By 
GCR Score: 4.4 / 5
Verdict: Highly recommended as a Port Stephens destination round
Best For: Golf trips, wildlife lovers, mixed groups, and players wanting 27-hole variety
Think Twice If: A$90 peak golf or separate member playing fees strain your budget
Last Reviewed: 4 July 2026
Nelson Bay surrounds 27 golf holes with 175 acres of coastal forest. Kangaroos, wallabies, and birdlife provide the audience.
This Nelson Bay Golf Club review found a genuine destination course rather than a scenic novelty. Slopes reach 133 across the available combinations.
Tree-lined fairways, lakes, bunkers, and changing elevation create the challenge. Three named routings prevent a multi-day visit from feeling repetitive.
The trade-off is price. Weekend golf costs A$90, and the holiday peak applies that rate every day from 26 December.
Membership also includes daily playing charges. A A$1,515 annual subscription does not mean each competition or social round is free.
I would still include Nelson Bay in a Port Stephens golf trip. Play on Monday-Thursday when the A$60 rate sharpens the value.
At a Glance
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | 57 Dowling Street, Nelson Bay NSW 2315 |
| Course Type | Undulating coastal-forest parkland |
| Holes | 27 across three 18-hole combinations |
| Course Names | Gymea Lily, Brush Box, and Christmas Bush |
| Course Length | Approximately 5,787m to 6,080m from blue markers |
| Slope Range | Approximately 128-133 by course and markers |
| Green Fees | A$60 Monday-Thursday; A$90 Friday-Sunday and holidays |
| Visitor Access | Social golf seven days; competitions most days |
| Playing Membership | A$1,515 annually plus daily playing fees |
| Entrance Fee | A$1,000 for men; women currently exempt |
| Setting | 175 acres with abundant native wildlife |
| Phone | (02) 4981 1132 |
| Official Website | Nelson Bay Golf Club |
All prices are Australian dollars. Confirm the operating course, daily condition, holiday pricing, and membership availability before travelling.
Course Overview
Nelson Bay combines three nines into different par-72 courses through native bushland. The routing names reflect local vegetation.
A third nine opened in 1998 after members funded the A$750,000 project. That expansion established today’s flexible destination format.
The property sits beside Tomaree National Park without regular traffic noise. Trees frame shots while native animals frequently cross the playing corridors.
The Golf NSW club profile highlights demanding par threes, deceptive bunkers, and the 535-metre twenty-second. Those features support its strong slope ratings.
Our key takeaway: Nelson Bay turns a wildlife-rich holiday setting into enough serious golf for several distinct rounds.
Course Design and Standout Holes
Nelson Bay’s best holes combine elevation, water, and narrow forest lines rather than ocean exposure. It is coastal golf without sea views.
The thirteenth and fourteenth sit beside attractive lakes. Their water and bunkers make visual calm deceptive.
The eighteenth is particularly photogenic when Christmas bush blooms during summer. Its setting delivers the expected Port Stephens character.
The twentieth plays downhill through a tree corridor to a green below. Club selection matters because the elevation changes the effective distance.
At 535 metres, the twenty-second demands three disciplined shots for most golfers. It balances several shorter scoring opportunities elsewhere.
Green Fees and Visitor Access
Weekday golf offers the clear value sweet spot at Nelson Bay. Peak pricing adds A$30 without changing the course.
| Visitor Option | Monday-Thursday | Friday-Sunday and Holidays |
|---|---|---|
| 18 holes | A$60 | A$90 |
| Nine holes, earlier | A$40 | A$50 |
| Nine holes, late | A$35 | A$40 |
| 27 holes | A$90 | A$110 |
| 36 holes | A$120 | A$130 |
| Competition visitor | A$70 | A$70 |
| Shared motorised cart, 18 holes | A$53 | A$53 |
From 26 December through 26 January, the Friday-Sunday rate applies every day. Prices took effect on 1 November 2025.
Late nine-hole rates begin after 3pm standard time or 4pm daylight-saving time. Visitor-owned carts are not permitted.
Course Conditions
Nelson Bay generally presents above ordinary regional public-course standards. Recent feedback frequently praises its greens and overall grooming.
Heavy coastal rain can still produce temporary rules, cart restrictions, or shortened events. The current local rules should be checked before competition play.
A long-term Craig Parry master plan now guides future improvements. It is a flexible strategy, not a confirmed construction timetable.
Membership and Annual Subscriptions
Nelson Bay membership provides access and discounts, but daily playing fees make the real annual cost higher. Read beyond the headline subscription.
| Category | Annual Subs | Key Restriction |
|---|---|---|
| Playing Member | A$1,515 | Men’s category currently closed |
| Playing, age 21-35 | A$980 | Daily playing fees still apply |
| Flexi | A$895 | 20 competition rounds before extra blocks |
| Country | A$895 | Residence beyond 80km; 20 competitions |
| Limited Day | A$895 | Normal competitions Monday, Thursday, and Friday |
| Social Playing | A$665 | Two social nine-hole rounds weekly; no club handicap |
| Junior, age 12-17 | A$70 | Daily member fees apply |
Men pay a A$1,000 entrance fee for full categories. Women are currently exempt from the entrance fee.
Full members pay A$29 for standard competitions and A$16 for 18-hole social golf. Cart hire is A$37 for 18 holes.
GA Handicap at Nelson Bay
Ratings vary because the club combines three nines into three named courses. Blue slopes sit roughly between 128 and 133.
The Gymea Lily blue course is around 6,080 metres and par 72. Christmas Bush measures about 5,787 metres from blue.
