Barnbougle Dunes vs Lost Farm: Which Course Should You Play?

Comparing Barnbougle Dunes vs Lost Farm? Discover the key differences, which course suits you best, and why most golfers should play both.

When you’re planning a golf trip to Tasmania, one question always comes up:

Should we play Barnbougle Dunes (currently #41 in the world according to Golf Digest) or Lost Farm (#23 by Golf Digest)?

The short answer?👉 Both — if you can.

But if you’re trying to decide how to prioritise your time, here’s a clear breakdown of what makes each course special — and how to approach it.

Barnbougle Dunes: The Original and Iconic

Barnbougle Dunes is where it all started — and it still delivers one of the purest links golf experiences in Australia.

What to expect

• Wide, undulating fairways

• Dramatic dunes and ocean views

• Constantly changing wind conditions

• A traditional “out and back” routing

It’s a course that rewards creativity and shot-making. The best way to play it isn’t always through the air — often it’s along the ground, using the contours.

Who it suits

• Golfers who love traditional links golf

• Strategic players who enjoy working the ball

• Anyone wanting a true “bucket list” experience

For many, this is the course they’ve seen, heard about, and always wanted to play.

Lost Farm: More Variety, More Forgiveness

Lost Farm sits alongside Barnbougle Dunes but offers a slightly different feel.

Where the Dunes is rugged and traditional, Lost Farm is:

• A little more varied

• Slightly more forgiving off the tee

• Just as visually impressive

What to expect

• 20 holes (a unique bonus)

• More elevation changes

• Wider landing areas in places

• A mix of coastal and inland holes

It’s still a serious test — but many golfers find it a touch more playable, particularly on a first visit.

Who it suits

• Mixed-ability groups

• Golfers who enjoy variety in layout

• Anyone wanting a slightly more relaxed round

Key Differences at a Glance

Barnbougle Dunes

• More traditional links feel

• Greater emphasis on strategy

• Slightly firmer and faster playing

Lost Farm

• More variety in design

• Slightly more forgiving

• Unique 20-hole layout

Which One is Better?

It’s the wrong question.

They’re different — and that’s exactly the point.

Most travelling golfers find:

• One suits their eye

• The other challenges them differently

And almost everyone finishes the trip glad they played both.

How Most Trips Are Structured

The most popular approach is simple:

• Day 1 at Barnbougle → take in the scale and challenge

• Day 2 at Lost Farm → enjoy the variety and finish on a high

Or vice versa — either way works.

The key is giving yourself time to experience both properly.

If You Only Have Time for One

If you absolutely had to choose:

• Pick Barnbougle Dunes for the pure, iconic links experience

• Pick Lost Farm if your group wants something slightly more forgiving and varied

But it’s worth saying again — if you’ve come this far, it’s hard to justify skipping one.

Final Thought

What makes Barnbougle special isn’t just one course — it’s the combination.

Playing both Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm gives you the full experience:

• Two world-class layouts

• Two different styles of golf

• One unforgettable destination

Planning Your Barnbougle Trip

Getting the most out of Barnbougle is about more than just booking tee times — it’s about how the whole trip fits together.

If you’re planning a visit, we can help structure your itinerary so you experience both courses at their best — without the stress of coordinating it all yourself.

👉 Get in touch to start planning your trip.

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