Nelson Bay Golf Club

Location: Nelson Bay, Hunter, New South Wales
Address: 57 Dowling Street, Nelson Bay NSW 2315
Course: 27 holes · Par 72 (three par 36 nines, any two make 18)
Visitors: Visitors welcome
Weekday green fee: $65 (18) · $40 (9)
Phone: +61 2 4981 1132

About the course

Nelson Bay Golf Club sits close to the Nelson Bay town centre on Port Stephens, about 40 minutes north of Newcastle and two and a half hours from Sydney. It began in 1960 as a private course on the edge of Tomaree National Park, and its first nine holes, designed by Merewether professional Ray McKinlay and built largely by volunteers, opened on 26 January 1961. The course grew to 18 holes in 1971 on plans by Prosper Ellis, and in 1972 the Tomaree Golf Club bought out the original company and took the Nelson Bay name. A third nine, laid out by greens superintendent Kevin Wellard and refined by Pacific Coast Design, opened in April 1998. Fire destroyed the clubhouse in 2015, and the rebuilt building reopened in August 2017.

The 27 holes cover 175 acres of tree-lined fairways and coastal bushland, and kangaroos and wallabies roam the course; volunteers run kangaroo tours. The 1st is a short par 4 from an elevated tee with a fairway bunker 230 metres out, while the 18th and 27th are both par 5 finishes that long hitters can reach in two, the 18th with water down the right.

From 1 November 2026, visitors pay $65 for 18 holes and $40 for nine Monday to Thursday, and $95 and $50 on Fridays, weekends and public holidays, with weekend rates applying every day from 26 December to 26 January. Nine holes after 3pm (4pm in daylight saving) cost $35 midweek. Visitor carts are $56 for 18 holes, private carts are not allowed, and social tee times can be booked online. Collared shirts are required.

The club has a golf shop with lessons and clinics, a halfway house, and a clubhouse with the Bluewater Grill, a sports bar and a cafe, open from 10am daily.

Green fees

Monday to Thursday, from 1 November 2026 ($60 before). Friday, weekends and public holidays $95 (18) and $50 (9). 9 holes after 3pm (4pm daylight saving) $35 Mon to Thu, $40 Fri, weekends and public holidays. Weekend rates apply every day from 26 December to 26 January. Visitor cart $56 (18) and $34 (9); private carts not allowed. Thursday Twilight Comp $25 for guests incl. green fee, comp entry and a drink.

Planning your round

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