Mini golf can often be an overlooked activity and one that we underestimate when looking for some casual yet competitive sporting thrills. It can be all too easy to head to a bowling alley for drinks, banter and #goodtimes, but minigolf offers everyone the chance to try their hand at 9 or 18 obstacle-fuelled holes, even if they’re not exactly destined to be the next Tiger Woods.
But Tiger Woods you are not required to be, since you won’t exactly be hitting balls several hundred yards at a driving range or regular golf course, but rather just a couple of metres as you compete to record hole in ones and birdies in a valiant attempt to outclass your mates. And, rather than having to navigate water and sand hazards, you’re more likely to encounter windmills, ramps and chutes. It all makes for a thoroughly enjoyable game (except of course for when there is congestion waiting to tee off) and one that everyone needs to try at least once.
Fortunately for Melburnians, there are a number of minigolf courses in and around the city to take advantage of, each offering its own selection of obstacles, waiting to test your club-handling prowess. We’ve rounded up the very best mini golf courses in Melbourne for you to try this weekend.
Albert Park Mini Golf
Situated at the iconic Melbourne sporting complex where the opening race on the Formula One calendar is held and adjacent to the Albert Park Golf Course is Albert Park Mini Golf. This 18-hole course employs a farm theme, so you'll be having to navigate cows, horses and pigs. But while such niceties could be considered more child-appropriate, it's still a fun place to take a date or head to with some mates and with it being fully licensed, drinks are definitely on the cards.
Address: Queens Road & Lakeside Drive, Melbourne, 3004
Phone: 03 9510 5588
Holey Moley Golf Club
Holey Moley should need no introduction as it's perhaps the leader when it comes to mini golf in Australia. As with Sydney, there are several venues in and around Melbourne CBD, so finding a venue near you shouldn't be a problem. The CBD spot serves up 27 holes of putting good fun. Groups are easily catered for and most certainly encouraged, and a fully stocked bar (and a karaoke room) will ensure your entire night is taken care of.
Address: 590 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne, 3000
Phone: 03 7003 9201
Glowgolf
It's destination Docklands for this unique mini golf course as it turns the lights down low to provide 18 holes of glow in the dark golf, offering up a totally new experience. Glowgolf is also where you'll fine Le Bar European, which at just four guests maximum, could be the smallest bar in Australia, if not the world.
Address: The District Docklands, Shop 35 Star Crescent, Dockland, 3008
Phone: 03 9642 5442
Sandy Mini Golf
Sandy by name but not necessarily by nature, this miniature golf course in Sandringham presents you with 18-holes that utilises actual landscaped turf, as opposed to something synthetic. Each green has three holes too, to cater for various skill levels and ages (not necessarily correlated) and to help reduce congestion, Sandy puts a restriction of six players per group.
Address: 18/20 Wangara Road, Sandringham, 3191
Phone: 03 9585 7152
Wetlands Mini Golf 'n' Games
A short drive out of Melbourne CBD to Wheelers Hill will bring you to Wetland Golf 'n' Games. This family-friendly entertainment complex offers two 18-hole courses, one outside and one undercover, with both being more than capable of challenging players of all ages.
Address: 703 Wellington Road, Wheelers Hill, 3150
Phone: 03 9795 3111
Latrobe Golf Park
Noted for its well-specced driving range, Latrobe Golf Park has an equally impressive minigolf course. Or rather, courses, as there are two themed courses: water and desert, designed to put your awareness and golfing abilities to the test. With the whole complex being so large, the minigolf holes are bigger than what you'd find at a CBD location, for example. Not only does this mean holes take longer, but the obstacles can be more inventive. It's definitely worth a visit.
Address: 906 Plenty Road, Bundoora, 3083
Phone: 03 9470 4481
Sidetracked Entertainment Centre
Not content with offering guests go-karting, laser tag, dodgems and 10-pin bowling also offers up a fully 18-hole medieval themed minigolf course. Not one to make things easy, Sidetracked has implemented some optical illusions around the course that will test your wits and to provide an all-ages challenge.
Address: 370 Huntingdale Road, Oakleigh South, 3167
Phone: 03 9562 7607
