A Voyages.golf Company – IAGTO Accredited
A Voyages.golf Company – IAGTO Accredited
| Club Name | Ratho Farm Golf Course |
| Designer | Alexander Reid and Mogford in 2014 |
| Par | 70 |
| Type | Inland links |
| Length | 5,140 metres (5,621 yards) |
| Website | |
| Club Address | 2122 Highland Lakes Road Bothwell, TAS 7030 Australia |
Set amongst the rolling countryside of Bothwell in Tasmania’s Central Highlands, Ratho Farm Golf Course offers one of the most historically significant golf experiences in the Southern Hemisphere.
Golf was first played at Ratho Farm in 1822, when Scottish settler Alexander Reid and his family brought the game from their homeland to what was then Van Diemen’s Land. Today, Ratho Farm is recognised as Australia’s oldest golf course and the oldest surviving golf course outside Scotland, providing a remarkable connection between the origins of Scottish golf and the development of the game in Australia.
Unlike Tasmania’s modern championship courses, Ratho Farm is not defined by immaculate conditioning, dramatic architecture or tournament pedigree. Its appeal lies in its authenticity. Golf is played across a working farm where sheep still graze the fairways, the terrain remains largely untouched and fences protect several of the traditional square greens.
The original course has evolved into an 18-hole layout, with four additional holes designed by Australian golf architects Crafter and Mogford opening in 2014. These newer holes were deliberately created to complement the character of the historic course rather than transform it.
Located approximately one hour north of Hobart, Ratho Farm makes a fascinating addition to a Tasmania golf holiday and is particularly rewarding for golfers interested in the history and traditions of the game. Tasmania Golf Travel can incorporate Ratho Farm into a journey between Hobart and northern Tasmania, creating a memorable contrast to the state’s celebrated modern courses. If driving between Barnbougle and Hobart, we recommend combining a stay and play at Ratho Farm with some iconic Hobart Courses like 7 Mile Beach South, Kingston Beach or Tasmania Golf Club.
Ratho Farm is an 18-hole, par-70 inland links measuring approximately 5,140 metres (5,621 yards) from the back markers.
The course bears little resemblance to a conventional modern golf layout – and that is precisely what makes it special. The original holes follow the natural contours of the historic farming property with minimal earthworks, preserving a style of golf that connects directly with the game’s earliest traditions.
Open, rolling Central Highlands terrain provides firm playing surfaces and encourages golfers to use the ground. The course is largely left to respond naturally to Tasmania’s seasons, meaning its character and playing conditions can vary considerably throughout the year.
Perhaps Ratho Farm’s most distinctive feature is the presence of sheep grazing across the fairways, continuing a relationship between farming and golf that has existed here for generations. Several of the original putting surfaces are square in shape and surrounded by fences designed to keep livestock from the greens – an extraordinary feature rarely encountered in modern golf.
Holes 15 through 18 were designed by Crafter and Mogford and added in 2014, extending Ratho Farm into a complete 18-hole experience while respecting the scale and character of the historic routing.
This is not a course to judge solely by scorecard, length or conventional standards of championship golf. A round at Ratho Farm is about experiencing golf in one of its simplest and most traditional forms – walking across open countryside, adapting to natural conditions and playing across land where the game has existed for more than two centuries.
Ratho Farm forms part of Ratho Farm Highlands Resort, allowing golfers to turn their visit into an overnight experience in Tasmania’s Central Highlands.
Accommodation is available within the historic farm property, providing an opportunity to stay amongst the same rural landscape through which the golf course is routed. The experience is intentionally intimate and reflects the heritage and country character of Bothwell rather than that of a conventional golf resort.
Food and beverage options are available for staying guests and groups by arrangement, while the property provides a comfortable base from which to explore Bothwell and the surrounding Central Highlands.
Golf facilities are relatively simple, in keeping with the historic nature of Ratho Farm. Visitors should arrive expecting an authentic country golf experience rather than the extensive practice facilities and infrastructure associated with a modern championship resort.
The nearby township of Bothwell adds considerably to the appeal of a visit. Its strong Scottish heritage and connection with the earliest chapters of Australian golf make Ratho Farm particularly well suited to golfers travelling between Hobart and northern Tasmania.
Tasmania Golf Travel can include Ratho Farm Golf Course and accommodation within a tailored Tasmania golf itinerary, offering travellers the opportunity to experience the remarkable origins of Australian golf alongside the state’s modern world-class courses.
BOOK YOUR GOLF TRIP WITH VOYAGES.GOLF
Planning a golf trip shouldn’t be harder than playing the course itself. Voyages.golf is an International specialist golf travel agency, built by golfers for golfers who want access to the world’s best courses without the booking headaches. Our services go well beyond golf, with curated travel services creating the best package to suit your needs as described by our thousands of travellers.
Our Approach
We handle the details so you can focus on your game. Every itinerary is custom-built around the courses you want to play, with accommodation, transfers, and logistics coordinated to maximise your time on the greens. No budget stay-and-play, no minimum group sizes, no automated responses – just personalised service from golf travel specialists who understand what makes a great golf trip.
Our Services
Every Voyages.golf package starts with a minimum of two nights’ accommodation paired with your golf rounds, then builds from there based on your needs. Our comprehensive services include:
Tee Time Access
Championship courses – worldwide. We’ve built relationships over 10+ years that secure tee times many can’t access.
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Every hotel, resort, and lodge is selected based on three criteria: location near your courses, genuine comfort after 18 holes, and whether we’d stay there ourselves. No endless scrolling through reviews – we’ve done the research and know what works for golfers.
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Golf clubs on flights. Vehicles with proper storage. Multi-course routing that doesn’t waste your day driving. Caddie requests. Optional additions like wine tours, golf lessons, or non-golfer programs. We coordinate everything so your trip flows seamlessly from arrival to departure.
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Solo traveler? Foursome? Corporate group of 20? We welcome bookings of any size. Every golfer deserves exceptional service regardless of party size.
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Contact Voyages.golf and you’ll speak with experienced golf travel specialists – not call centers or chatbots. We’re golfers who’ve played these courses, understand seasonal conditions, and genuinely care about creating trips you’ll remember. We’re available to answer questions, refine itineraries, and provide support before, during, and after your journey.
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Every Voyages.golf experience is custom-made to your specifications—no two itineraries are identical. To ensure we secure the best tee times and accommodation, especially at high-demand courses and destinations, we recommend starting the booking process well in advance. We will advise you on the best booking windows for in-demand locations.
Before reaching out, it helps to have clarity on your preferred travel dates and confirmed group members (who’s definitely in, who’s still deciding). This allows us to move quickly when availability opens at sought-after courses.
Our 5-Step Booking Process
1. Enquire
Contact our team with your ideal travel window, preferred courses or destinations, group size, and any special requirements. The more detail you provide, the better we can tailor your itinerary. Keep in mind that popular courses and travel periods book out months in advance; early enquiries give you the best selection.
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