If you’re planning a golf trip to the Central Coast, The Entrance is one of the best-kept secrets in NSW. Within a short drive of town, you’ll find three quality courses that cover everything from a relaxed social round to one of the most celebrated championship layouts in the country.
We’re lucky at ibis Styles The Entrance to sit right in the middle of it all. Pack your clubs, book your room, and you’ve got a proper golf getaway sorted.
Here’s a quick look at what’s nearby:
Shelly Beach Golf Club (formerly Tuggerah Lakes Golf Club) – approx. 5 minutes from ibis
Magenta Shores Golf Course – approx. 10 minutes from ibis
Bateau Bay Golf Range – approx. 7 minutes from ibis
Distance from ibis: approx. 5 minutes by car
Shelly Beach Golf Club sits at the eastern end of Shelly Beach Road, perched on gently undulating hills with stunning views over Shelly Beach and Tuggerah Lake. It’s a proper links-style course that rewards accurate shot-making, and the scenery makes even a bogey feel forgivable.
The course runs 18 holes at Par 71, stretching around 6,009 metres from the black tees. It was originally established in 1929 and was designed by Ross Watson, which gives it a classic feel that a lot of newer courses just can’t replicate.
18 holes, Par 71, links style
Multiple tee options to suit all skill levels (Black, Blue, Red, Pink)
Carts available for hire ($30-$40)
Teaching pro and golf school on site
Putting green, chipping area, and practice facilities
Beyond the golf, the clubhouse is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, with live entertainment on rotation. It’s a genuine community club with a welcoming atmosphere, whether you’re a member or a visitor just passing through.
Good to know: Shelly Beach Golf Club was formerly known as Tuggerah Lakes Golf Club. You may still see it listed under the old name on some booking platforms and scorecards.
The clubhouse is a proper community venue – restaurant with panoramic views over the course and beach, a sports bar, and a main function room that holds up to 150 guests. It’s also worth knowing that it’s a great option if you’re travelling with someone who doesn’t play golf. The restaurant draws plenty of non-golfers who come purely for the views and the food.
Address: Shelly Beach Road, Shelly Beach NSW 2261
Book your tee time by calling the Golf Shop on (02) 4332 1103.
Distance from ibis: approx. 10 minutes by car
If you’re going to play one round on the Central Coast, make it this one. Magenta Shores Golf and Country Club is ranked #33 in Golf Australia’s Top 100 courses, which puts it in genuinely elite company. It’s the kind of course that serious golfers plan entire trips around.
Designed by Ross Watson, the 18-hole championship layout sits on a pristine peninsula between Tuggerah Lake and the Pacific Ocean. The combination of ocean breezes, lake views, and a genuine links challenge makes every round feel like a proper occasion.
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Holes | 18 (Championship) |
Style | Links |
Designer | Ross Watson |
Location | Between Tuggerah Lake and Pacific Ocean |
Golf Australia Ranking | #33 in Top 100 |
Drive from Sydney | Approx. 90 minutes |
The course is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday (subject to availability). The Golf Shop opens from 6:30am with the course available from 7:00am, last tee time at 3:00pm for nine holes.
To book a tee time, contact the Pro Shop on (02) 4316 5600 or visit magentagolf.com.au.
A word of warning: Magenta Shores is a semi-private course, so visitor access is subject to availability. Book ahead, especially on weekends.
Distance from ibis: approx. 7 minutes by car
Not every day needs to be a full 18 holes. If you want to loosen up before a round, work on your swing, or just have a casual hit without booking a tee time, Bateau Bay Golf Range is the spot.
It’s a public grass driving range on The Entrance Road – no booking required, casual dress, and open to all skill levels. The range is run by PGA professional Ricky Schmidt, who offers one-on-one coaching and junior clinics if you want to get some proper instruction while you’re in the area.
Grass driving range (open daily 8:00am – 4:00pm)
Professional coaching with Ricky Schmidt
Regular club fitting days
Pro shop stocking Titleist, Golf Pride, and FootJoy
Ample off-street parking, EFTPOS and cash accepted
Bucket | Balls | Price |
|---|---|---|
Small | 40 balls | $13 |
Medium | 75 balls | $18 |
Large | 110 balls | $23 |
Extra Large | 160 balls | $30 |
Address: 466 The Entrance Rd, Bateau Bay NSW 2261
Contact the range on (02) 4333 6332 or email bateaubaygr@gmail.com.
One of the best things about staying at ibis Styles The Entrance is the access to Diggers The Entrance right on your doorstep. After a long day on the fairways, the last thing you want to do is drive somewhere for dinner.
Diggers is a full-service club with dining, a bar, gym access, and a great atmosphere that suits a post-round wind-down perfectly. Whether you want a cold drink on the deck overlooking Tuggerah Lake or a proper sit-down meal, it’s all right there. No need to go anywhere else.
ibis guests enjoy access to Diggers facilities including:
Dining and bar
Gym
Events centre
Free WiFi and parking
It rounds out the golf getaway in the best possible way. Play your round, come back to ibis, freshen up, and head straight to Diggers. Simple.
Three great courses. All within 10 minutes. That’s hard to beat anywhere in NSW.
ibis Styles The Entrance gives you 52 refurbished rooms overlooking Tuggerah Lake, with everything you need for a comfortable stay between rounds. It’s a 4-star hotel at a price point that makes a multi-night golf trip genuinely easy to justify.
The Central Coast is one of the most underrated golf destinations in Australia. You get championship-quality courses, beautiful coastal scenery, and none of the crowds or prices you’d deal with closer to Sydney.
Whether you’re planning a solo trip, a weekend away with mates, or a group golf getaway, ibis Styles The Entrance is the place to stay.
Magenta Shores Golf Course is roughly a 10-minute drive from ibis Styles The Entrance. It is the standout championship option in the area, with a top-ranked layout and a scenic setting between Tuggerah Lake and the Pacific Ocean.
Yes, Shelly Beach Golf Club was formerly known as Tuggerah Lakes Golf Club. If you see the old name on older scorecards or booking sites, it still refers to the same course near The Entrance.
Bateau Bay Golf Range is about 7 minutes from ibis Styles The Entrance. It is a driving range rather than a full golf course, so it works well for practice, warm-ups or a casual hit.
Diggers The Entrance is right next to ibis Styles The Entrance, so it is an easy post-round option for a meal, drink or a relaxed wind-down without having to drive anywhere after golf.
Yes, free on-site parking is included with your stay. Drive in, park up, and walk straight to Diggers.
It puts you close to the area’s main golf options, including Magenta Shores and Shelly Beach, while also giving you access to Diggers The Entrance next door. That makes it a convenient base for a weekend golf getaway.
