Nestled across Australia’s sprawling outback, Nullarbor Links claims the title of the world’s longest golf course, stretching an impressive 1,365 kilometres across the states of South and Western Australia. This unique course takes golfers on an unforgettable journey across the Nullarbor Plain, combining 18 holes, vast desert landscapes, and quintessential outback towns. From the coastal town of Ceduna in South Australia to the charming town of Kalgoorlie in Western Australia, Nullarbor Links invites golfers not just to play a round but to embark on a cross-country adventure unlike any other.
The course was put together to promote tourism through the Nullarbor Plain and to offer a unique experience for avid golfers and adventurers. Inaugurated in 2009, it provides golfers with a travel experience that provides a twist to the traditional 18-hole format. Each hole is in a different town or roadhouse, stretching across some of Australia’s most remote regions. As players travel from one location to the next, they encounter rich Australian landscapes, from red sand dunes to limestone cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean, blending natural beauty with a challenging and unorthodox game of golf. Depending on the way you travel, the course starts in the gold mining town of Kalgoorlie, and winds across to coastal Ceduna in Southern Australia.
Challenges on the Links
Nullarbor Links is no ordinary golf course. Players are required to drive hundreds of kilometres between holes, which means a round can take days or weeks to complete. Each hole is designed with a unique landscape and challenge that reflects the environment. The holes are set up with tees and greens that use artificial grass, with the natural land left untouched in between. While some holes are set against the backdrop of small outback towns, others are located on rugged, isolated stretches of land where kangaroos and emus might wander by.
Weather on the Nullarbor Plain can also pose a challenge, as golfers face harsh sunlight, strong winds, and fluctuating temperatures. Even seasoned golfers will find the course’s mix of wide-open spaces, unexpected wildlife, and variable terrains a unique challenge.
Highlights Along the Course
Each hole along Nullarbor Links tells a story, adding to the overall experience. The 5th hole at Nundroo, for example, is near one of Australia’s best-kept secrets, Fowlers Bay, where players can enjoy pristine beaches. It is named Dingo’s Den, after the dingoes that can be found in the area.The 18th hole is named after CY O’Connor, the engineer that designed the Mundaring to Kalgoorlie pipeline that supplies water to this day.
Golf and Adventure Combined
Nullarbor Links is more than just a test of skill, it’s an exploration of Australia’s heartland and a unique travel experience. Each stop encourages travellers to encounter something new. It’s this fusion of sport and travel that makes Nullarbor Links an enticing adventure for those looking to explore Australia’s vast, open landscapes in an unconventional way.
Whether you’re a dedicated golfer or simply an adventurer seeking the thrill of the Australian outback, Nullarbor Links offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience, making every stroke as memorable as the vast landscape it spans.