Two questions on Australia trip

[Cort Sylvester]

I'm headed to Oz first half of July.  Already have most of the trip set, but two questions I'm looking for input on: 

1.  I am flying to King Island to play Cape Wickham one day, taking King Island Air out of Moorabbin.  If anyone has taken that route, any advice on how to package up my bag?  Given the small plane I am assuming my normal travel case that I will be using for the international/larger in-country flights won't be necessary?  There's a 15 kg weight restriction on baggage (which I guess means I need to weigh my set . . .), so if I can do without the Club Glove that's what I'd prefer.  (And yes, I do have a message in to King Island Air asking their advice, but more sources are better than fewer.) 

2.  I think I want to set up one more round while in Melbourne, so of course something in the Sandbelt.  On previous trips I've played RMW, RME, Kingston Heath, Metropolitan, Victoria and Yarra Yarra.  All were fantastic, of course.  Here's the question:  with only time for one round in that area, better to try somewhere new, or go back to one of my favorites (most likely Kingston Heath, maybe Victoria since it's been quite a while since I was there)?  Is what I haven't seen yet worth passing up KH for? 

Pretty eager for July to arrive.  Royal Adelaide and NSW are on the agenda for the rest of the trip.  And it sounds like Wickham is going to be one heck of an adventure. 

[Andrew Bertram]

Cort


I have used them for down and back in a day


The route is a supply plane first and foremost taking some passengers with the commercial goods they take


You will need to take your bag without cover, it will probably sit in the back seats of the plane with you


If you have one round i would do as you suggest, the heath or vic
both great options


of the ones you have missed you could add Commonwealth or Woodlands to your thoughts if you wanted to go that way


Andrew

[Tyler Kearns]

Cort,


I would second Woodlands, a really fantastic golf course that is overlooked on the Sandbelt.


TK

[Mark Pavy]

2.  I think I want to set up one more round while in Melbourne, so of course something in the Sandbelt.  Is what I haven't seen yet worth passing up KH for? 

See if you can play The National Old Course.

[Rick Emerson]

I vote for Victoria. If you need a place to stay for a night while you are in Melbourne Victoria's stay and play with room, board and unlimited golf can't be beat.

[Jason Topp]

What is the weather like in Melbourne in July?

[Daryl David]

Highs in the low 50s, lows in the low 40s. Probably a bi wet. Think Seattle in December.

[Jeff_Brauer]

My best advice is to buy a one way ticket.......

[Charles Lund]

You might want to call Cape Wickam and see if they have golf bags you can use while you are there.  At Bandon when I was there they would change out larger cart type bags for carry bags caddies can use.  Recall playing on the Mornington Peninsula with someone who had returned from a three month stint working at the opening of Cape Wickam  I asked him about the flight and weigh limits and the possibility or  bringing clubs and no bag.  I think he said they had bags there. 

Find a course on the Sandbelt or Mornington Peninsula where you don't have to pay in full in advance. 

Charles Lund

[Cort Sylvester]

My best advice is to buy a one way ticket.......

Don't say that anywhere in the vicinity of my wife.  I love Australia but I have a lot of reasons for wanting to come back.  She, on the other hand, would move there in a heartbeat. 

[Cort Sylvester]

What is the weather like in Melbourne in July?

On my previous trips, it's always been quite nice.  I've had anywhere from low 50s (F) to 70s.  Even Barnbougle on July 4th was plenty comfortable, but for the morning frost delays. 

[Kalen Braley]

Australia was quite pleasant in the winter time, especially when compared to winter in America in many places.

The summer heat and humidity can be stifling and the winter was a nice break from that...and the bugs....

[Jeff_Brauer]

My best advice is to buy a one way ticket.......

Don't say that anywhere in the vicinity of my wife.  I love Australia but I have a lot of reasons for wanting to come back.  She, on the other hand, would move there in a heartbeat.

Rouser of rabble that I am, I think I will do just that!

[Cort Sylvester]

My best advice is to buy a one way ticket.......

Don't say that anywhere in the vicinity of my wife.  I love Australia but I have a lot of reasons for wanting to come back.  She, on the other hand, would move there in a heartbeat.

Rouser of rabble that I am, I think I will do just that!

My social skills are deteriorating--used to be just people I've actually met who want me to leave and not come back!

[Dan Kelly]

... used to be just people I've actually met who want me to leave and not come back!

As far as you know...

[Terry Thornton]

Cort,

re Q2; I'd go to Commonwealth and try and imagine it with a lot less trees when you play.

If you haven't organised Royal Adelaide yet or you'd like local company shoot me a message.

cheers,
Terry

[BHoover]

I'm watching Mad Max (the original). Watch yourself on the roads in Australia.

[Alan Ritchie]

if you have gone round the sandbelt  then mornington peninsula certainly has some good options. of the tree I have played, National moonah is a muscular quality course, the dunes is a real gem , underrated and great value for money. St. Andrews beach also great value and very different styles than the sandbelt

[James Bennett]

Cort

I'm inactive with golf at present, but Terry T is better company at RA than me,so you will do well.
Send me a note regarding your visit and we'll organise dinner somewhere suitable.

James B (Adelaide)

[Ian Andrew]

I would second Woodlands, a really fantastic golf course that is overlooked on the Sandbelt.

Loved the course - don't miss it - details are great

... and a second for Commonwealth - brilliant 3's and great short fours

[Mike_Clayton]

If you have a day in Adelaide, The Grange West is literally around the corner from RA and worth playing.You can easily fit both in in a day
Ask for Barry Linke - the GM.
Another vote also for St Andrews Beach or National Moonah Course. They are 15 minutes apart and about and hour's drive south of Royal Melbourne.


I played National Moonah yesterday and with the cool season grass fairways (every other course is dormant couch/bermuda) it is the best conditioned course in 'Melbourne' in the middle of winter.

[Josh Stevens]

What is the weather like in Melbourne in July?

Bring sweaters (several), woollen hats and rain coats.  Contrary to popular belief, Australia has winters

[Mike_Clayton]

Melbourne winter = Scotttish summer. Same thing:)

[Mark Chaplin]

King Island averages 19 days of rain in July make sure you've decent waterproofs!

[James Bennett]

waterproofs will be far more valuable in winter in South-East Australia (eg King Island, Melbourne, Adelaide) than an umbrella, unless one wishes to imitate Mary Poppins.  Rain is often associated with cold fronts with south-west winds. Not likely to be torrential but can be damn pesky.  The weather can also be mighty fine - sunny with light northerlies are also common, at least in Adelaide.