If you drive about 15 minutes north of Hobart's CBD, you'll hit a patch of land that technically shouldn't be a golf course. It’s a peninsula. Water on three sides. Wind that can turn a gentle 7-iron into a desperate survival tactic. Most people driving past on the Brooker Highway barely glance at the turn-off near the Cadbury Factory, but Claremont Golf Club Tasmania is arguably the best "bang for your buck" round in the state.
It’s local. It’s gritty. It's surprisingly beautiful.
The thing about Claremont is that it doesn’t try to be Barnbougle. It’s not trying to charge you $300 for a walk in the dunes. Instead, you get this 18-hole par 71 layout that basically hugs the Derwent River like its life depends on it. Honestly, if you slice your ball on the back nine, there's a high chance it’s going to end up in the drink, providing a shiny new toy for a local flathead.
The Layout That the Wind Built
Golf here is a game of two halves, but not in the way most people think.
The front nine feels a bit more "traditional parkland" at first, but don’t let that fool you. You’ve got these tight fairways and established trees that demand you actually think about where you’re putting the ball. It’s not a "grip it and rip it" kind of place. You need touch.
Then you hit the holes that flirt with the river.
The Derwent River isn't just a backdrop; it’s a hazard. On a calm day, it’s a mirror. It’s stunning. You see the reflection of Mount Wellington (Kunanyi) looming over the city, and you think, "Yeah, this is why I play golf." But when the "Roaring Forties" winds kick in? Forget about it. The course transforms. Suddenly, a 350-meter par 4 plays like a 500-meter monster. You’re hitting low, stinging runners just to keep the ball on the planet.
Local stick-and-ball historians will tell you the club has been around since the 1920s. It has that lived-in feel. The greens are generally smaller than the modern "resort" style greens, which means your short game has to be sharp. If you miss the green, you aren't just in a bunker; you're often dealing with tricky slopes that test your nerves.
👉 See also: Ohio State Football All White Uniforms: Why the Icy Look Always Sparks a Debate
Why the "Cadbury" Factor Matters
You can't talk about Claremont Golf Club Tasmania without mentioning the purple giant next door. The Cadbury Chocolate Factory is right there. On days when the wind is blowing just right, the entire course smells like melting milk chocolate.
It's bizarre. It's also kind of a distraction when you're lining up a birdie putt.
But there’s a serious side to this proximity. The land is unique. Because it’s a peninsula, the micro-climate is slightly different from the rest of Hobart. It stays a bit greener. The drainage is surprisingly decent for a course that is essentially at sea level. You’ll find that even in the middle of a Tasmanian winter—which, let's be honest, can be brutal—Claremont remains incredibly playable.
The Holes That Break Your Heart (and Make Your Day)
Let’s talk specifics. You’ve got holes like the 14th.
It’s a par 3. It’s short-ish. But it’s right on the water’s edge. If the tide is in and the wind is pumping off the river, the visual pressure is immense. You’re standing there looking at a green that looks about the size of a postage stamp, surrounded by blue water and doom. Most locals will tell you to take one more club than you think. Trust them.
Then there are the par 5s. They aren't exceptionally long by modern standards, but they are tactical.
- The 1st hole: A gentle handshake, but pull it left and you're in the trees.
- The finish: Coming back toward the clubhouse, you really feel the history of the place.
The club has undergone various renovations over the years to improve the irrigation and the turf quality. It shows. While it might not have the multi-million dollar budget of a private metropolitan club in Melbourne, the greens staff at Claremont are some of the hardest working in the business. They handle the salt spray and the heavy traffic with a lot of grace.
✨ Don't miss: Who Won the Golf Tournament This Weekend: Richard T. Lee and the 2026 Season Kickoff
Membership and The "Vibe"
There is zero pretension here.
In some golf clubs, you feel like you need a specific brand of polo shirt just to get through the front door. At Claremont Golf Club Tasmania, the vibe is "come as you are." It’s a community hub. You’ll see retirees who have played there for 50 years trading barbs with young guys who just bought their first set of sticks.
The clubhouse is where the real soul of the place lives. It’s a great spot for a post-round beer. The views across the river toward Otago and Geilston Bay are world-class, even if the interior decor is more "classic Aussie club" than "luxury lounge." They do a solid bistro meal, and the Sunday roasts are a bit of a local legend.
If you’re a visitor, the green fees are shockingly reasonable. You’re looking at a fraction of what you’d pay for a top-tier course, yet you get a layout that is more challenging than many of its higher-priced neighbors.
What Most People Get Wrong About Claremont
A lot of golfers think that because it's a shorter course, it's an "easy" course.
That is a mistake.
Claremont protects itself with its greens and its environment. You can’t just overpower this course. It rewards accuracy and patience. If you try to drive every par 4, you’ll likely lose three sleeves of balls before you reach the turn. The course forces you to use every club in your bag. It’s a "thinking person’s" golf course.
🔗 Read more: The Truth About the Memphis Grizzlies Record 2025: Why the Standings Don't Tell the Whole Story
Also, people assume it's always windy. Okay, that one is mostly true. But the wind makes it better. It turns a static game into a dynamic one. You have to learn how to flight the ball. You have to learn how to use the slopes. It's real golf.
Planning Your Round
If you're heading down to Hobart, or if you're a local who has been sticking to the same inland courses, you need to put Claremont on the list.
- Book ahead: It’s a popular spot for local competitions, especially on Saturdays.
- Check the weather: Not just for rain, but for wind speed. A 40km/h gust changes the strategy on almost every hole.
- Bring a camera: The views of the Derwent and the mountain are genuinely some of the best in the southern suburbs.
- Visit the Pro Shop: The staff there are incredibly helpful and can give you the "local's line" on the tricky 6th hole.
The course is located at Bournville Crescent, Claremont. It's an easy drive, and there's plenty of parking. If you're staying in Hobart, it's a straight shot up the highway.
Practical Insights for the Visiting Golfer
Don't expect a caddy. Don't expect a locker room attendant to shine your shoes.
Expect a warm welcome. Expect a challenging walk. Expect to probably lose a ball to the Derwent River.
Claremont Golf Club Tasmania represents what is great about Tasmanian sport: it’s accessible, it’s rugged, and it’s beautiful without being arrogant about it. It’s a course that tests your ego.
If you want to play a round that feels like "real" Tasmania, this is the spot. You get the industry of the Cadbury factory, the nature of the river, and the challenge of a layout that has stood the test of time.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the Tee Sheet: Visit the official Claremont Golf Club website or use the MiScore app to check availability. Public play is generally welcomed, but midweek is your best bet for a quiet round.
- Gear Up: Ensure you have wind-resistant outerwear. Even in summer, the breeze off the water can be chilly.
- Plan a Post-Round Stop: Give yourself 30 minutes to sit on the deck at the clubhouse. The view of the river at sunset is the best hidden secret in Hobart's northern suburbs.
- Explore the Area: Since you're already there, a visit to the nearby MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) is a perfect way to round out a day trip, as it's only a 5-minute drive away.