Mini Golf has been around for over 100 years, with the game thought to have been invented in Scotland.
Although it didn’t come to Australia until 1969 – when Tom Wykoff introduced the country’s first course in Surfers Paradise – it was an instant success.
Since the moment when Gold Coast Mayor Sir Bruce Small hit a ball for the very first time, (which actually made front page news when it happened) the game has really taken off Down Under.
This is especially the case in Sydney, where there are several venues in the city at which you can play.
Offering you the challenge of negotiating a plethora of dips, curves, doglegs and obstacles, here is a list of the 10 best courses for mini golf in Sydney.
Play a round at any of these courses and you are sure to have a fantastic time.
1. City Golf
You could be forgiven for thinking you were somewhere in Europe when you play a round at City Golf.
While heavily influenced by the continent, this terrific course 18-hole mini golf course in Gordon provides a challenge for all skill levels as each hole can be played in 2 or 3 different ways.
Set around a beautiful landscape of trees, the course is lovely to play on during the day. But it really comes alive at night when it is illuminated by floodlights.
The course is set up for people as young as six years old to play with supervision. If you happen to finish your game pretty quickly, City Golf will offer you the chance to play a second round at a price that is 50% off.
Address: 817 Pacific Hwy, Gordon NSW 2072
Phone: (02) 9499 8914
Hours: Wed – Thurs 10 am – 10 pm, Fri – Sat 10 am – 11 pm, Sun 10 am – 6 pm
2. Holey Moley Chatswood
While they might not have put mini golf on the map in Sydney, they certainly have reinvigorated the scene in the last few years. Thanks partly to the TV show of the same name.
Holey Moley’s are everywhere in the Emerald City and each offers something unique when it comes to putt putt (which is why multiple venues feature on this list).
The one in Chatswood provides a terrific place in the suburbs to enjoy a family outing. Located in the Mandarin Centre it epitomises everything we’ve come to love about the brand including a great vibe, fabulous food and a fun, yet challenging course.
With plenty of shops and boutique stores in the plaza, you could easily make a day of it here.
Address: Level 4/65 Albert Ave, Chatswood NSW 2067
Phone: (02) 7201 8316
Hours: Mon – Thurs 12 – 10 pm, Fr 12 – 11 pm, Sat 10 am – 11 pm, Sun 10 am – 10 pm
3. Pittwater Golf Centre
The Pittwater Golf Centre is another place where you could easily spend an entire day.
Located in Warriewood, over in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, this massive venue features 36 family-friendly, pirate-themed holes.
The holes include caves, a shipwreck and plenty of other pirate paraphernalia. You can choose to play one or both of the 18-hole courses separately, or choose to upgrade to an unlimited holes package where you can stay all day.
In addition to the putt putt, they also have a driving range, pro shop and golf academy for those who want to brush up their skills, as well as a very good cafe that serves up a tasty range of meals.
They also run multi-activity parties for birthdays, as well as events for school holidays. The venue is also close to the Warriewood shopping centre and North Narrabeen beach if you are looking to do something else after your visit here.
Address: 1500 Pittwater Rd, Warriewood NSW 2102
Phone: (02) 9913 7991
Hours: Mon – Sun 8 am – 9 pm
4. Unreal Mini Golf
An institution in Penrith, Unreal Mini Golf is the kind of fun and engaging family-friendly destination we should all be spending more time at.
Another massive venue, it features 18 holes which incorporate six different themes. These include meeting an elephant in a jungle, venturing into a mad scientist’s lab where toxic liquids bubble away and entering the ruins of an ancient Egyptian mummy’s tomb.
You also get to travel to a city in a spaceship, make your way through a haunted cemetery and encounter pirates.
Essentially a round here is like touring different film sets complete with proper, sound effects and moving surprises.
As well as the golf you will also find a couple of escape rooms here and as an extra cool touch, they also bring Dipping Dot’s Ice Cream to your table.
Address: 10/69 York Rd, South Penrith NSW 2750
Phone: (02) 4722 9229
Hours: Fri 4 – 10 pm, Sat 9 am – 10 pm, Sun 9 am – 5 pm
5. Holey Moley Darlinghurst
Holey Moley promises you the craziest round of golf you have ever played. And at Darlinghurst, they certainly live up to this billing.
Part entertainment space and theme bar they offer two distinctive 18-hole courses that are heavily inspired by pop culture.
As well as the golf they also present La Di Darts, which is a game of darts, but not as you know it. Their Caddyshack cocktail bar also provides a good range of food and drinks, as well as some banging tunes to enjoy with.
