The Vintage Golf Course
Set among the rolling vineyards and eucalypt-dotted hills of the Hunter Valley, The Vintage Golf Course is a Greg Norman-designed championship layout that blends world-class golf with the region's signature wine-country charm. The course weaves through natural bushland and alongside wetlands, with the Brokenback Range providing a dramatic backdrop. Even if you're not a golfer, the clubhouse and surrounding resort offer a taste of the good life — think post-round sparkling wine on the terrace.
Highlights & What to See
- Championship 18-hole course – A par-72 layout that challenges and delights with its undulating fairways, strategic bunkering, and water hazards. The signature 15th hole, a par-3 over water, is a showstopper.
- Vintage Clubhouse – A modern, glass-walled building with panoramic views of the course and mountains. The restaurant serves modern Australian cuisine with a strong local wine list — perfect for a long lunch.
- Wine and golf packages – Many local vineyards offer combined deals, letting you tee off in the morning and taste Semillon or Shiraz in the afternoon. Ask at the pro shop for current partnerships.
- Walking or riding – The course is walkable, but buggies are available for hire. Early morning rounds are magical, with kangaroos grazing on the fairways.
Suggested Time to Spend
Plan for at least half a day. A full round of 18 holes takes about 4–4.5 hours. Add another hour for a relaxed lunch or drinks at the clubhouse. If you're staying at the adjacent Château Elan or another resort, you could easily spend a full day here — morning round, afternoon spa treatment, evening dinner. Non-golfers might enjoy a short visit to the clubhouse for the views and a glass of local wine.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Pokolbin – The heart of Hunter Valley wine country, just a 10-minute drive. Visit cellar doors like Brokenwood, Tyrrell’s, and Audrey Wilkinson.
- Cessnock – A historic coal-mining town with a growing food scene and antique shops, 15 minutes south.
- Hunter Valley Gardens – 20 minutes north in Lovedale, these sprawling themed gardens are a lovely afternoon wander.
- Lovedale – A quieter wine sub-region with boutique producers and the popular Lovedale Brewery.
- Wollombi – A scenic 40-minute drive west through the national park; a charming village with the Wollombi Tavern and Aboriginal rock art sites.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.