Barnbougle: Tasmania's Links Golf Destination

ByLuxury Adventures

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Barnbougle: Tasmania’s Links Golf Destination

Barnbougle sits on the northeast coast of Tasmania, beside the fishing town of Bridport. Sand dunes run along Anderson Bay, wind arrives from Bass Strait, and three golf courses occupy land that once grew potatoes.

The resort has become one of Australia’s most recognised golf destinations. Even so, it remains refreshingly unpretentious. You stay close to the first tee, eat well, and spend most of your time outdoors.

For golfers building an Australian itinerary, Barnbougle offers something increasingly rare: genuine links golf in the southern hemisphere.

Where Is Barnbougle?

Barnbougle lies about 6 kilometres east of Bridport and roughly an hour’s drive from Launceston. That makes it easy to reach on arrival day, whether you fly into Launceston or drive up from Hobart.

The setting explains much of the appeal. The land rolls, the turf runs firm, and the coastline stays in view for long stretches. Consequently, the courses play differently from parkland layouts you may know at home.

How Barnbougle Began

Potato farmer Richard Sattler owned the coastal property. Rather than farm the dunes, he saw a golf course in them.

Tom Doak and former European Tour player Mike Clayton designed The Dunes, which opened in 2004. Their approach was straightforward: find holes that already existed in the landscape rather than reshape the land to suit a plan.

Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw then designed Lost Farm, which opened in 2010. Coore returned to build Bougle Run a decade later.

That trio of designers gives Barnbougle an unusual depth. Few resorts anywhere can point to Doak, Clayton, Coore and Crenshaw across a single property.

The Dunes

The Dunes established Barnbougle’s reputation. Fairways thread between dunes, greens sit on natural shelves, and the wind dictates how you play.

Doak and Clayton kept the shaping restrained. As a result, the course feels discovered rather than manufactured, and it rewards players who keep the ball low and think their way around.

The layout consistently ranks among Australia’s best and features in world top 100 lists. However, rankings shift each year, so treat them as a guide rather than a guarantee.

Lost Farm

Lost Farm sits a short distance from the Dunes clubhouse and plays across bigger, bolder terrain. Coore and Crenshaw routed 20 holes here, which gives the course a distinctive rhythm.

The extra holes allow for flexibility. In practice, you play a full round and still encounter variety that a standard 18-hole layout cannot offer.

Where the Dunes asks for patience, Lost Farm invites a more expansive game. Together, the two courses make a stay of two or three nights worthwhile.

The resort runs a guest shuttle between the Dunes and Lost Farm facilities, which removes the need to move your car between rounds.

Bougle Run

Bougle Run opened in 2021 and quickly became the resort’s most playful round.

Bill Coore designed 14 holes: twelve par threes and two short par fours, set on the high dunes between Lost Farm’s front and back nine. The routing climbs to some of the highest ground on the property, so views stretch across Lost Farm and out to the coast.

A round takes roughly 90 minutes. That makes it ideal for arrival afternoon, a spare morning, or a second round after 18 holes.

The shortest tee on every hole allows players to putt the entire course. Consequently, beginners and non-golfers can join in without feeling out of place.

Where to Stay at Barnbougle

Staying on-site changes the trip. You walk to the first tee, play until the light fades, and avoid a daily drive.

The Dunes Cottages and Villas

The Dunes offers beachfront-style cottages plus two-bedroom and four-bedroom villas. Cottages suit couples and small groups, while villas work well for families or friends travelling together.

Expect comfortable, practical rooms rather than resort glamour. The appeal lies in the location and the ease of the setup.

Lost Farm Lodge

Lost Farm Lodge provides hotel-style suites a short stroll from the Lodge Restaurant, Spa Barnbougle, clubhouse and first tee.

Suites come as single or double queen configurations, with either ocean or course views. Therefore, you can choose between watching the swell or following play across Anderson Bay.

Rates vary by season and room type, so we can confirm current pricing and availability for your dates.