Kids are welcome here before 5 pm, but after that, it is strictly for adults only. Whether it be for children or adults, this is a terrific place to hold a party.
Address: 82-94 Darlinghurst Rd, Potts Point NSW 2011
Phone: (02) 7201 8316
Hours: Tue – Thurs 5-11 pm, Fri 4 pm – 12 am, Sat 12 pm – 12 am, Sun 12 – 10 pm
6. Mega Mini Golf
One of the best courses for mini golf in Sydney has to be Mega Mini Golf.
Situated in Campbelltown, this massive American-inspired putt put course offers a wide range of themes for players to enjoy.
Within its air-conditioned venue, you’ll find a Pharaoh’s Tomb. You will also get to head into the Wild West and descend under the sea, all within one 18-hole mini golf course.
Choc full of props, you’ll get to hear whale harmonies, be surprised by an Egyptian mummy and witness a shootout in the Wild West between ‘Mad Dog McCoy’ and the valiant sheriff.
Largely geared towards families, Mega Mini Golf provides a reduced entry price for children aged 15 years and under, if accompanied by an adult.
As the venue is indoor, it is the perfect all-weather place to come to during the school holidays.
Address: 1/8 Rose St, Campbelltown NSW 2560
Phone: (02) 4626 6222
Hours: Tues – Weds 10 am – 4:45 pm, Fri 4:30 – 9:15 pm, Sat 10 am – 9:15 pm, Sun 10 am – 3:30 pm
7. Putt Planet
At Putt Planet, they don’t just want you to play mini golf, they want you to have fun and also learn about the world we live in.
Bringing a taste of Africa to the Southern Sydney suburb of Miranda, their 18 savannah-inspired holes provide a challenge for all ages.
As it is enclosed, this is a venue you can play at throughout the year. There is also a dedicated function room set up for parties as well as a very good cafe that serves up classic favourites. Adults will enjoy the range of drinks available at its bar.
Equally welcoming of children and adults, Putt Planet also runs a series of co-ops with local schools to help them with their learning.
Address: 1/205/213 Port Hacking Rd, Miranda NSW 2228
Phone: (02) 9522 7888
Hours: Fri 10 am – 10 pm, Sat 5 – 10 pm, Sun 10 am – 10 pm
8. Thornleigh Mini Golf
Forming part of the wider Thornleigh Golf Centre, there are two fantastic mini golf courses available at the Thornleigh Mini Golf Centre.
Curated to test all skill levels, from the greenest of novices to the most seasoned aficionados of the game, they are called the Palms and Billabong. Collectively they take you on a winding journey across bridges, ponds, waterfalls and side rivers.
As well as the putt putt, the centre also has a modern driving range and a well-stocked golf shop. Its cafe is worth a visit too for the quality of the food, even if you don’t intend to play a game.
Address: 142-178 Pennant Hills Rd, Thornleigh NSW 2120
Phone: (02) 9875 5445
Hours: Mon – Fri 8:30 am – 9:30 am, Sat 8 am – 9 pm, Sun 8 am – 8:30 pm
9. Dural Putt Putt
Presenting 36 holes in a massive al fresco garden setting, Dural Putt Putt is one of the biggest mini-goal courses on this list.
Sprawling across two separate courses, you will encounter a medieval castle, the Loch Ness monster, wizards and a cannon when playing on the Camelot.
On the Space Trek course, you will meet friendly aliens and get close-up views of rockets and spaceships.
Situated just a 30-minute drive from the CBD, this is a popular place to host a children’s party or corporate function.
Address: Cnr Cranstons Road and, Old Northern Rd, Middle Dural NSW 2158
Phone: (02) 9651 1334
Hours: Fri 10 am – 5:30 pm, Sat 9 am – 5:30 pm, Sun 9 am – 5:30 pm
10. Holey Moley Newtown
Thanks to its Newtown venue, you needn’t miss out on Holy Moley if you live in the inner west of Sydney.
Priding itself on being the best mini golf course in Harbour City, this place is also very busy, which is why the six-shot-per-hole rule is strictly enforced.
Don’t be surprised if you have to queue to get to the first hole. But if you do, you should take advantage of the full gourmet kitchen and top-notch cocktail bar which this place is renowned for.
Address: 387 King St, Newtown NSW 2042
Phone: (02) 7201 8316
Hours: Mon – Thurs 4 – 10 pm, Fri 2 pm – 12 am, Sat 12 pm – 12 am, Sun 12 – 10 pm