142GOLF TRAVELLER

Warm to Winter

Noosa spriNgs golf & spa resort BY LucindA dEAn

Noosa is a mere short hop across the tasmaN for New ZealaNders iN search of golf aNd suNshiNe, aNd both caN readily be experieNced at oNe of australia’s favourite beach holiday destiNatioNs

Noosa is famous for its sun-drenched beaches and surf breaks but what lures Kiwis to Noosa Springs Golf & Spa Resort is the prospect of playing one of Australia’s best resort golf courses.

This pristine championship course is a challenging and memorable golf experience right in the heart of Noosa. The stunning par 72, 6180m championship course was built to international standards and has hosted PGA qualifying events.

Undulating fairways are landscaped into native bush alongside spring-fed lakes teeming with wildlife.

Everything for a luxury golf retreat is catered for on site: spacious apartments, award-winning dining, aqua day spa, heated swimming pool, fitness centre, tennis courts and nature trails.

A popular stay-and-play package is the Warm to Winter starting at $165pp per night, quad share. It includes buffet breakfast daily and the Relish Restaurant lunch special — a choice of three mains with a glass of wine; your choice daily of nine holes of golf; or a spa hydro massage and steam experience; or one of three premium wine selections.

The package includes a mid-week bonus: stay three nights and receive a fourth night free (room only) and a complimentary upgrade of nine holes to 18 and upgrade a hydro massage to a spa passport. This offer is valid Sunday to Thursday only.

Playing conditions are superb year round in sub-tropical Noosa. Once you have experienced a Noosa ‘winter’ — cool nights and warms days — you’ll be hooked. With average daytime temperatures at a comfortable 20°C, short sleeves are de rigueur on course in all seasons.

You can improve your swing at the floodlit driving range (Wednesday to Saturday), take a lesson with an AAA-rated Australian PGA golf professional, or join one of the resort’s popular social golf events.

Wednesday Wine Down (September 23) is a fun skins stableford competition. There are four bottles of wine to win at each hole — that’s six dozen in total! Plus, one lucky golfer could drive away happy in a brand new Toyota Corolla if they score a hole-in-one.

The Shotgun start is at 12 noon and the cost of $79 includes lunch and post-game nibbles.

The resort’s world-class aqua day spa is the perfect place to ease weary golf muscles or simply to relax and rejuvenate. Popular packages include the Winter Warmer $99: a spa hydro massage and steam experience followed by a full body massage (two hours).

The offer is valid weekdays until August 31 while the Sensational Spring $129, a spa hydro massage and steam

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this pristiNe champioNship course is a challeNgiNg aNd memorable golf

experieNce right iN the heart of Noosa experience plus your choice of either a body scrub or a mud wrap (two hours), is valid from September 1 to November 30.

In-house guests can also enjoy complimentary use of the 25m heated lap pool and fitness centre with the latest equipment for a pumping cardio or muscle workout.

Whatever your preferred activity, the clubhouse terrace is the ultimate vantage point to drink in the spectacular golf course vista.

The award-winning Relish Restaurant dishes up delicious Asian and Mediterranean-inspired dishes made from the region’s freshest produce. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast and lunch and for dinner Wednesday to Saturday. The popular $25 lunch specials, which include a glass of wine, change every month.

There is plenty to see and do in the Noosa region, including water sports on Noosa River or off-shore fishing tours, 4WD and camping adventures on the world’s largest sand island, Fraser Island, or a heart-stopping crocodile show at Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo.

Noosa itself has a laid back vibe while exuding a casual chic. The main strip, Hastings Street, is a lively scene with top class beachfront restaurants, vibrant bars and cafes, live music and high-end fashion boutiques.

The resort offers a complimentary twice-daily shuttle bus service to the town centre with the local taxi service operating 24 hours a day.

Why not double your golfing pleasure and play coast-to-coast at the superb sister golf club, Links Hope Island, Gold Coast?

Collect a sampler card from Noosa Springs flagship golf shop

Noosa Springs is 90 minutes drive north of Brisbane Airport and 30 minutes from the Sunshine Coast Domestic Airport.

Links Hope Island is on the north shore of the Gold Coast, 20 minutes from Surfers Paradise and 40 minutes south of Brisbane Airport. Door-to-door shuttle bus services and private transfers are available.

www.noosasprings.com.au

and pay just $90pp including motorised cart. Designed by five times Open Championship winner Peter Thomson and Mike Wolveridge, it’s the Gold Coast’s most iconic golf course, and the perfect spot for a relaxing lunch or a well-earned afternoon beverage.

Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the club’s peaceful surroundings and exceptional service.

It is close to the Gold Coast’s glittering casinos and popular theme parks, including Warner Bros Movie World and Dreamworld.

Brisbane International Airport is the gateway to Noosa for flights from Auckland and Christchurch while Air New Zealand also flies directly from Auckland to Sunshine Coast domestic airport from June to October and December to February.

stunning surroundings and a championship golf course makes Noosa springs golf & spa resort an ideal golf holiday destination.

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