Thirlstane: Golf Course and Bushland

Thirlstane combines a clearly defined golfing focus with a rural setting: Thirlstane Golf Course is in an agricultural district and surrounded by natural bushland. For golf enthusiasts, it is a specific local point of interest. Nearby, Narawntapu National Park offers a different focus, with walking trails and other outdoor activities.

A nine-hole course with distinctive holes

Thirlstane Golf Club has a nine-hole golf course. The club describes the 6th and 15th holes as its signature hole: it is the shorter of the two par-3 holes and measures 139 metres. Two lakes and two bunkers protect the green on the left and right. The 8th and 17th hole is the second of the two par-5 holes; at 431 metres, it is also the shortest hole on the course. These two figures give different measures of the course: a 139-metre par 3 and a 431-metre par 5.

Course design and club history

Thirlstane Golf Course was designed in 1980 by Australian amateur golfer Peter Toogood. According to the club’s 2020 anniversary newsletter, it was initially founded as Shearwater Golf Club on 21 November 1980 and renamed Thirlstane Golf Club in 1997. The course design and founding therefore date to the same year; the organisation adopted its current club name later.

Visiting the golf course

Thirlstane Golf Club is not a public golf course, but welcomes visitors and green-fee players, provided they follow the rules of golf and observe golf etiquette, and respect the course and everyone there. If you are planning a visit, confirm that the course is available beforehand. A 2025 Tasmanian Government activity guide lists the club as wheelchair accessible; check the current conditions at the site before travelling.

Nature and activities nearby

Nearby, Port Sorell is a gateway to Narawntapu National Park. Visitors can camp, fish, go boating, swim and hike there; horse riding is available by permit. The walking trails range from short, easy, flat walks to full-day hikes. The options therefore vary both in activity type and time required: a short walk is a different day out from a full-day hike, while water activities, camping and horse riding that requires a permit offer other kinds of experiences.

Local references for planning your trip

The route numbers distinguish the named local destinations: Route C707 runs from Thirlstane to Port Sorell, and Route C709 from Thirlstane to Squeaking Point. When choosing a holiday apartment, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip. Thirlstane is the point of reference for the golf club; Port Sorell is the gateway to the national park. Consider whether golf in town or activities in the park will have more influence on your choice of destination.

Discover more destinations: Corinna, Tyenna, Fentonbury, Relbia, Bridgewater, Mole Creek, Camdale, Bothwell.

For the broader travel overview: Tasmania.