Gold Creek Country Club, home to one of Canberra’s most recommended driving ranges. Photo: Gold Creek Country Club.
Visiting a driving range can be an excellent way to spend some quality time with your friends and family, or simply to improve your golf skills. Lucky for us, Canberra is home to a number of spectacular championship golf courses and driving ranges suitable for both beginners and seasoned players.
Practicing at a driving range is great ways for beginners and experts alike, as it’s all about practicing technique than playing a proper game of golf. But whether or not your experience is a positive one will come down to the quality of the driving range itself.
In this article, we’ve put together a list of a few traits that are crucial to a great driving range, as well as a helpful guide to some of the best driving ranges that Canberra has to offer.
What makes a great driving range?
Maybe you already know exactly what you’re looking for in a driving range. If not, here’s some inspiration to kick-start your search. Keep an eye out for the following characteristics:
- Properly maintained. The best driving ranges are well maintained by the club’s staff. Not only is the range itself looked after properly, but so too are the club’s gear and facilities.
- Stunning backdrop. Sure, you may just be practicing, but a stunning backdrop can make perfecting your swing that little bit more enjoyable. The region’s best golf courses are situated among some of Canberra’s most scenic areas.
- Welcoming club. If you decided to join the golf club attached to the driving range, you should feel welcomed and a part of the community – even if this is your first time on the green.
- Competitive price point. Look for a driving range that not only offers a competitive price point but also flexible pricing options depending on how often you plan to play.
- Helpful staff. Whether you’re an experienced golfer or you’re just starting out, a helping hand from the staff is always appreciated. Great clubs will have staff that can offer you advice when using the driving range, from equipment and technique to menu recommendations!
The best driving ranges in Canberra
RiotACT’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on RiotACT and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Gold Creek Country Club
One of the finest golf courses in inland Australia, the Gold Greek Country Club offers an 18-hole, par 72 course, and a first-class, grassed driving range, the largest in the capital. This is the only driving range in Canberra with a Trackman—a virtual reality golf simulator—that lets golfers play multiple courses, including the prestige ones on the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) Tour.
The Gold Creek Country Club’s driving range is open daily for all ages and abilities to perfect their swing or get to grips with the basics of golf. It is a great venue for friends, families and experienced golfers, with fantastic rates on balls and club hire. Two bucket sizes, large and small, are available.
The Club, which opened in 1996 in the prestigious Nicholls Estate, provides state-of-the-art facilities for golfers at all levels, both members and visitors.
The championship course, designed by Bruce Devlin, attracts beginners through to seasoned pros. Its signature holes— the short par 3 7th and the long par 5 14th—have breathtaking views of the Brindabella Ranges.
The Gold Greek Country Club’s amenities include a Golf Shop, with a complete hire service at great prices—clubs (right and left hand), bags, trundlers and umbrellas. Those wanting to sharpen their game can take lessons from the professional instructors at The Golf Academy.
Dress regulations apply at the driving range.
On Google, John Cougar wrote, ”Great Pro Shop and practice range!”
Capital Public Golf Course
The driving range at Capital Public Golf Course boasts 2 storeys and 64 bays, all undercover featuring 28 Auto Tee Up machines and overhead heaters. Open until late 7 days a week, the driving range at Capital is perfect for any schedule all year round. The driving range also offers an on-site café, serving hot and cold drinks and snacks for those settling in for longer sessions.
‘Local Guide’ Steven Nayler had a great experience at Capital, writing the following Google review, “Best driving range in Canberra easily. Huge pro shop, great pitch and putt and mini golf courses too.”
Gungahlin Lakes
The Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club’s driving range is open to the public every single day. 280 metres long and 50 metres wide, the range is finished with well-manicured grass, exactly the same as the club’s picturesque fairways. What’s more, the Gungahlin Lakes driving range is the only driving range in the district where private or group golf lessons are taught by experienced PGA Golf Professionals.
As Google reviewer James Smith writes, “My local club with magnificent views, great company, excellent facilities and wonderfully cold beer. The foods pretty good as well. The access to the TAB rounds it off.”
If you’re a keen golfer in Canberra or you’re looking to try it out, check out our articles on the best golf courses and the best mini golf courses in Canberra for some great recommendations. Or, if you’re just looking for some fun activities for the family, we’ve got you covered – head on over to the best school holiday programs and activities in Canberra and the best programs & activities for teenagers in Canberra for some more ideas!
Your experience with driving ranges in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback on the best and worst driving ranges in Canberra. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Do you practice at a driving range? Which one? Share your experience in the comments section below for our readers to check out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a driving range?
A driving range is a place for practicing golf. Rather than playing a full course, you stand in one spot and score points based on how far you can hit your ball from there. There are usually multiple bays at a driving range for many people to play at once.
Can I take lessons at a driving range?
This depends on the club. You will definitely be able to enroll in classes via the club, which will probably be held mostly on the courses, but they may use the driving range as a practice area to help you develop your technique. Contact your local club for more information!
Do driving ranges serve food?
Yes! Most driving ranges will have an on-site cafe available for golfers, serving food and drinks while you play.
Can I take a large group to a driving range?
Yes. Driving ranges are similar to bowling in terms of group bookings. Each club may have their own limits on how many people can be in one bay at a time, but driving ranges are great venues for parties.
Can I take my child to a driving range?
Absolutely! Driving ranges make for a great family activity. While each club may have their own age limit policies, usually a child can start golfing from as young as 6 years old. Talk to your local driving range ahead of booking if you're unsure!
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