Palmer Sea Reef
Australia's only tropical links sits a short drive south of Port Douglas, a Thomson, Wolveridge and Perrett design that opened in 2000. A par 71 of about 6,125 metres, it runs firm and wide between paperbark wetlands and the cane country of the far north, a proper holiday course under the Queensland sun.
Photo: Palmer Sea Reef Golf Course via Google.
The verdict
Palmer Sea Reef is the standout resort course of tropical north Queensland, laid out in 2000 by the Thomson, Wolveridge and Perrett practice that the five time Open champion Peter Thomson lent his name and eye to. The marketing calls it Australia's only tropical links, and while the palms and wetlands are pure far north, the firm turf, the wide fairways and the wind off the Coral Sea give it a genuine links feel.
It suits the golfer on a Port Douglas holiday who wants a real test without a brutal one. There are 89 bunkers and water in play on many holes, but the fairways are generous and the course gives back to the player who keeps the ball in front of them. Paired with a few days on the reef and in the rainforest, it is one of the easiest rounds in the country to fall for.
Palmer Sea Reef at a glance
- Opened
- 2000
- Designer
- Thomson, Wolveridge and Perrett
- Type
- Tropical links
- Par
- 71
- Yardage
- About 6,125 m
- Green fee
- From A$145 (2025)
Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026 from Palmer Sea Reef and leading course databases. The course was designed by Thomson, Wolveridge and Perrett and opened in 2000, a par 71 of about 6,125 metres billed as Australia's only tropical links. Indicative 2025 green fees ran from about A$145 for twilight to A$195 in the prime midday window; figures change by season and year, so always confirm directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
The routing moves through paperbark wetlands and open cane country, and the wind is the quiet defense, swinging through the day and changing the club in your hand from one round to the next. Three sets of tees let the course flex from a gentle resort length to something close to 6,125 metres, so it rewards honesty about your game.
The bunkering is the visual signature, sand flashed and plentiful, framing the greens and the driving zones. Large greens reward a confident approach but punish the lazy one, and the run offs ask for a deft short game in the tropical heat.
It is a fair and enjoyable course rather than a card wrecker, which is exactly right for a holiday in the far north. Keep it in play, respect the wind and the water, and Palmer Sea Reef gives back a thoroughly satisfying round in one of the most beautiful corners of Australia.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Public resort course; open to visitors seven days, tee times bookable online or by phone |
| Green fee | Indicative 2025 rates from about A$145 twilight to A$195 prime midday for 18 holes; confirm current pricing |
| Booking | Book ahead in the June to October dry season peak; early bird and twilight windows offer the best value |
| On the day | Carts available; light tropical golf wear suits the heat; bring sun protection and water |
| Getting there | About 20 minutes south of Port Douglas and an hour north of Cairns |
| Best months | May to October, the dry season, for warm sunny days and lower humidity |
Green fees and access verified June 2026 from Palmer Sea Reef published rates where available; resort pricing changes by season, so always confirm current rates and availability directly before booking.
Where to stay nearby
Port Douglas is the obvious base, a stylish resort town twenty minutes north with a wide choice of hotels, villas and dining along Macrossan Street and Four Mile Beach. It is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree, so a golf trip here folds naturally into the wider draw of tropical north Queensland.
Cairns, about an hour south, is the other option and the region's airport hub, with its own beaches and resorts. Either way the course is an easy day out, and a few rounds at Palmer Sea Reef slot neatly between reef trips, rainforest drives and long lunches.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Palmer Sea Reef.
Build a Port Douglas golf trip
We pair a round at Palmer Sea Reef with the reef, the rainforest and the best of Port Douglas, and book the lodging around your group. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Palmer Sea Reef questions
Who designed Palmer Sea Reef?
Palmer Sea Reef was designed by the Thomson, Wolveridge and Perrett practice, the firm associated with the five time Open champion Peter Thomson, and opened in 2000.
What is the par and length of Palmer Sea Reef?
It is a par 71 measuring about 6,125 metres from the back tees, with three sets of tees to suit all standards.
Is Palmer Sea Reef open to visitors?
Yes. It is a public resort course open seven days a week, with tee times bookable online or by phone. It is the main course played by visitors to Port Douglas.
How much does it cost to play Palmer Sea Reef?
Indicative 2025 green fees ran from about A$145 for twilight golf to A$195 in the prime midday window. Rates change by season and year, so confirm current pricing directly before booking.
Related
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026; indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.