It’s January now, peak summer, but I’m already thinking about July. That’s when Melbourne golf becomes a slog of cold rain, mud, and four-hour rounds in three layers of clothing. Meanwhile Queensland’s sitting at 24 degrees and perfect sunshine.

I’ve done the Queensland winter golf escape three times now. Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning one for 2026.

Why Queensland in Winter

The weather’s the obvious reason. While Victoria and NSW are freezing, Queensland’s got daytime temps in the low-to-mid twenties, minimal rain, and courses in excellent condition.

But it’s more than just weather. The courses themselves are different. Lush kikuyu fairways, fast bermuda greens, tropical vegetation. It’s a completely different golf experience than the coastal links or parkland courses down south.

Plus everything’s cheaper than peak season. Accommodation, tee times, even flights if you book early enough.

When to Go

Peak Queensland winter is June through August. July’s probably the sweet spot: consistent weather, courses in great shape, tourist crowds lower than school holidays.

I went in early June last year and had a couple of days that were a bit cool for shorts, but nothing compared to Melbourne at that time. Late August can start getting into spring storms, though it’s still way better than southern winters.

Gold Coast vs Sunshine Coast

These are the two main golf destinations, and they’re quite different.

Gold Coast has more courses packed into a smaller area. You can easily play five or six different quality courses without driving more than 30 minutes. It’s also got more nightlife and tourist infrastructure if that matters to you.

Sunshine Coast is more spread out and relaxed. Fewer courses but generally cheaper green fees. Better beaches too, if you’re bringing non-golfers along.

I’ve done both and honestly enjoyed each for different reasons. Gold Coast if you want maximum golf variety. Sunshine Coast if you want a more chilled escape.

Booking Courses

Make tee time bookings before you arrive. Popular courses fill up, especially if you’re coming during school holidays.

Most courses have online booking now. Some require phone calls. Either way, sort it early. Nothing worse than arriving and discovering you can’t get on the course you really wanted to play.

Also check if they offer any multi-round packages or visitor deals. Some courses discount if you’re playing multiple times or booking as a group.

Accommodation Strategy

Stay somewhere central to multiple courses. On the Gold Coast, anywhere from Southport to Burleigh gives you access to most golf within 20 minutes.

Sunshine Coast, I’d suggest Noosa or Maroochydore as bases. You’ll need to drive a bit more but it’s worth it for the overall experience.

Budget for something with kitchen facilities unless you want to eat out every meal. We usually do Airbnb with a group and split costs. Works out way cheaper than hotels.

How Many Rounds

I’d suggest planning one round per day maximum, with maybe one rest day mid-trip. That gives you time to enjoy other aspects of the location without golf becoming a grind.

Last trip we played six rounds over eight days. Perfect amount. Enough golf to feel like a proper trip, but not so much we were exhausted or sick of it.

Course Recommendations

On the Gold Coast: Palmer Colonial, Sanctuary Cove, Links Hope Island. They’re pricier but worth it for the quality and conditions.

Sunshine Coast: Noosa Springs, Twin Waters, Pelican Waters. Pelican Waters especially is stunning and often overlooked.

If you’re on a budget, there are plenty of quality public courses for half the price. They might not be resort courses but they’re still better than grinding through Melbourne mud in July.

Playing in the Heat

Even Queensland winter gets warm by midday. Early tee times are your friend. Starting at 7am means you’re done by lunchtime and can spend the afternoon at the beach or pool.

You’ll still need sunscreen and water. It’s not summer-level heat but it’s enough to burn if you’re careless.

Bring the Right Gear

The ball flies differently in Queensland. It’s humid, often at sea level, and the bermuda grass fairways are bouncy. Expect everything to go a bit further than you’re used to.

The greens are also completely different from southern bentgrass. Bermuda’s grainy and has more break. Takes a round or two to adjust your putting.

Don’t bring your heavy wet-weather gear. You won’t need it. Pack light and leave room in your bag for souvenirs.

Cost Estimation

For a week-long solo trip from Melbourne: flights about $300-400 return if you book early. Accommodation maybe $800-1000 if you’re splitting an Airbnb. Green fees $600-1000 depending on which courses. Food and other expenses another $500.

So roughly $2500-3000 for a week of Queensland golf. Bit cheaper if you’re going as a group and splitting accommodation and car hire.

That’s not cheap, but spread it over six or seven rounds of golf plus a week in tropical winter weather, and it’s decent value.

The Non-Golf Time

Unless you’re absolutely golf-obsessed, you’ll want other things to do. Both coasts have excellent beaches, good restaurants, and plenty of activities for non-golfers if you’re bringing partners or family.

I’ve learned to embrace the non-golf time. A round in the morning, afternoon at the beach, nice dinner somewhere. Makes the trip feel like a proper holiday rather than just golf golf golf.

Going with a Group

Golf trips are better with mates. We usually go as a group of four, which is perfect for competitions and splitting costs.

Just make sure everyone’s on the same page about budget and how much golf you’re playing. Nothing worse than one person wanting to play twice a day while others want to chill.

Book Early

I’m already looking at flights and accommodation for July 2026. Sounds excessive but prices increase as you get closer, and availability tightens up.

If you know you want to do a Queensland winter escape, lock it in now. At worst you’ve got something to look forward to during the cold months.

Come July when you’re teeing off at Palmer Colonial in perfect 24-degree sunshine while your mates back home are freezing their backsides off, you’ll be glad you planned ahead.