Royal Perth Golf Club
The oldest golf club in metropolitan Western Australia, Royal Perth has played at its South Perth home since 1908 and earned its Royal title in 1937. A par 72 of just over 6,000 metres, it is a tight, traditional members course defended by narrow fairways, firm fast greens and some eighty bunkers.
Photo: Nour Atrib via Google.
The verdict
Royal Perth is the senior club of the west, founded in 1895 and established on its South Perth site in 1908, with royal status granted in 1937. It is the oldest club in metropolitan Western Australia, and a round here is a step into the history of the game in the state, played on a compact, leafy property close to the Swan River and the city.
The course was shaped over many years by the members themselves, reaching its full eighteen holes in 1928, and it has the understated quality of a traditional members layout. It will not overpower a long hitter with length, but its narrow fairways, firm greens and abundant bunkering make it a precise and rewarding test, and a charming private round on a Perth golf trip.
Royal Perth Golf Club at a glance
- Opened
- 1908 (current site)
- Designer
- Club members
- Type
- Parkland
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- Just over 6,000 m
- Green fee
- Members and guests
History, par and yardage verified June 2026 from Royal Perth Golf Club and leading course databases. Founded in 1895, the club settled at South Perth in 1908 and was extended to its full eighteen holes by 1928, earning royal status in 1937; the course, shaped by the members, plays to par 72 of just over 6,000 metres with narrow fairways and about eighty bunkers. Royal Perth is a private members club, so always confirm access and any guest rate directly before planning.
The holes worth the trip
Royal Perth is a study in precision rather than power. At just over 6,000 metres it is short by modern measures, but the fairways are tight and tree lined, and the premium is on finding the short grass off the tee to open up the angles into the greens.
There are some eighty bunkers across the property, and they do the defending along with the firm, fast greens for which the club is known. There is little rough to speak of, but the trees and the sand punish the wayward shot, and the putting surfaces ask for careful pace and a good read.
It is a course that rewards the thinking golfer and the accurate iron player, the sort of layout that has hosted the Australian Senior Open and tested fine fields. For a visitor it offers a quietly historic round, a glimpse of the roots of golf in Western Australia close to the heart of the city.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Private members club; visitors play through a member, a reciprocal club or an approved golf tour |
| Green fee | Guest and visitor rates arranged through the club; no public walk up fee (indicative, 2026) |
| Booking | Arrange in advance; weekdays are easiest for visitor and reciprocal play |
| On the day | Walking is comfortable on a compact layout; carts available; a neat golf dress standard applies |
| Getting there | South Perth, just across the Swan River from the city, about 10 minutes from central Perth |
| Best months | September to November and March to May for mild, drier conditions |
Access arrangements verified June 2026; Royal Perth is private and policies change, so always confirm directly with the club or your trip planner before planning a visit.
Where to stay nearby
South Perth sits across the river from the city centre, with the Swan River foreshore, parks and a relaxed cafe scene on the doorstep and the skyline views back across the water. A base here or in central Perth keeps the club within minutes and the city's dining and culture close.
Because Royal Perth is private, most visitors play it as part of a wider Perth itinerary arranged in advance, pairing it with the public drama of Joondalup, the championship pedigree of Lake Karrinyup and the coastal character of Cottesloe. It rounds out a serious golf trip to the west with a sense of history.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Royal Perth Golf Club.
Build a Perth golf trip
We arrange access at Royal Perth where the club allows, pair it with the best of Perth 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.
Royal Perth Golf Club questions
How old is Royal Perth Golf Club?
Royal Perth was founded in 1895 and is the oldest golf club in metropolitan Western Australia. It settled at its South Perth home in 1908 and was granted royal status in 1937.
Who designed Royal Perth?
The course was laid out and developed over many years by the club's own members rather than a single architect, reaching its full eighteen holes in 1928.
What is the par and length of Royal Perth?
Royal Perth is a par 72 of just over 6,000 metres, a tight, traditional course defended by narrow fairways, firm fast greens and about eighty bunkers.
Can visitors play Royal Perth Golf Club?
Royal Perth is a private members club. Visitors generally play through a member, a reciprocal club or an approved golf tour. Contact the club in advance to arrange access.
Related
The Tee Sheet
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. History, par and yardage verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.