TasVacations Blog

I consider myself very fortunate to be able to enjoy the many wonderful attractions and experiences that abound in Tasmania –
mostly in the name of work.

After all, to be able to promote and sell a product you need to know and understand it, right? Even moreso, the opportunity to combine a passion for golf as part of being able to deliver similar experiences to our customers is a benefit - even privilege - not lost to me.

Barnbougle Dunes 4, 17th hole.

Like most 18 handicappers, the challenge to play the world class links courses at Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm is simply irresistible and the regular challenges from golfing mates to return time and again to those magnificent courses is always met with one answer – when? Never – maybe one day!

Maintaining that 18 handicap is quite another matter when tackling these courses!

Let me take you through our last visit – 8 of us – similar in ability (or lack thereof).

We drive a little over three hours (a long drive – ha ha) from Hobart, via Launceston, to the seaside township of Bridport – located only one hour drive north east of Launceston. It’s not exactly a straight drive either which - comes as no surprise - is much like our golf!

Accommodation at Lost Farm Lodge comprises very spacious hotel rooms with ensuites and feature premium quality bedding. Many rooms provide two queen beds facilitating shared accommodation. Many of these room types have a sliding door between sleeping areas to mitigate the inevitable snoring.

“No, I didn’t snore... did I? Must have been the red wine!”

Of course, book a single if you wish.

Rates start from $220 per night in low season rising a little to $250 per night in high season. That will secure you a Course View room, but for an extra $10 per night... you’ll awake to Ocean Views.    

Options include:

• 2 Roomed Cottages (from $210 per night)
• Luxury 2 Bedroom Villas ($700 per night)
• 4 Bedroom Villas ($1050 per night)

 

Barnbougle Dunes 18 hole links course was opened in 2004, followed in 2010 with the opening of the 20 hole Lost Farm Course. Legend has it that the owner - Richard Sattler - was a spud farmer and hotel operator turned golf course entrepreneur. He was reviewing the course design with the course architects one night (we think over a fine glass of red wine) and when they could not decide which two of the 20 holes to delete, he told them “build ‘em all”!

Inspired thinking we reckon! Not one to take golf – or life – too seriously, Richard can sometimes be seen swinging a club whilst wearing his Blundstone boots – also handy for kicking the ball out of a bad lie!! 😊

More recently in 2021 - to cater for those wanting a shorter game before they head off to the airport or elsewhere in Tassie - they opened Bougle Run – a 14 hole short course with 12 par 3’s and two par 4’s.

So, for the passionate golfer, there are three courses and a total of 52 holes to play. It really does not matter in which order you play but we always find the 2 hour walk to complete the shorter Bougle Run on day of check-out is a good way to clear the head from the night before.

Now, in terms of entertainment after golf – the Sports Bar at Lost Farm is akin to the Bermuda Triangle – hours are lost in here reflecting on the games played earlier, settling bets, and watching any of the numerous sport TV screens around the bar. Casual dining options in the Sports Bar include pizza and snacks.

We strongly suggest - at least one night - book into the Lost Farm Lodge Restaurant, located a short walk up the hill to the top of the larger sand dunes where you can gaze out over the course and beyond to Bass Strait.

The sunset and light over the course each evening is truly “camera- worthy”. The wine list is to say the least – extensive!

Now – back to golf!

 

Meet Roscoe – the on-course PRO - a local legend with a quick wit, he will set you on your way. Overheard him welcome a group of 16 golfers from Adelaide during our recent visit with a quick question, asking them who owned the pub in Adelaide these days? Maybe you had to be there – but he’s a funny guy!

Now 52 holes – impossible to provide a fitting review of all but here goes for my handful of favourites:

DUNES

4th          A par 4 where long hitters can potentially carry to the green – 271 metres but risk the monster bunker front right where you could bury a space-ship! Arguably the best thing about this hole – other than par – is the walk to the crest of the dunes where you’ll cop a smack in the face of the stunning Bass Strait and the kilometres of beach below you. Mind you that smack in the face can be the on-shore breeze – particularly in afternoon!

7th          A 112 metre par 3 which on any given day can play from a pitching wedge to a driver! Yes, wind can be a factor – but the cavernous bunkers that surround this hole make your distance and accuracy imperative!

LOST FARM

4th          Perhaps my favourite of all, is a 124 metre par 3 – known as Sally’s Point  (named after Richard’s wife) where you’ll hit into the west with a short iron most days with Bass Strait glistening to your right as you tee off. Start it right of the pin as almost always the onshore breeze will drift it back to the green.

Lost Farm Par 3, 4th hole - Sally's Point

14th        Not many leave the tee box here without taking a selfie looking out over Bass Strait – 263 metres par 4 – driveable for some – never me sadly – this must be one of the most stunning golf holes anywhere. An elevated green can prove tricky to hold depending from where you hit your approach shot.        

BOUGLE RUN

Love this new addition…..a great chance to sharpen your iron play with many holes barely exceeding 100 metres. I do like the 4th, a par 4, where you must drive over an unforgiving ravine onto an approach area littered with strategically placed bunkers – aren’t they always? However……the 10th is my favourite!

10th        A fascinating choice here – downhill, steep downhill, only 130 metres, hit a soft 8 iron or putt!! It’s an option…..but of course the short iron should do the trick……a massive green so only half the job is done by landing it on the dance floor.

 

 

GREEN FEES

1 May 2022 – 30 September 2022

Lost Farm – 20 holes from $124

Barnbougle Dunes – 18 holes from $124

Bougle Run – 14 holes from $80

 

1 October 22 - 30 April 2023

Lost Farm – 20 holes from $139

Barnbougle Dunes – 18 holes from $139

Bougle Run – 14 holes from $85

 

So – three days at Barnbougle, you’ll feel like you have been away a week…complete with stories to be told over and over - mostly about the on-course events but often the off-course banter as well. It’s pure and simple GREAT FUN and a must do if you want the ultimate golf challenge.

Include Barnbougle in a longer stay driving holiday of Tasmania or make it a special trip for you and your golfing partners.

Enjoy!

As for me...it’s back to work.

Where to go next?