By 
GCR Score: 4.7 / 5
Verdict: A polished Sydney private-club round with very premium visitor pricing
Best For: Golfers who want championship Sydney prestige, strong facilities, and a clear visitor fee table
Avoid If: A$700 international/non-member pricing feels too steep or you need broad weekend access
Last Reviewed: 13 July 2026
The Lakes Golf Club sits in that rare category where the visitor fee itself becomes part of the review. A$700 for an international visitor or non-member is not a casual decision. This The Lakes Golf Club review asks the obvious question: is the Eastlakes prestige worth the premium?
For the right golfer, yes. The club has major tournament history, strong practice facilities, and a serious private-club feel only 15 minutes from Sydney CBD. But if you are value shopping, compare it with The Coast Golf Club or other NSW golf club reviews before booking.
The Lakes Golf Club overview
| Club Type | Golf Club |
| Location | Eastlakes, New South Wales |
| Founded | 1928 |
| Membership Type | Private member club with limited visitor access |
| Initiation Fee | Not publicly disclosed |
| Annual Subscription | Not publicly itemised in the pages reviewed |
| Green Fee | Australian golf-club member: A$400 for 18 holes, A$250 for 9 holes; international visitor/non-member: A$700 for 18 holes, A$425 for 9 holes |
| Best Time to Visit | March-May and September-November |
| Dress Code | Acceptable golf attire required across clubhouse, course, and practice areas |
| Reservations Required | Yes; visitor access usually Monday and Thursday, subject to availability |
| Official Website | thelakesgolfclub.com.au |
| Phone | Contact via official website form |
What I liked and did not like
Image: Lakes Golf Club
What I liked
- The visitor fees are actually published. Expensive is one thing; opaque is worse. The Lakes at least gives visitors a clear starting point.
- Facilities are excellent. The club lists a 280 metre driving range, comprehensive short-game area, GPS carts, lockers, pull buggies, spa and sauna.
- Major-event credibility is strong. The Lakes hosted Australian Opens in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2018, and co-hosted the men’s and women’s Australian Open in 2023.
- The location is very convenient. Eastlakes is close to Sydney CBD and the airport, which helps interstate and international visitors.
What I did not like
- A$700 is a serious visitor fee. That price needs to be weighed against travel budget, access certainty, and your personal bucket-list value.
- Visitor days are limited. Mondays and Thursdays are the main window, with other access depending on season and group bookings.
- Membership pricing is not public. You need direct club contact for current joining and subscription details.
Membership and fees
All prices are in AUD. The Lakes publishes visitor golf fees of A$400 for 18 holes and A$250 for 9 holes for members of Australian golf clubs. International visitors and non-members pay A$700 for 18 holes or A$425 for 9 holes.
Those numbers make The Lakes one of the more expensive Sydney visitor rounds in this review series. The positive side is clarity: you know the fee before enquiring. The caution is value: a golfer who mainly wants a pleasant Sydney round may be happier spending less elsewhere.
Membership subscriptions and joining fees were not publicly itemised in the pages reviewed. Ask the club directly for current categories, nomination requirements, waitlist conditions, and house or competition obligations.
Facilities and amenities
Image: Lakes Golf Club
- 18-hole private championship course in Eastlakes
- 280 metre driving range
- Comprehensive short-game facility
- Large modern golf shop
- Fine dining restaurant and distinctive wine program
- GPS motorised cart fleet
- Complimentary lockers and pull buggies
- Spa and sauna facilities
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Best time to visit
March to May and September to November are the strongest Sydney golf windows. The course’s exposed lake-and-wind character can be part of the fun, but shoulder-season weather gives you the best chance of firm, playable conditions without the harshest summer heat.
Dress code and etiquette
The Lakes requires members and visitors to be acceptably dressed at all times in the clubhouse, on the course, and in practice areas. The member is responsible for visitor attire. If you are playing as a guest, confirm the current dress-regulation details before arriving.
Who is The Lakes Golf Club for?
Image: Lakes Golf Club
The Lakes is for golfers who want a premium Sydney private-club experience and are comfortable paying for it. It makes most sense for visitors who care about tournament venues, serious facilities, and a polished club environment.
It is less compelling for price-sensitive players. If your decision is mainly value-per-hole, use our review methodology and compare total cost, access, and course character across Sydney.
People also ask
How much does it cost to play The Lakes Golf Club?
The Lakes lists A$400 for 18 holes and A$250 for 9 holes for members of Australian golf clubs. International visitors and non-members are listed at A$700 for 18 holes and A$425 for 9 holes.
Can visitors play The Lakes Golf Club?
Yes, but access is limited. Visitor play is generally available on Mondays and Thursdays, subject to group bookings and tee-time availability. Seasonal access may vary.
Is The Lakes Golf Club private?
Yes. The Lakes is a private member club with controlled visitor access.
What facilities does The Lakes Golf Club have?
Facilities include a 280 metre driving range, short-game facility, golf shop, fine dining, wine selection, GPS carts, lockers, pull buggies, spa and sauna.
Where is The Lakes Golf Club located?
The club is at the corner of King Street and Vernon Avenue in Eastlakes, NSW 2018, around 15 minutes from Sydney CBD depending on traffic.
Is The Lakes Golf Club worth A$700?
It can be worth it for a golfer who specifically wants a premium Sydney private-club and Australian Open venue experience. It is hard to justify for casual visitors who simply want good public golf at lower cost.
Verdict and score
The Lakes Golf Club earns 4.7 out of 5. It scores highly for facilities, tournament pedigree, location, and clarity of visitor pricing. The deductions are for steep visitor fees and limited access windows.
Author note
This The Lakes Golf Club review uses official club information and current source pages checked against GreatClubReview’s 5-point scoring method. Primary sources reviewed: club website; play golf page; visitor fee page. Always confirm live tee times, fee changes, and access rules directly with the club before booking.
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