An official GA Handicap is available through eligible playing memberships. Visitors should use the day’s card, selected markers, and posted daily handicap.
Pennant and Competition Golf
Nelson Bay runs competitions on most days and supports representative pathways. Its 27 holes help accommodate large fields.
Golf NSW lists competition golf from Tuesday through Sunday. The 2026 fixture also includes women’s pennants, veterans’ events, championships, and open tournaments.
Playing Members can represent the club and enter championships. Flexi, Country, and Limited Day categories carry honour-board or day restrictions.
Reciprocal Rights
Nelson Bay maintains a broad Australian reciprocal network, but the detailed public benefits document is dated 2023. Confirm every arrangement before booking.
Proof of membership, handicap, and residence may be required. The golf shop should arrange access before travel.
Facilities
Nelson Bay has enough golf, dining, and event infrastructure for a complete destination day. The modern clubhouse overlooks the course.
- Golf shop: bookings, carts, coaching, equipment, and competition support
- Practice: range, nets, and putting facilities
- Clubhouse: sports bar, cafe, lounges, balconies, and function rooms
- Dining: Bluewater Grill with course views
- Wildlife tours: guided kangaroo experiences separate from golf
- Stay and play: accommodation packages with local partners
Best Time to Visit
March through May offers warm coastal weather without the Christmas holiday surcharge. September through November is similarly attractive.
Summer brings flowering Christmas bush and active wildlife, but also humidity, storms, crowds, and peak pricing.
Book Monday-Thursday outside school holidays for the best overall value.
How to Get There
Nelson Bay sits near the town centre in Port Stephens. Golf NSW estimates 40 minutes from Newcastle and 2.5 hours from Sydney.
Driving is the practical option for clubs and luggage. Holiday traffic around Hexham and Nelson Bay Road can extend the journey.
Dress Code
Dress code level: Moderate. The club expects neat recognised golf attire across the course.
Collared shirts, appropriate shorts, skirts, trousers, socks, and golf shoes are suitable. T-shirts, singlets, swimwear, thongs, and football shorts are not.
Nearby Alternatives
- Belmont Golf Club: exposed coastal golf closer to Newcastle with a championship history
- Shelly Beach Golf Club: ocean-cliff scenery on the Central Coast
- Forster Golf Club: shorter, cheaper seaside golf beside One Mile Beach
Explore more NSW golf club reviews. Nelson Bay offers the strongest 27-hole holiday package among these options.
Who Is This Club For?
Nelson Bay suits golf groups wanting several combinations without changing accommodation or club facilities.
It also suits mixed-handicap visitors who value scenery, wildlife, and memorable surroundings alongside legitimate difficulty.
Skip the peak period when value dominates your decision. Members should calculate daily playing fees before judging the annual subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are Nelson Bay Golf Club green fees?
Eighteen holes cost A$60 from Monday through Thursday and A$90 from Friday through Sunday. Public holidays use the peak rate. From 26 December through 26 January, A$90 applies every day. Twenty-seven holes cost A$90 off-peak or A$110 during peak periods.
Does Nelson Bay Golf Club have 27 holes?
Yes. Nelson Bay combines three nines into the Gymea Lily, Brush Box, and Christmas Bush courses. Each routing has different distances and ratings. The format gives repeat visitors useful variety and helps the club manage competitions. Ask which course is operating when booking your tee time.
Are there kangaroos at Nelson Bay Golf Club?
Yes. Kangaroos are a regular part of the 175-acre bushland setting, alongside wallabies, koalas, birds, and occasional goannas. They are wild animals, not course decorations. Give them space, never feed them, and follow staff instructions when wildlife affects a shot or walking route.
How much is Nelson Bay Golf Club membership?
Full Playing membership costs A$1,515 annually, plus a A$1,000 entrance fee for men. Women are currently exempt from that entrance charge. Members still pay A$29 for standard competitions or A$16 for 18-hole social golf. The men’s full category is currently closed.
Can visitors enter competitions at Nelson Bay?
Yes, eligible visitors can enter competitions on many days for A$70. A valid handicap and event-specific eligibility may be required. Club championships and selected honour-board events can remain restricted. Contact the golf shop before booking because daily fields, routing, and visitor spaces change.
When is the best time to play Nelson Bay Golf Club?
March through May provides warm weather without the Christmas holiday surcharge. Spring is another strong option. Avoid 26 December through 26 January when value matters, because peak green fees apply every day. A weekday outside school holidays usually delivers the best price and pace.
Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- Three distinct 18-hole combinations
- Memorable native wildlife and quiet bush setting
- Strong recent condition feedback
- Excellent clubhouse and trip facilities
- Serious slope ratings across varied terrain
What Could Be Better
- A$90 peak fee is expensive for regional NSW
- Daily fees continue after membership
- Men’s full membership is currently closed
- Detailed reciprocal benefits need current confirmation
Final Verdict
Nelson Bay Golf Club earns 4.4 out of 5. It combines destination atmosphere, real challenge, and enough holes for repeat play.
The A$90 peak fee and layered member costs weaken value. Weekday visitors receive a much easier recommendation.
Choose Nelson Bay for a complete Port Stephens golf day. Choose Forster when lower cost and a gentler seaside round matter more.
See our review methodology for scoring details.
Author Note
I assess Australian golf clubs through current access, design, cost, and the details visitors discover too late. Learn more about our editorial approach.
Last reviewed: 4 July 2026. Rates, conditions, course combinations, and access can change; confirm directly before travelling.
