Information for House Guests & FAQs
We are delighted to host you in our historic Clubhouse, a place that has welcomed members and guests for more than a century.
Whether you are here to enjoy a round on our renowned links, relax in the comfort of the Clubhouse, or explore the beautiful Bellarine, we hope your stay is both memorable and restorative.
Essentials
Check-in / out
Check-in from 2:00pm to 5.00pm. Should you require any arrangements outside these times, please contact reception. Self-check-in is available after hours. Check-out by 10:00am. Luggage storage available.
Wi-Fi (Complimentary)
Name: BH Members & Guests. Password: Golfq42025
Reception
Open daily from 8.00.am to 5.00pm. See bar staff after this time.
Clubhouse Entry
External doors automatically lock at 10.30pm. You will need your room key with the black fob in your possession for 24hrs access.
After Hours Assistance
In an emergency always call 000. Otherwise, if the bar has closed call 1300 000 786 and quote your name and room number.
In Case of Emergency
Fire Response
Emergency exits and firefighting apparatus are on every level. Please familiarise yourselves with these upon arrival.
If the fire alarm sounds, guests are asked to assemble on the practice putting green across the road from the front of the Clubhouse.
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Dining Essentials
Breakfast
Served daily in the Links Bar from 7:00am to 9:30am. Please allow ample margin before your tee-off.
Morning Snacks
Available until midday in the Learmonth Room (downstairs), hot drinks and takeaway options before your round.
Lunch
Served from 11.00am-3.00pm in the Links Room.
Dinner
Unless prior arrangements have been made, house guests staying on the full-board package are automatically booked into Western Dining Room. Dinner is served from 6.00pm until 8.30pm.
Bars
The Links Bar is the preferred gathering place after golf. For quieter occasions, the Members’ Lounge provides a more refined setting, ideal for aperitifs and digestifs.
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Dress Code Essentials
In the Clubhouse
Smart, neat casual wear is appropriate throughout. Blue denim, singlets, leggings, casual shorts and rubber thongs are not permitted in shared areas. Neat golf or tennis attire, including soft-spike shoes, is acceptable. In keeping with Club tradition, caps, hats and visors should be removed upon entry.
Western Dining Room
Golf attire is not permitted. Smart, neat casual wear is acceptable; jackets are optional.
Formal Dining Room
(Used only occasionally.) A jacket and business shirt are required for men, with an equivalent standard of dress for women.
Golf Course & Practice Facilities
Neat attire is required, including a collared shirt or polo (tucked in for men), tailored trousers, shorts or skirts, and visible white socks with shorts (for men). Soft-spike golf shoes or flat rubber-soled shoes must be worn.
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Golf Essentials
Course
A group of four should complete 18 holes in approximately 3 hours 50 minutes. By Club By-Laws, all players must carry a sand bucket to repair divots, repair pitch marks, rake bunkers, and give priority to staff working on the course.
Club Storage
Guests may store clubs free of charge at the Golf Shop or via Reception.
Tee Time
Full-board guests have reserved tee times; check at Reception for details. B&B guests may play as green fee players, subject to availability.
The Barwon Heads Golf Shop (over the road)
Coaching, course advice, equipment, scoring support and a premium range of clubs, apparel and accessories.
Driving Range & Practice Facilities
House guests may use the normally member-only driving range and short-game practice facilities at the western end of the lower car park. Balls may be purchased from the Golf Shop.
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Other
Parking: Guests are welcome to use the undercover carpark located at the rear of the Clubhouse, though please note that space is limited. For access to the Clubhouse, please use the ramp at the house guest entrance and take the lift to the reception floor above. Alternatively, you may use the drop-off zone in front of the flagpole or one of the lower car parks.
Electric Vehicle Charging: Availability is limited. For access to charging, please contact reception.
Lithium Battery Charging: Lithium buggy batteries are only to be charged in the golf shop between 7.00am-6.00pm when supervised, or at reception between 8am-5pm daily.
Payment: Visa or MasterCard.
