Playing public golf in Gold Coast
From the hinterland ridgelines to the coastal flats, the Gold Coast serves up golf with genuine variety — misty mornings above the valleys, warm afternoons where the fairways run firm and fast. Every course here is public, pay-and-play, so there's no membership required to tee it up. Climb into the ranges for Tamborine Mountain, with its views and cooler air, or keep it relaxed and welcoming at Meadow Park closer to town.
With 21 public courses spread across the region, green fees stretch from wallet-friendly twilight rounds to premium resort layouts, so there's something for every budget and mood. Browse the full list and map below to find your next round — and if you're roaming, Queensland has plenty more.
Best-rated public courses in Gold Coast
Every public course in Gold Coast
Cheapest public rounds in Gold Coast
- Burleigh Driving Range Tallebudgera Small Bucket (60 balls) $13; Large Bucket (100 balls) $18; 3 Mixed Clubs $10 (hire)
- Canungra Area Golf Club Canungra Social players $20 (9 holes) / $30 (18 holes); Friends of Members $10 (comp days, first visit) or $25 thereafter; Competition fees $12 (members with GA handicap).
- Tallebudgera Golf Club Tallebudgera Visitor green fees from $25 for 9 holes walking (weekday) up to $70 for 18 holes with cart on weekends; juniors and cart options available.
- Meadow Park Golf Course Tallebudgera 9-hole adult green fee $32 weekends/public holidays, $29 Mon-Fri (2024/25 rates listed on official site); seniors/juniors discounted.
- RACV Royal Pines Resort Golf Course Benowa Public green fees vary by course combination; e.g. Green & Blue 18 holes from $80 (RACV member) to $120 (non-member weekend); Gold & Green 18 holes up to $155 (non-member weekend). Prices per RACV official site as of research date.
- Lakelands Golf Club Merrimac As of 1 July 2024: Mon–Thu $140pp, Fri–Sun $150pp, Public Holidays $160pp (includes shared motorised cart); best rates for prepaying online.
Public golf nearby
More Gold Coast golf
Public golf in Gold Coast: FAQs
Can visitors play public golf courses in Gold Coast?
Yes. All 21 courses listed here are public — pay-and-play or public-access layouts open to visitors, with no club membership required. Book a tee time, turn up and play.
Do I need a handicap to play public golf in Gold Coast?
No. Public courses don't require an official handicap or membership to book a casual round. You may need one for club competitions, but for a standard tee time anyone can play — beginners included.
Which are the best-rated public courses in Gold Coast?
By player rating, the standouts are Meadow Park Golf Course, Tamborine Mountain Golf Club, Canungra Area Golf Club. You'll find the full ranked list, with green fees and ratings, in the directory above.
How much is a round of public golf in Gold Coast?
Green fees vary by course and day. The most accessible option here is Burleigh Driving Range at Small Bucket (60 balls) $13; Large Bucket (100 balls) $18; 3 Mixed Clubs $10 (hire); see the "most accessible" list above for the cheapest rounds in Gold Coast.
Which public courses are closest to the Gold Coast CBD?
Use the map above to see every public course plotted by location — the markers nearest Gold Coast are your closest options. Tap any marker for the course, its green fee and a link to full details.