Experience

Golf on the Sunshine Coast: The Best Courses Near Mooloolaba

The Sunshine Coast is home to some of Queensland’s best public-access golf courses, including nationally ranked layouts at Pelican Waters, Noosa Springs, Palmer Coolum, Maroochy River and Twin Waters.

There is something here for every kind of golfer. Experienced players can take on championship courses designed by some of golf’s biggest names, while casual players can enjoy nine holes, a twilight round, a driving range session or family-friendly mini golf.

With leading courses extending from Pelican Waters in the south to Noosa in the north, Mooloolaba makes an ideal base for a Sunshine Coast golf holiday. Tee off in the morning, spend the afternoon by the ocean and finish the day with dinner overlooking Mooloolaba Beach.

Why Play Golf on the Sunshine Coast?

Golf on the Sunshine Coast comes with something many golfing destinations cannot offer: a complete coastal holiday beyond the fairways.

The region’s courses move between coastal wetlands, open links-style landscapes, established parkland and the rolling Sunshine Coast Hinterland. You could play a Greg Norman-designed championship course one day, follow fairways beneath Mount Coolum the next and finish your trip among the rainforest and spring-fed lakes of Noosa.

The 2026 Golf Course Guide places Pelican Waters, Noosa Springs, Palmer Coolum, Maroochy River and Twin Waters among Australia’s top 100 public-access courses, confirming the Sunshine Coast as one of Queensland’s strongest golfing regions.

The Best Sunshine Coast Golf Courses

Not sure which course to choose? Here is a quick guide to the best options near Mooloolaba.

Headland Golf Club: The closest quality golf course to Mooloolaba, approximately 10 minutes away. Best for a convenient first or final round.
Twin Waters Golf Club: Approximately 20 minutes from Mooloolaba. Best for a classic championship course in a beautiful resort-style setting.
Maroochy River Golf Club: Approximately 18 minutes away. Best for links-style golf, practice facilities and groups with mixed golfing interests.
Palmer Coolum Resort Golf Course: Approximately 30 minutes away. Best for experienced golfers looking for a premium championship challenge.
Peregian Springs Golf Club: Approximately 30 minutes away. Best for casual players, beginners and relaxed social golf.
Pelican Waters Golf Club: Approximately 38 minutes away. Best for golfers wanting to experience one of the Sunshine Coast’s highest-ranked public-access courses.
Noosa Springs Golf Course: Approximately 45 minutes away. Best for resort-style golf surrounded by rainforest and spring-fed lakes.
Maleny Golf Club: Approximately 48 minutes away. Best for combining a scenic hinterland round with a day trip to Maleny or Montville.

Driving times are approximate and may vary depending on traffic and road conditions. Check live directions before departing.

Planning several rounds? Explore Oceans Mooloolaba’s spacious luxury apartments and make the beachfront your base between tee times.

Headland Golf Club, Buderim

For a quality round close to Mooloolaba, Headland Golf Club is an easy first choice.

Located on Buderim Hill, approximately five to ten minutes from Mooloolaba Beach, its par-72 championship course features a classic layout that has challenged Sunshine Coast golfers for more than 60 years. Established fairways, elevated sections and beautiful coastal views create a traditional club experience without requiring a long drive.

Visitors can book 18 holes, nine holes or a twilight round, with club and cart hire available. After finishing, settle into the clubhouse for lunch and take in the views towards the coast.

Best for: A convenient first or final round during a Mooloolaba stay.

Twin Waters Golf Club, Twin Waters

Twin Waters Golf Club is one of the Sunshine Coast’s most recognised courses.

Designed by five-time British Open champion Peter Thomson and his design partner Mike Wolveridge, this 18-hole, par-72 championship layout combines a beautiful resort-style setting with strategic challenges. Accurate positioning and thoughtful club selection are rewarded, although the course remains enjoyable for players with different levels of experience.

Social tee times are available throughout the week, with availability varying around member competitions.

Best for: Golfers wanting to experience an established Sunshine Coast championship course.

Maroochy River Golf Club, Bli Bli

Wide fairways may look inviting from the tee, but water, strategic bunkering and changing coastal winds ensure the course still provides a memorable challenge. Multiple tee positions allow golfers to choose a setup that suits their experience.

The complex also features a driving range, practice areas, coaching facilities, mini golf and the Cane Cutters Bar & Bistro. Club and cart hire are available, making it particularly convenient for visiting golfers.

Best for: Golf groups, practice sessions and families with mixed golfing interests.

Palmer Coolum Resort Golf Course, Coolum

For a round with genuine tournament history, visit Palmer Coolum Resort Golf Course.

Designed by renowned golf architect Robert Trent Jones Jr, the 18-hole, par-72 course stretches across 6,137 metres. Its fairways have hosted some of the game’s biggest names, including Adam Scott, Greg Norman, Jason Day and Bubba Watson.

The design can test experienced golfers while still providing an enjoyable round for less confident players. Visitors can book 18 holes, nine holes or twilight golf, with equipment hire also available.

Best for: Experienced golfers and anyone looking for a premium championship round.

Pelican Waters Golf Club, Caloundra

Pelican Waters Golf Club is one of the highest-ranked public-access courses on the Sunshine Coast.

Designed by Greg Norman, the par-71 layout combines broad fairways with strategic bunkering, water, wetlands and changing coastal breezes. Several tee positions allow golfers to adjust the difficulty, while risk-and-reward holes create opportunities for both bold decisions and careful course management.

Pelican Waters opened to public players seven days a week in December 2025. The precinct also includes advanced practice facilities, contemporary dining at Cardón and an 18-hole Greg Norman-designed mini-golf course.

Best for: Golfers seeking one of the Sunshine Coast’s leading championship experiences.

