Play and Stay: A Golf Weekend in Canowindra

A country golf weekend does not need to be complicated. Good roads, friendly clubs, relaxed tee times, a few local places to eat and drink, and somewhere comfortable to stay are usually all you need.

Canowindra makes a good base for golfers wanting to explore the Central West. The town has its own local golf club, with several other country courses within easy driving distance. It is also a good excuse to support local cafés, pubs, cellar doors, shops and attractions while spending a few days in the region.

Golf Courses Near Canowindra

The Central West is dotted with country golf courses, each with its own character. Some are simple and relaxed, others are more challenging, but most share the same appeal: friendly clubs, affordable rounds and a slower pace than city golf.

Canowindra Golf Club

Canowindra Golf Club is the local course and an easy option for anyone staying in town. It offers a relaxed country golf experience with views across the surrounding landscape and a welcoming club atmosphere.

For many visitors, this is exactly the kind of golf they are looking for: no rush, no fuss and a good chance to enjoy a round in the country.

For groups of four or more playing at Canowindra Golf Club, The Old Vic offers free transfers to and from the course, subject to availability. It is a simple way to make the weekend easier, especially if the group would like to enjoy a drink after the round without worrying about driving.

Orange Golf Club (approximately 40 minutes)

Orange is around 40 minutes from Canowindra and offers a stronger regional golf option for those wanting a more established course and a broader food and wine scene. It works well as part of a full-day outing, especially for groups who want to combine golf with cellar doors, restaurants or local produce.

Cowra Golf Club (approximately 30 minutes)

Cowra is around 30 minutes from Canowindra and makes an easy day trip. A round of golf can be paired with lunch in Cowra, a visit to the Japanese Garden or a stop at one of the local attractions before heading back to Canowindra for the evening.

Molong Golf Club (approximately 30 minutes)

Molong is another nearby country course worth considering. It has the appeal of a smaller regional club and can be worked into a drive through the surrounding villages and countryside.

Why Canowindra Works for a Golf Weekend?

A golf weekend in Canowindra is not just about the golf. It is about using the town as a base and enjoying the region at a slower pace.

You can play a local round, have coffee on Gaskill Street, visit a museum or gallery, book dinner in town, try local wine and take a drive through the surrounding countryside. For groups, this makes the weekend more enjoyable for everyone, including partners or friends who may not be playing every round.

Country golf is also generally more relaxed and affordable than city golf. Tee times are often easier to manage, clubs are usually welcoming to visitors, and the clubhouse culture is part of the experience.

Suggested Golf Weekend

Friday Evening

• Arrive in Canowindra and check in.

• Take a walk along Gaskill Street and get a feel for the town.

• Book dinner locally at a pub, restaurant or café.

• Have a quiet drink and plan the next day’s round.

  
  

Saturday

• Start with breakfast or coffee in town.

• Play a morning round at Canowindra Golf Club, with free transfers available for groups of four or more staying at The Old Vic.

• Have lunch locally or build in a stop at a nearby village.

• Spend the afternoon visiting local shops, galleries, cellar doors or attractions.

• Book dinner in Canowindra and enjoy an easy evening without needing to travel far.

  
  

Sunday

• Have a slow morning coffee.

• Take a walk through the heritage main street.

• Visit the Age of Fishes Museum or another local attraction.

• Head home via Cowra, Orange, Molong or another Central West town to make the most of the drive.

  
  

Local Stops to Build Into the Weekend

A golf weekend is a good opportunity to support the wider town and region. Depending on the group, you might include:

• Local cafés for breakfast and coffee

• Canowindra Golf Club

• Country pubs in Canowindra and nearby villages

• The Age of Fishes Museum

• Local galleries and antique stores

• Cellar doors and wineries in the surrounding region

• Cowra Japanese Garden

• Orange food and wine stops

• Scenic drives through the Central West

  
  

For larger groups, it is worth calling venues ahead of time. Small towns are often very happy to welcome groups, but advance notice helps everyone provide a better experience.

Staying in Canowindra

The Old Vic offers simple, comfortable accommodation in the centre of town. It works well as a base for golf groups because guests can park, walk to local venues and easily access nearby courses by car.

The building is historic, the rooms are being progressively refreshed, and there are shared spaces where groups can gather before or after a day out.

Staying in town also helps support local businesses. A group golf weekend can bring people into cafés, pubs, shops and attractions, while giving visitors a proper reason to spend time in Canowindra rather than just passing through.

Tips for Golf Group Organisers

• Book accommodation early, especially if travelling with a larger group.

• Contact golf clubs ahead of time to confirm visitor rounds and group numbers.

• Let cafés, pubs and restaurants know if you are bringing a group.

• Build in time for non-golf activities.

• Include a few local businesses in your itinerary.

• Keep the weekend relaxed rather than over-scheduled.

• Ask about free transfers if four or more guests are playing at Canowindra Golf Club.

• 
  

Plan a Golf Weekend in Canowindra

Canowindra is a good option for a relaxed country golf weekend. There are local and nearby courses to explore, a beautiful heritage main street, and enough cafés, pubs, shops and attractions to make the weekend feel like more than just a round of golf.

For group accommodation at The Old Vic, Visit oldvicinn.com.au or call 02 6344 1009.