Re-booking: Annual repeat groups are given priority for re-booking the same period the following year but are required to do so at the time of checking out.
Map of the course and surrounds: See below or click here
Clubhouse information
The National Trust and Heritage Victoria listed Clubhouse, is famed for its ambience and old-world charm. With stunning architecture and captivating views, it is a Clubhouse designed for all seasons. House guests can enjoy the open balconies in summer or the luxurious open fires during the cooler months.
Billiards: The billiards room is located downstairs near the rear entrance. A key is available from reception or the main bar. Use is complimentary and cues are available in the wall racks. Please be mindful that food is not permitted inside the Billiard room and drinks must be kept well away from the tables. Room closes at 10.00pm daily. (Charges will apply if damages occur.)
Club rules: It is a condition of staying that the Clubhouse rules are adhered to. Please read them here.
Gift vouchers: Stay and play or B&B gift vouchers are available to purchase at reception. They make a great gift for golfers and non-golfers alike.
Keys: Please return your key to reception when checking out
Laundry and ironing: Located beside Room 7 in the S.E corner – includes automatic washing machine, clothes dryer, iron and ironing board. For the comfort of other guests please refrain from using the machines after 9.00pm.
Mail: Reception can assist with your mailing needs.
Refrigerator: To save space, most rooms don’t have mini bars/refrigerators. If you need anything chilled, please use the share fridge in the guest laundry or ask at reception.
Room numbers: To dial another guest room:
Smoking: The entire property including all areas of the course and Clubhouse is non-smoking including on any deck or at the front entrance. This includes e-cigarettes.
Telephones: Please note that mobile phones are not to be used in the public areas of the Clubhouse unless on silent mode.
Tennis Courts: Free for use by house guests subject to availability. Bookings can be made at Reception or the Golf Shop.
Tipping: Tipping is not permitted at this Club. Guests may wish to add a ‘staff gratuity’ to their residential account on departure.
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More Golf Course Information
Bunker rakes: The rake should be left at the point of exit from the bunker, with the handle only left out.
Cart use: Walking the course is highly recommended but a limited number of motorised golf carts are available to hire on request – they can be reserved at the Golf Shop or reception. Use is regulated and all players must adhere to these guidelines. Carts are prohibited from driving between greenside bunkers and greens, and from driving within five metres of the greens. Follow all cart directional signs and do not drive in the rough.
Divots: At Barwon Heads we ask that you fill divots. Take a sand bucket with you, they’re available from the first tee.
Pitch marks: Please repair them.
Club storage: House guests may store their clubs in the Golf Shop free of charge.
Competitions: House guests are welcome to play in the following: Men’s competitions – Wednesday, Friday & Saturday; Women’s competitions – Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday. (Competitions are also held one Sunday per month)
Drinks cart: Please confirm before your round. The on-course cart sells snacks and drinks usually on Wednesdays and Saturdays. If you know you are going to need a snack head to the Learmonth Room for takeaways before your round (Until midday) Alternatively, sandwiches can be purchased from the Clubhouse before your round.
Fog and frost policy: In the event of a frost or fog, play will not commence until conditions improve. Any bookings on the timesheet before play is allowed to commence will be cancelled without guarantee of play unless they can be accommodated on a later timesheet vacancy. Extreme Weather Policy
An extreme weather policy exists at Barwon Heads: When high temperature or extreme weather is forecast or observable the course may be closed. Extreme Weather Policy
Local (and Temporary) Rules: Can be viewed here. Two of the more interesting Local Rules at Barwon Heads (14th and 15th holes) are explained in this video.
Lightning: A suspension of play for a dangerous situation eg lightning will be signalled via the emergency siren system. Players must immediately follow the instructions as stipulated via the emergency system. Any bookings on the timesheet before play is allowed to commence will be cancelled without guarantee of play unless they can be accommodated on a later timesheet vacancy
Par 3 course: A nine-hole, par 3 course is available for guest use. The first tee is situated behind the tennis courts along the pathway towards the west.
