Surprised how many people seem to think the Tasmania option is a jump too far (if I do do this, I will take Tom’s advice and schedule at the beginning or end of the trip. I likely won’t get the small charter plane though - want to see 7MB with Barnbougle. So particularly interested in James’s “bad things happen” comment, referring to the drive from Launceston).
Side question here as it got me thinking: Does Barnbougle have a passing resemblance to St Patrick’s? Always was very high up on the list of Tom’s courses I wanted to see because it appeared to be the closest to a GB&I links. But perhaps that’s exactly why I don’t need to see it?
Who knows? I will make something happen. And it will be based primarily or solely around the Melbourne / Mornington Peninsula area. Thanks for all the advice, both on here and by IM.
As a general rule we like to avoid driving through Roo or Wombat country between dusk and a few hours after dawn. I Drive through an area that has both and am ever vigilant at those times. Driving a hire car would multiply my anxiety considerably.
I’ve only seen the St Patrick’s site from over the fence at Rosapenna before it was reinvigorated. I wouldn’t liken either Barnbougle course to its terrain. My best comparison is a little bit The Island GC (but wider) with the nature of surrounding dunes, a little bit Lahinch in the general movement of Dunes especially.
It’s a question of whether the flight interlude is worth the hassle on such a short trip, especially when you have St Andrew’s Beach a short drive away. I love both courses at Barnbougle but might stick with getting the very most I could out of Melbourne in such a short stay.
Tasmania with the inclusion of 7MB has become worthy of a full week to itself. A rejig of Royal Hobart and whatever happens at Arms End & 5mb will cement Hobart as a great destination