Stay & Play in Tropical North Queensland

The Mirage Country Club

Words: Roxanne Andrews

As far as resort courses go, the Mirage Country Club is always alluring. Enjoy a casual social game on your holiday or get revved up to get your handicap down. The balance between challenging (often raised) greens and mostly wide-angle fairways makes this playing experience a memorable one.

PLAY: MIRAGE COUNTRY CLUB

The Mirage Country Club is home to one of Australia’s most iconic golf courses, drawing passionate players from around the world. Its unique resort-style layout winds through the lush grounds of the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, with much of the front nine, known as the beach course, offering a scenic, relaxed introduction. Keep your camera handy: two fairways run alongside Four Mile Beach, delivering stunning views of the Coral Sea.

     
Photo (Left): The Mirage Country Club Golf Course, Photo (Right): The aquatic driving range 

The back nine presents a tropical golfing oasis, framed by a dramatic mountainous backdrop. With water hazards, strategic bunkering, and mangrove-lined estuaries, this side of the course offers a more challenging layout, but it’s just as enjoyable. Note: You are in crocodile country. Be aware but not alarmed. And if you’re ball goes in the drink, don’t go get it.

Designed by legendary golf architects Peter Thomson (five-time British Open champion) and Michael Wolveridge, this international-standard championship course spans 6,200 meters and features a balanced mix of six par threes, six par fours, and six par fives.

The club also has an aquatic driving range, where you can tee off across the lake with panoramic views of Mt Demi and Mossman Gorge.

Travel hint: Advanced bookings for both the golf course and driving range are essential.

STAY: MIRAGE RESORT VILLAS

The last time I visited, I stayed at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas, so for this trip, I took a different tack and opted for the Mirage Resort Villas (yes, you still have access to all the fantastic resort facilities). My two-story villa was positioned alongside the beach course and featured a spacious self-contained kitchen, modern lounge area, an outdoor entertaining deck, classy furnishings throughout and delightful fairway views. The villas come in a variety of room configurations (2 – 4 bedrooms) and suit golfers travelling in groups. Guests will be impressed with the beautifully landscaped grounds, direct beach access and handy on-site parking.

Photo(Left): The Mirage Resort Villas, Photo (Right): Resort Pool

PORT DOUGLAS DINING GUIDE

The Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort has multiple dining options. Lagoon House, with its Asian-fusion menu, is a poolside delight. Daintree Bar is perfect for an early evening cocktail mixer and canape session. And Harrison's by Spencer Patrick is the resort's fine dining establishment and the most awarded restaurant in Port Douglas. The al a carte dishes are superb and feature star ingredients like fresh tiger prawns, reef fish, wagyu beef, and Bangalow pork. It’s an easy walk from your villa to these eateries, or you can call a resort buggy to take you.

Photo: Harrison's by Spencer Patrick

Port Douglas is a popular town for astute foodies, and I strongly suggest dining at the following restaurants when you're here.

Zinc - contemporary Australian cuisine with traditional European flair. Generous portions, excellent service and an ideal spot for a celebration.

Nautilus – flawless food in an ambient rainforest setting. Signature dishes include whole baked Coral Trout and/or Gulf Mud Crab wok-tossed and steamed with Singapore-style chili.

Seabean Tapas Bar – a fun and lively establishment with terrific food and fab drinks. Be sure to book ahead. Their share dishes and traditional paellas are excellent!

Jungle Fowl – another winner on the Port Douglas dining scene. Modern topical Thai cuisine that can’t be beat.

Epicurean – the French know what’s up when it comes to gorgeous, flavourful charcuterie spreads, artisan cheeses, fine wines and bistro-style long lunches. Yum!

Photo: Seabean Tapas Bar

EXPLORE THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

Sure, you’re in Tropical North Queensland to play golf, but you really should seize the opportunity to explore the Great Barrier Reef while you’re here. It’s one of the seven wonders of the natural world after all! Snorkel, dive, or join a relaxing sunset cruise. Sailaway Port Douglas is the premium yacht charter choice to take a memorable voyage and their small group reef and island tours (full or half day) are a must! Phone: 07 4099 4200 or visit www.sailawayportdouglas.com to book.

Photo: Sailaway Port Douglas

GETTING THERE

Transport, transfers and car hire to Port Douglas are easy to arrange. From Cairns International Airport, it’s a 1-hour car ride along the ocean-hugging Great Barrier Reef Drive - a scenic route squeezed between rainforest-cloaked mountains and sparkling reefs.