Thirteenth Beach Golf Links
Thirteenth Beach sits on the Bellarine Peninsula near Barwon Heads, an hour and a half southwest of Melbourne, where two courses run through coastal dunes above Bass Strait. The Beach Course, a Tony Cashmore links opened in 2001, is the headline layout, a par 72 of about 6,450 yards from the rating tees that has co hosted the Vic Open.
Photo: 13th Beach Golf Links via Google.
The verdict
The Beach Course opened in December 2001 to a Tony Cashmore design, the first of the two layouts at Thirteenth Beach. It is a true links built on the dunes behind the surf near Barwon Heads, firm and rolling, with the wind off Bass Strait the constant companion. Cashmore used the natural land sparingly, letting the dunes and the contours dictate the holes rather than imposing on them.
It made its name as a tournament course, co hosting the Vic Open alongside the neighbouring Creek Course, with the men's and women's fields playing for equal prize money. For the visiting golfer it is one of the most accessible great links in Australia, a short drive from Melbourne and an easy pairing with the sandbelt and the Mornington Peninsula.
Thirteenth Beach at a glance
- Opened
- 2001
- Designer
- Tony Cashmore, 2001
- Type
- Coastal links
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- About 6,450 yds
- Green fee
- From A$130
Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026 from the club and leading course databases. The Beach Course at Thirteenth Beach was designed by Tony Cashmore and opened in December 2001, a par 72 links of about 6,450 yards from the rating tees and longer from the championship pegs. Indicative green fees change by season and year, so always confirm access and any green fee directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
The Beach Course rewards the golfer who reads the ground and the wind. Fairways run firm and fast between the dunes, the bounce is part of the strategy, and the greens are subtly contoured rather than tricked up. From the back tees in a sea breeze it has real teeth, from the members tees it is a pleasure, which is why it works as a tournament and a holiday course alike.
The dunes frame the play without forcing it, and the Cashmore routing keeps the wind coming from different angles so no two holes feel the same. The par 3s are strong and the short par 4s tempt the bold, and the bunkering is classic links, deep and revetted where it counts. Keeping the ball low and using the slopes is the local knowledge that lowers scores.
The closing holes turn through the highest dunes with the Bass Strait surf within earshot, a finish that has decided more than one Vic Open. Play it firm and into the breeze and par feels earned, catch it downwind and the birdies come. Thirteenth Beach is proof that great modern links golf in Australia is not confined to the famous sandbelt.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Open to visitors subject to availability; the Beach and Creek courses alternate daily for public play, so confirm which course is open on your date |
| Green fee | Indicative 18 hole visitor rate from around A$130, higher at weekends and peak season (indicative, 2026) |
| Booking | Reserve through the club; stay and play with the on site Barwon Heads Resort is the simplest option |
| On the day | Walking links with carts available; bring wind and rain layers for the exposed Bass Strait coast |
| Getting there | About 90 minutes southwest of Melbourne by road, near Barwon Heads on the Bellarine Peninsula |
| Best months | October to April for the warmer Victorian season, though links golf plays well year round |
Access arrangements verified June 2026; policies change, so always confirm directly before planning a visit. Check tee time availability.
Where to stay nearby
Most visiting golfers stay at the on site Barwon Heads Resort, which puts both courses on the doorstep, or in the seaside towns of Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove nearby. The Bellarine has become a food and wine region in its own right, so plan dinners around the local produce and cool climate wines.
Thirteenth Beach pairs naturally with the Melbourne sandbelt for a two centre Victorian tour, the raw coastal links against the great parkland of Royal Melbourne, Kingston Heath and Victoria. With more time the Mornington Peninsula across the bay adds another cluster of fine courses.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Thirteenth Beach and Barwon Heads.
Build a Victoria golf trip
We secure Thirteenth Beach tee times, pair them with the Melbourne sandbelt and the Mornington Peninsula and book the lodging around them. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Thirteenth Beach questions
Who designed Thirteenth Beach and when did it open?
The Beach Course at Thirteenth Beach was designed by Tony Cashmore and opened in December 2001 near Barwon Heads on Victoria's Bellarine Peninsula.
What is the par and length of the Beach Course?
The Beach Course is a par 72 of about 6,450 yards from the rating tees and longer from the championship pegs, a true coastal links through the dunes.
Can visitors play Thirteenth Beach?
Yes. Visitors can play subject to availability; the Beach and Creek courses alternate daily for public access, so confirm which course is open on your date and book ahead.
How do you get to Thirteenth Beach?
Thirteenth Beach is about 90 minutes southwest of Melbourne by road, near Barwon Heads on the Bellarine Peninsula.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Opening year, designer, par and yardage verified June 2026; indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.