The National Golf Club is one of Australia’s most impressive golf destinations, offering 72 holes across two sites in Victoria. Three courses are located at Cape Schanck on the spectacular Mornington Peninsula, while the fourth is found at Long Island near Frankston. Together, they provide four distinctive layouts created by some of the world’s leading golf architects.

The Old Course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and moves across dramatic, undulating terrain framed by large dunes and native coastal vegetation. Deceptively wide fairways, bold bunkering, contoured greens and frequent coastal winds make it a serious strategic test, while elevated sections provide memorable views towards Bass Strait.

The Greg Norman-designed Moonah Course has a more exposed, links-inspired character. Firm ground, raw bunkering, rolling fairways and wind-shaped holes reward golfers who control their ball flight and use the natural contours. The Gunnamatta Course, designed by Tom Doak, offers broad playing areas, imaginative green complexes and numerous risk-and-reward decisions, including tempting short par fours and reachable par fives.

The Long Island Course provides a contrasting experience closer to Melbourne. Designed by Gordon Oliver, it is a mature, tree-lined layout where narrow corridors and carefully protected greens place greater emphasis on accuracy.

The National is a private members’ club, but overseas visitors can request tee times directly, subject to availability. Advance planning is essential, particularly for golfers hoping to play more than one course during their visit.

After golf, the Mornington Peninsula offers plenty to explore. Golfers can visit local wineries and restaurants, relax at the Peninsula Hot Springs, walk around Cape Schanck Lighthouse or enjoy the beaches and coastal villages of Sorrento and Portsea. With four excellent courses and one of Australia’s finest food-and-wine regions nearby, The National is a superb addition to a Melbourne golf holiday.