Barnbougle Dunes Review
Written by Kathy Hamill: 30-January-2008
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Barnbougle Dunes in a family-owned and operated 3-year-old resort in Bridport, Tasmania.
The vibe is low-key, friendly, and relaxed and the focus is definitely on their infamous 18-hole links golf course. Now for those of you who don't really know what links golf really is, it's a golf course that's built on the land that 'links' the sand dunes to farmland. It is stunning! Ranked among the top-50 golf courses in the world (and moving up the ranks, as the course 'settles' – yes some things, like wine, improve with age!), we found ourselves slightly addicted to it in the end.
My partner, a PGA member, ranked it as one of the most challenging courses he's played in Australia. Now that's saying something! Added to the challenge of the course terrain is the incredible winds which accompany it. We played in 40 km+ winds the first day!
Designed by Tom Doak and Michael Clayton, the course offers up everything Mother Nature can offer: sun, wind, salty air, and the roar of the ocean in the background. 
Accommodation
The 2 bedroom townhouse-style accommodation was comfortable and spacious, overlooking the golf course, the centrepiece of the Barnbougle experience. However, it's worth considering staying in one of the new luxury villas on the course, built into the hillside, boasting 4 bedrooms with ensuites, kitchen, laundry and magnificent course views are finished with state of the art entertainment centres and classic furnishings. A real treat for families or friends!
Dining
The dining room serves some very fresh, innovative dishes made with local produce.
We had several memorable dishes there, most notably a dozen 'angasi' oysters, natural with a gorgeous serving of marinated ginger on top, which became a staple of our diet! Yum!
Things to do
There are plenty of things to do even if you're a 'golf widow' (non-golfer), as you may find yourself, like I did, waking up alone at 8 am because your partner has 'slipped away' to go back and face down the par 3, 7th hole – a damnably short (112m), exacting hole, requiring you to land your ball on a dinner table! The first afternoon while I was contemplating my eyelids, my partner told me he needed a 6-iron for this hole!
I ran along the beach each morning – a lovely, flat, firm sandy workout, as well as a leisurely play around the practice putting green, and read my book on our deck overlooking the clubhouse and distant ocean views... perfect! In the afternoon, we travelled a few kilometres down the road and visited the largest lavender farm in the southern hemisphere.
Must do – around town
Take a trip through Bridport area to the various wineries. Notable wineries are Dalrymple (they make a fabulous sauvignon blanc! Recommend your order a case – they deliver!) and Pipers Brook. The Jansz wine room is lovely, yet large and industrial, and much of the wine is available in Sydney, however we tasted some great vintage reds there.
The bottom line
Overall, Barnbougle Dunes was the absolute highlight of our trip, and an absolute 'must-do' if you're a golfer or you are partnered with one!
Price
* 2 bedroom (queen size beds) 4-share is $200 a night
* Villas sleeping up to 8 are $750 a night.
Getting there
It's a 2-hour drive north from Hobart via Launceston, or 6 hours via the coastal route. Click here for a personalised route.
Tasmania has some of the most beautiful and varied landscape and scenery you'll see in Australia, and the area around Barnbougle Dunes is no exception.
The drive up the coastal Tasman Highway to Bridport is just a beautiful drive through windy and often breakthtaking scenery – some very striking resemblances to New Zealand farmland.
Contact
(03) 6356 0094
www.barnbougledunes.com.au
info@barnbougledunes.com.au
Our ratings
Cleanliness: 5
Comfort: 4.5
Experience: 5
Décor: 4.5
Attention to detail: 4.5
Staff/Service: 5
Total: 5