Practice fairway and short-game practice facility: This is located between the 18th hole and the tennis courts. Extensive chipping and putting practice facilities are available during daylight hours. The Professionals can assist with practice balls and tuition.
Golf shop: Situated in the building across the road from the Clubhouse. Call in to book professional coaching or to shop for a full range of golf equipment and clothing. Open daily 8.00am to 6.00pm.
Putting green: The practice putting green is located to the right of the Golf Shop and is available during daylight hours.
Snakes: The chance of encountering a snake on the course increases during warmer seasons. The snakes (most likely lowland copperheads) are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975 and it is illegal to capture, kill or harm them. The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning report that in the warmer months they will move away quickly when they hear something approaching and recommend that people “remain calm if they see a snake and try to move themselves and anyone with them away from the snake.”
If you are bitten by a snake:
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Stay calm.
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Firmly bandage the wound to help prevent the venom from leaving the puncture site. It should be tight but not so tight that it causes numbness. Do not wash the bite site.
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Call for help to arrange transport to the nearest hospital emergency department.
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For an ambulance call triple zero (000).
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Stay still and wait for transport to reach you.
Speed of play: At Barwon Heads, a group of four players should take three hours and 50 minutes to play an 18-hole round. Follow these tips and you’ll be very popular.
Tee times: Second / additional rounds are subject to availability and will be charged.
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FAQs
Q: My lunch and/or tee time is before the 2.00pm check in time. Can I check in anyway?
A: It’s unlikely your room will be ready; however, you are welcome to leave your bags at reception and use the change room facilities on the lower level of the Clubhouse. Your luggage will be stored securely.
Q: I am staying on the full-board package with meals included but I have allergies.
A: We will do our best to accommodate your requirements but please provide us with adequate notice at least 48 hours beforehand.
Q: Where are the bathrooms?
A: They are located in the centre of the Clubhouse on the ground floor, accessible from the hallway adjacent to the central staircase. Bathrooms are also located in the locker rooms on the LG floor.
Q: Is there room-service?
A: No, but we will always try to provide the highest level of service possible. Please call reception or talk with any of our staff if you have a specific request.
Q: Where is the refrigerator in my room?
A: Unfortunately, there may not be one due to space restrictions. However, there is a shared refrigerator in the guest laundry. Alternatively, please talk with the bar staff if ice or other refrigeration is required.
Q: Can I smoke at The Barwon Heads Golf Club?
No, the Clubhouse and the course are entirely non-smoking.
Q: Are you an accessible facility?
A: Recent renovations have improved DDA compliance. There is an elevator on the lower ground floor and one room has an accessible bathroom. Please make an enquiry or let us know if you require assistance.
Q: Are you associated with the Barwon Heads Resort.
A: No, the resort accommodation facility is at 13th Beach.
Q: Can I wear blue denim in the Clubhouse?
A: No, though some denim colours (not torn, faded or stonewashed) are permitted. Check the dress code page for more information.
Q: I forgot my smart-casual clothes and I feel underdressed
A: Please ask reception or one of the hospitality staff. We may have a jacket to loan. We may also be able to help with other non-conforming clothing.
Q: I am staying overnight in the Clubhouse; can I invite a friend to dine with me?
A: Possibly, but as a private club this is at the discretion of the Manager. Please enquire beforehand.
Q: Does The Barwon Heads Golf Club ever have specials or promotions?
A: Yes, they will be listed on the ‘Special Packages and Promotions’ page on the website.
Local attractions
Bordered on three sides by water, the township of Barwon Heads has a seaside feel and a relaxed pace. The river offers locals and visitors the opportunity to paddle, kayak and fish and walking trails around the bluff provide views of some of Victoria’s favourite family and surf beaches including the famed 13th Beach. Ask at Reception for more information; most of the staff are passionate locals.
Directions:
Need directions to a local attraction? Please ask at reception for a map or use Google Maps below. To do so, click ‘More options‘ on the map below. A new window will open in your browser in which you can enter your destination.