Noosa Springs Golf Course, Noosa Heads

Noosa Springs Golf Course offers a beautiful change of scenery, with its 18 holes moving through rainforest, landscaped fairways and spring-fed lakes.

Open to the public seven days a week, the championship course provides an enjoyable challenge for golfers of different ages and abilities. Water shapes much of the layout, while glimpses of Lake Weyba and Noosa National Park add to the experience.

Turn the round into a day trip by enjoying lunch after golf and spending the afternoon exploring Noosa.

Best for: Golfers who want to pair their round with a day in Noosa.

Peregian Springs Golf Club

Peregian Springs Golf Club is a welcoming choice for casual players, families and anyone still finding their confidence on the course.

The 18-hole, par-70 parkland layout features tree-lined fairways, manicured greens and strategically placed water. It provides enough variety for regular golfers while maintaining a relaxed atmosphere for holidaymakers.

The public driving range and practice facilities are open seven days a week, so visitors can hit a bucket of balls or work on their swing without committing to 18 holes.

Best for: Beginners, casual golfers and relaxed group outings.

Maleny Golf Club

For a round away from the coast, take the scenic drive into the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and visit Maleny Golf Club.

The 18-hole, par-69 course features undulating fairways, distinctive revetted bunkers and a peaceful natural setting close to Maleny township. Its changing terrain creates an interesting round for regular golfers, while the welcoming atmosphere suits weekend players too.

Continue to Maleny, Montville or one of the hinterland’s lookouts and local food producers after your round.

Best for: A scenic golf and hinterland day trip.

Golf for Beginners, Families and Casual Players

You do not need a low handicap or a full set of clubs to enjoy golf on the Sunshine Coast.

Several local clubs offer nine-hole and twilight bookings, which are ideal when you want a shorter, more relaxed game. Equipment hire is also available at selected courses, although clubs should be reserved when booking.

For a casual golf experience, try:

The public driving range at Peregian Springs
The driving range and practice facilities at Maroochy River
Maroochy River Mini Golf
The Greg Norman-designed mini-golf course at Pelican Waters
Headland Golf Club’s indoor simulator

These options are great for beginners, families, mixed groups and the occasional rainy day.

A Four-Day Sunshine Coast Golf Itinerary

Day One: Headland Golf Club and Mooloolaba

Begin with the closest course to Mooloolaba. Play Headland in the morning, return for an afternoon swim and finish with dinner along the Esplanade.

Day Two: Pelican Waters Golf Club

Travel south for a round at the Greg Norman-designed Pelican Waters. Allow time for the practice facilities and lunch at Cardón before returning to Mooloolaba.

Day Three: Twin Waters or Maroochy River

Choose Twin Waters for a classic championship course or Maroochy River for links-style golf, a driving range and Mount Coolum views.

Day Four: Noosa Springs and Noosa

Finish with a morning round at Noosa Springs, followed by lunch and an afternoon exploring Noosa Heads.

For more ways to fill the time between rounds, explore our guide to things to do in Mooloolaba and the Ultimate Mooloolaba Travel Guide.

Tips for Planning Your Sunshine Coast Golf Holiday

Book tee times in advance, particularly for weekends, school holidays and popular morning sessions. Visitor access can vary around member competitions.

If you are travelling without clubs, ask about equipment hire when booking. Availability may be limited during busy periods.

Choose an early tee time during the warmer months for cooler playing conditions and more time beside the beach afterward. Autumn and winter generally provide mild daytime conditions that are ideal for golf.

Dress standards differ between clubs. A collared shirt, tailored shorts or trousers and enclosed golf shoes are usually a safe choice, but check the individual club’s requirements before arriving.

Stay in Mooloolaba for Your Sunshine Coast Golf Holiday

Start the day on the fairway and return to uninterrupted ocean views at Oceans Mooloolaba.

Positioned directly opposite Mooloolaba Beach, Oceans offers a central base for courses stretching from Pelican Waters to Noosa. Its spacious two, three and four-bedroom apartments and penthouses are ideal for couples, families and golf groups travelling together.

After your round, cool off in the heated 25-metre pool, unwind in the spa or steam room, or open the balcony doors and settle in with the sound of the ocean below. Secure undercover parking makes day trips easy, while Mooloolaba’s cafés, restaurants and beach are waiting just outside.

Explore luxury accommodation at Oceans Mooloolaba and plan a golf getaway with the best of the Sunshine Coast within easy reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the closest golf course to Mooloolaba?

Headland Golf Club in Buderim is the closest major course to Mooloolaba Beach, approximately five to ten minutes away by car.

What are the best golf courses on the Sunshine Coast?

Pelican Waters, Noosa Springs, Palmer Coolum, Maroochy River and Twin Waters are among the region’s highest-ranked public-access courses. Headland is another excellent option because of its classic layout, coastal views and proximity to Mooloolaba.

Can visitors play at Sunshine Coast golf courses?

Yes. Many Sunshine Coast golf courses welcome visitors and provide social golf bookings. Tee times may be restricted around member competitions, so booking ahead is recommended.

Can I hire golf clubs on the Sunshine Coast?

Several courses provide club, buggy and cart hire, including Headland, Maroochy River and Palmer Coolum. Contact the course before visiting to confirm availability.

Are there beginner-friendly golf options on the Sunshine Coast?

Yes. Peregian Springs has public practice facilities, while several courses offer nine-hole bookings, lessons and relaxed social golf. Mini golf is also available at Maroochy River and Pelican Waters.

What is the best time of year to play golf on the Sunshine Coast?

Golf can be enjoyed throughout the year. Autumn and winter provide mild, comfortable conditions, while early morning tee times are generally best during the warmer summer months.

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