Eating and Drinking

Barnbougle keeps dining simple and local.

The Lodge Restaurant at Lost Farm serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with glass walls looking across the course and coastline. The menu draws on Tasmanian seafood, beef, cheese and wine.

At the Dunes, the Dunes Restaurant offers a bistro-style menu and a lounge bar overlooking the coast. The Sports Bar at Lost Farm covers casual meals, pizza and drinks later in the day.

Book dinner ahead, particularly in peak season when the restaurant fills quickly.

Spa Barnbougle

Spa Barnbougle is a small wellness facility at Lost Farm. Treatments focus on recovery, which suits golfers after consecutive rounds.

Non-golfing partners often use the spa while others play. Combine that with a coastal walk and the trip works for mixed-interest couples.

Beyond the Courses

Golf will occupy most of your time, yet northeast Tasmania offers more.

Bridport provides fishing, local markets and beach walks. The Tamar Valley wine region and the Bay of Fires sit within driving distance for a half-day excursion.

Add a day either side of your rounds and the trip becomes a broader Tasmanian experience rather than a golf-only visit.

When to Go

Summer offers long days and firmer conditions, while autumn and winter bring classic links weather and lower rates.

Wind is a constant at Barnbougle regardless of season. Pack layers, a waterproof and shoes you trust on uneven ground.

Winter packages bundle accommodation, rounds and breakfast, which can reduce costs for smaller groups.

Adding Barnbougle to an Australian Golf Trip

Barnbougle pairs naturally with other links-style courses across the Tasman.

You could combine it with New Zealand layouts such as Cape Kidnappers and Te Arai Links, or build a broader Australian golf itinerary that includes Melbourne’s sandbelt.

Explore our Barnbougle golf listing or browse golf destinations for further ideas.

We can coordinate flights, transfers, tee times and accommodation so the logistics stay simple.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many golf courses does Barnbougle have?

Three: The Dunes, Lost Farm and Bougle Run.

Who designed the courses at Barnbougle?

Tom Doak and Mike Clayton designed The Dunes. Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw designed Lost Farm, and Bill Coore designed Bougle Run.

How many holes does Lost Farm have?

Lost Farm has 20 holes.

How long does Bougle Run take to play?

Roughly 90 minutes. It has 14 holes, made up of twelve par threes and two short par fours.

How far is Barnbougle from Launceston?

About an hour’s drive. Bridport is roughly 6 kilometres away.

Can non-golfers enjoy Barnbougle?

Yes. Bougle Run suits beginners, Spa Barnbougle offers treatments, and coastal walks and nearby wine regions fill a day.

Do I need to stay on-site?

No, but staying on-site is the main appeal. Cottages and villas at the Dunes and suites at Lost Farm Lodge put you within walking distance of the courses.

What is the best time of year to play Barnbougle?

Summer offers the longest days, while autumn and winter deliver traditional links conditions and lower rates. Wind affects play year-round.

Plan Your Barnbougle Golf Trip

Barnbougle delivers three distinct courses, comfortable on-site accommodation and honest Tasmanian food in a setting that rewards repeat visits.

Luxury Adventures can help build the trip around your dates, group size and golf preferences, and connect it with the rest of your Australian or New Zealand itinerary.

Enquire Now — Start Planning Your Barnbougle Trip

Written by Steve McKean, Co-Owner of Luxury Adventures

Luxury Adventures has over 2 decades of crafting bespoke luxury travel experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific.

Steve is passionate about showcasing the region’s most unforgettable places, from hidden alpine retreats, sunny paradises to world-class golf courses.

A keen golfer and travel lover, he blends insider knowledge with a deep respect for local culture and sustainability. When not curating extraordinary journeys, you’ll find him exploring off-the-beaten-path lodges or teeing off at sunrise.

For more information email us: info@luxuryadventures.co.nz or follow our adventures on Instagram here

Linkedin: Connect with Luxury Adventures Directors Steve McKean & Dee McKean