Further to Jamie's note, for those thinking of coming to OZ, my wife has arranged a fantastic trip for us next month. It involves a bit of driving, but in two weeks you can play a lot of great golf. Although we're Aussies by birth, my wife and I have lived away from Australia for many years (and still do), so we understand the perspective of the overseas visitor
Fly into Sydney (3 days)
Playing NSW, Newcastle and the Lakes
Drive to Canberra (2 days)
The drive is about 3 hourse. We are going there to catch up with friends, so this is not necessary from a golfing perspective. However, our friends are members at Royal Canberra and Federal, both good courses, which is nice
Drive to the Murray River (2 days)
A five or six hour drive from Canberra. Some very good courses at Cobram and Yarrawonga. A chance to break the trip from Canberra to Mornington, and the golf and accomodation is cheap and good!
Drive on to Mornington (4 days)
A five hour or so drive from the Murray. We are playing St Andrews Beach, Portsea, Moonah Open and Legends and the Peninusal courses. (We have previously played most of the other courses there, including the National courses, 13th Beach and the Dunes. So you could substitute whatever you like)
Fly to Launceston (2 days)
Two days at Barnbougle
Return to Melbourne (2 days)
Playing Kingston Heath and Woodlands on the Sandbelt. (We have previously played some of the other courses on the Sandbelt. For a first time vistor, try and spend 4 or 5 days and play the Royal Melbournes, KH, Victoria, Metro, Commonwealth etc)
Obviously you can tailor this to suit your own needs. You may not want or need to go to Canberra or the Murray and so spend more time in Mornington and Melbourne, particularly if you haven't been there before.
But the thing is, it's pretty cheap. The whole thing, including accomodation, green fees, car hire and the domestic airfare, is costing me and my wife a tick under A$5000 (about US$3,800). How's that -- 15 days of golfing, siteseeing and touring about for less than US$2,000 each! (Although no doubt we will spend plenty more on Australian wine, steak and seafood)
Car hire is an option worth exploring, particularly if you have a non-golfing spouse and want to see a bit of the country side. It is only costing us A$600 or so hire a Nissan for the whole time we are there.