Ah, mini-golf. The gift that keeps on giving. Although it has teetered on the edge of irrelevance for decades, it refuses to abandon us.
And hallelujah to that! Where would we be without it? Think of the countless romances that have blossomed due to a nervous first date strolling the stained green carpet, or the awkward family outings where Dad tried just a little too hard to win. And didn’t. And then threw his club into a bush.
Can’t hit a ball to save yourself? No worries! Get together a crew and book in a round at one of the best Gold Coast mini golf courses below.
Boulders And Badlands
Parkwood
Quite possibly the world’s first non-themed mini golf course. No dinosaurs, no robots and no Egyptian mummies. Just like a real golf course, only mini. Who would have thought? It’s a picturesque setup, fit with all the annoying obstacles (rocks, sand, water) of any world-class course. If you can’t get nine holes at Augusta, likely because you’re not good enough, then Boulders and Badlands is your next best choice. Come along with other hardened putting-pros and test your skills.
Holey Moley
Surfers Paradise
Holey Moley is definitely the Gold Coast mini golf course for you if you’re the sort of person who doesn’t really like mini golf. If you’d much rather sip cocktails, listen to music or even bash out a little karaoke, this is the course for you. True golfers may say Holey Moley is an assault on the senses, but most people would say it’s a whole lotta fun—check their website for party packages and other specials during the week.
Putt Putt Mermaid Beach
Mermaid Beach
We’ve all driven past the big yellow golf ball on the Gold Coast Highway, but have you been in? Putt Putt Mermaid Beach is colourful, crazy and just a little bit kooky (in a good way, of course). There are three themed courses to choose from, all containing things that move, screech, splash and confuse you as you make your way through 18 holes. There’s also a video game arcade, snack bar, BBQ zone and children’s party room. It’s open every night until 10pm and caters for all sorts of parties and occasions.
King Tutt’s Putt Putt
Surfers Paradise
We all know of King Tutt’s as we’ve probably drifted past it on a late-night foray into Surfers. Perhaps some of you have even woken up close to it. Or inside it. Regardless, why should tourists have it all to themselves? King Tutt’s boasts three courses: Ancient Egyptian, Jurassic Putt and Tutt’s Challenge. It even has glow-in-the-dark caves with glowing balls! This is cutting-edge mini golf technology. You’d be silly to miss it. It also does group bookings and birthday parties too.
Lilli Putt Mini Golf
Robina Town Centre
Bored boyfriends, husbands and children listen up: this is a mini golf course within a shopping centre. How about that? Yes, the Ice Age theme isn’t targeted at the serious shopping mall golfer, but it’s still a chance to hit balls into holes and avoid the fourth visit to Sportsgirl, isn’t it? A top pick among Gold Coast mini golf courses, Lilli Putt also does group bookings, parties and private hire. It also partners with various non-profit organisations and charities, and gives a little back to the Gold Coast community.
Ready for some serious golfing action? It's probably time you took yourself along to Top Golf.
Image credit: Hayley Williamson for Urban List