The Vines Resort
In the Swan Valley wine country northeast of Perth, The Vines is a 36 hole resort by Graham Marsh and Ross Watson that once drew the European Tour west. The Lakes and Ellenbrook courses each play to par 72 across rolling bushland and water, a relaxed resort golf base with serious championship history.
Photo: The Vines Resort via Google.
The verdict
The Vines is Perth's premier golf resort, a 36 hole property in the Swan Valley designed by the Western Australian touring professional Graham Marsh with Ross Watson and opened around 1990. For years it was the western stop of the European Tour, hosting the Vines Classic and later the Heineken Classic and the Johnnie Walker Classic, so its fairways have seen the world's best.
Today it trades on that pedigree as a relaxed resort base, with two full courses, the Lakes and Ellenbrook, an on site hotel and the vineyards and cellar doors of the Swan Valley on the doorstep. It suits a group that wants plenty of golf, comfortable lodging and a wine country setting all in one place a short drive from Perth.
The Vines Resort at a glance
- Opened
- 1990
- Designer
- Graham Marsh, Ross Watson
- Holes
- 36 (Lakes, Ellenbrook)
- Par
- 72 each course
- Yardage
- About 6,497 to 6,541 m
- Green fee
- Resort and public
Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026 from The Vines Resort and leading course databases. The 36 hole resort was designed by Graham Marsh and Ross Watson and opened around 1990, the Lakes and Ellenbrook courses each a par 72 of about 6,497 and 6,541 metres. The resort is open to visitors and resort guests; green fees change by season, so always confirm current rates and availability directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
The two courses share a style but offer different challenges. The Lakes course, the original tournament layout, plays to par 72 of about 6,497 metres and earns its name, with water threatening many of the closing holes and a finish that decided more than one professional event.
Ellenbrook, also par 72 and a touch longer at about 6,541 metres, runs through more open bushland with kangaroos a common sight at dawn and dusk. It is the more forgiving of the two off the tee but asks just as much around its greens.
Marsh and Watson built generous landing areas and bold green complexes, so both courses reward the thinking golfer and flex easily between resort enjoyment and a sterner test from the back markers. Thirty six holes in a day is an easy and enjoyable proposition here.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Resort courses; open to resort guests and visitors, tee times bookable in advance |
| Green fee | Resort and public green fees vary by season; stay and play packages available (indicative, 2026) |
| Booking | Book through the resort; member competition days can limit visitor access on weekends |
| On the day | Carts available; on site hotel, dining and spa; neat golf dress applies |
| Getting there | The Vines, Swan Valley, about 40 minutes northeast of central Perth |
| Best months | September to November and March to May for mild conditions |
Green fees and access verified June 2026 from The Vines Resort where published; resort pricing changes by season, so always confirm current rates and availability directly before booking.
Where to stay nearby
The resort hotel beside the courses is the obvious base, built for stay and play golf with the Swan Valley's wineries, breweries and restaurants minutes away. It is one of the most complete golf and leisure bases in Western Australia.
Central Perth is about forty minutes southwest, so The Vines also works as a day trip within a wider Perth itinerary that takes in the city, the coast and the great private clubs. For a group trip, the combination of golf and wine country is hard to beat.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near The Vines Resort.
Build a Swan Valley golf trip
We pair golf at The Vines with the wineries of the Swan Valley and 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.
The Vines Resort questions
Who designed The Vines Resort?
The 36 hole resort was designed by the Western Australian professional Graham Marsh with the architect Ross Watson, opening around 1990. The two courses are the Lakes and Ellenbrook.
How many holes does The Vines have?
The Vines has 36 holes across two courses, the Lakes and Ellenbrook, each a par 72.
Has The Vines hosted tournaments?
Yes. The Vines hosted the European Tour in Perth for many years, including the Vines Classic, the Heineken Classic and the Johnnie Walker Classic.
Is The Vines open to visitors?
Yes. The Vines is a golf resort open to visitors and resort guests, with stay and play packages through the on site hotel. Confirm tee times in advance, as member days can limit weekend access.
Related
The Tee Sheet
Tee time windows, course access changes and the trips worth taking. Every other week.
Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.