range with multiple bays, coaching programmes and an interactive putting area powered by PuttView. The indoor facility is ideal for beginners and seasoned players alike; the venue emphasises skill development in a relaxed setting. With casual hitting options and friendly staff, it’s a welcome addition to the Adelaide golf scene.
golfparkadelaide.com.au
Drummond Golf Driving Range – West Beach
Drummond Golf West Beach is Adelaide’s expansive driving range and golf centre, set within the Adelaide Shores precinct. The two-level range includes about 60 tee positions with auto tee-ups, grass hitting areas, a dedicated short-game zone and putting green. Its latest addition – an architecturally designed, 18-hole mini-golf course – adds playful challenge and family fun to the high-quality practice environment. PGA coaching is also available.
drummondgolfdrivingrange.com.au
Adelaide Golf Studio
Adelaide Golf Studio is a boutique, high-performance indoor golf facility focused on personalised improvement. Using advanced simulators and data analysis, the venue offers tailored coaching, swing diagnostics and custom club fitting. With a relaxed yet professional environment, it’s ideal for serious golfers seeking year-round practice and technical refinement, regardless of weather or time constraints.
adelaidegolfstudio.com.au
Western Australia
Wembley Golf Course
Wembley Golf in Perth is one of Western Australia’s flagship public golf facilities, featuring an expansive practice range with about 80 covered, floodlit bays, each equipped with ball-tracking technology. Beyond the range, the venue offers 36 holes of mini-golf and full food and beverage capabilities, creating a genuine all-day destination for golfers, families and social groups alike.
wembleygolf.com.au
Joondalup Resort
Joondalup Resort’s practice range is powered by Toptracer Range, offering precise ball-tracking alongside a welcoming short-game area and putting green. Set within a relaxed, resort-style environment, it’s ideal for golfers seeking improvement with beautiful surrounds, quality facilities and a laid-back atmosphere that complements both serious practice and social play.
joondalupresort.com.au
Outta Bounds
Outta Bounds in Perth’s south is an entertainment-driven golf and social venue blending simulator golf with a lively hospitality atmosphere. Featuring high-tech golf simulators, casual games, food, drinks and event spaces, it’s designed for groups, social rounds and corporate functions. The focus is fun first, with golf accessible to all skill levels in a relaxed setting.
outtabounds.com.au
Queensland
Maroochy River Golf Club
Maroochy River Golf Club is a local favourite on the Sunshine Coast, combining a well-regarded, 18-hole course with a welcoming practice range. The venue also features a fun mini-golf layout, making it ideal for families and casual play. With friendly service and relaxed clubhouse vibes, it’s a great all-round golf destination and a favourite for those in the region.
maroochyrivergolfclub.com.au
Birdie and Shank
Birdie and Shank delivers a modern golf experience built for both keen players and social groups. High-end simulators let you play iconic courses or dial in your numbers, while a strong food and beverage offering keeps the atmosphere lively. It’s the kind of place where serious practice and a relaxed night out comfortably co-exist.
birdieandshank.com
Meadowbrook Golf Club
Meadowbrook Golf Club on Brisbane’s south side offers a welcoming driving range (26 Toptracer bays) and practice facilities perfect for honing your swing. The venue also features a fun, family-friendly mini-golf course that’s ideal for casual rounds or group outings. With a relaxed club atmosphere and friendly service, it’s a great spot for both serious practice and light-hearted play.
meadowbrookgolfclub.com.au
Ipswich Golf Driving Range
Ipswich Golf Driving Range is a busy local hub offering a spacious practice facility with 25 hitting bays (10 installed with Toptracer Range) suited to all skill levels. The venue features a fun mini golf course and a well-designed par 3 layout, giving golfers options beyond the range. Friendly staff and a relaxed atmosphere make it a great spot for practice or a casual round.
ipswichgolfdrivingrange.com.au
Tasmania
Golf Park Hobart
Golf Park Hobart’s driving range features about 20 bays, each equipped with Toptracer Range technology for interactive games and precise practice. The venue also includes a fun mini-golf course and casual play spaces, all wrapped in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. With a café and social vibe, it’s perfect for golfers of all ages and abilities.
golfpark.com.au
The Range – Country Club Tasmania
The Range at Country Club Tasmania offers a welcoming driving range with multiple bays ideal for all levels of golfers to practise and play. Complementing the range is a fun mini-golf experience that’s perfect for families and groups. With quality food and beverage options on hand, it’s a relaxed and social destination for golf, food and fun.
countryclubtasmania.com.au
Take your passion for golf one step further and install a home simulator
For the committed golfer, momentum matters. Form is fragile, and long gaps between rounds can blunt even the sharpest edge. A home simulator changes that equation. It allows meaningful practice and competitive play regardless of weather, daylight or scheduling constraints.
High-end systems now deliver detailed ball-flight data, club metrics and realistic course visuals that replicate on-course decision-making. It is not simply entertainment, it is structured improvement in a controlled environment.
Golf Sim Australia has positioned itself at the premium end of this space, installing tailored simulator solutions that mirror professional-grade feedback. For players serious about lowering scores, the appeal is clear. Consistency. Convenience. Year-round access. The ability to test equipment, groove distances and maintain competitive rhythm without leaving home.
golfsimaustralia.com.au
Turn your passion into a job
For many golfers, the dream of turning a lifelong passion into a career has always felt just out of reach – until now. The expanding leisure-golf sector is offering genuine business opportunities for those who want more than just weekend rounds. With turnkey solutions like The Back Nine, aspiring owners can step into a proven model that combines technology, hospitality and participation trends in golf’s fastest-growing segments.
The Back Nine franchise package provides everything from site selection and operational systems to marketing support and technology integration, allowing owners to focus on building community and customer experience rather than starting from scratch. The concept taps into demand for golf simulators, casual play formats, and social engagement, creating a venue that attracts serious players and newcomers alike.
For golfers with an entrepreneurial streak, these modern business models turn passion into a sustainable enterprise and offer a new way to stay close to the game every day.
For more information: The Back Nine, (thebackninefranchise.bdcpartners.com.au)