Category: Food & Dining

Imagine standing on a headland, the salty ocean breeze brushing past your face, as the breathtaking panoramas of the Pacific Ocean stretch as far as the eye can see. Welcome to Long Reef Golf Club, located between Collaroy and Dee Why on Sydney’s stunning Northern Beaches. Whether you’re an avid golfer or a traveller looking to explore Australia’s idyllic coastal landscapes, Long Reef offers a picturesque blend of sporting excellence, fine dining, and local charm. Let’s embark on a delectable journey through this coastal gem where scenic golf meets culinary delights.

The Course: A Golfer’s Paradise

Peter Thomson, five-time British Open champion, lauded Long Reef as “the best site of any golf course in Sydney,” and it’s easy to see why. This 18-hole, links-style course features a par-71 layout for men and par-73 for women, providing a challenging yet enjoyable experience for players of all levels. The combination of pristine Kikuyu fairways and lightning-fast Poa annua greens guarantees not only a top-notch round of golf but also impeccable playing conditions year-round.

The Front Nine: The Coastal Warm-Up

• Hole 1 (Par 5): Get ready for a challenging opening. The narrow tee shot is flanked by out-of-bounds on the right and a creek that bisects the fairway.
• Hole 2 (Par 3): This mid-range par 3 plays with deceptive difficulty, particularly when the sea breeze comes into play.
• Hole 3 (Par 4): A short dogleg left, this invites the adventurous golfer to aim for the green, but thick scrub penalises wayward shots.
• Hole 4 (Par 4): A long, tough hole requiring two precise shots to reach the green, surrounded by protective bunkers.
• Hole 5 (Par 4): Strategic thinking is a must, with water hazards and bunkers dictating club selection from the tee.
• Hole 6 (Par 4): This shorter hole has water protecting the front of the green, making accuracy key.
• Hole 7 (Par 3): One of the course’s most iconic plays, this par 3 requires careful club selection to clear the water hazard.
• Hole 8 (Par 4): As you climb slightly uphill, accuracy becomes vital to evade the intelligently placed bunkers.
• Hole 9 (Par 5): A scoring opportunity awaits here, with smart play needed to circumvent the fairway traps.

The Back Nine: The Hilly Finish

• Hole 10 (Par 3): Start your ascent to higher ground with this picturesque short hole, offering stunning visuals and a hint of elevation change.
• Hole 11 (Par 4): A slight dogleg right. The safer play is to stick to the left to avoid trouble.
• Hole 12 (Par 4): A true test of accuracy with sand hazards surrounding the green area.
• Hole 13 (Par 3): A charming short hole where the ever-present coastal winds can be a deciding factor.
• Hole 14 (Par 4): The downhill shot favours feeding the ball right, with a blind second shot adding an element of intrigue.
• Hole 15 (Par 5): This sweeping par 5 is as much about the views as your golf game, with a stunning coastline backdrop all around.
• Hole 16 (Par 4): Known for having one of Sydney’s most beautiful golf backdrops, it’s hard to focus on your swing with the spectacular ocean framing your entire horizon.
• Hole 17 (Par 4): The signature hole hugs the beach and offers unparalleled beauty. It’s challenging, exposed, and undeniably memorable.
• Hole 18 (Par 4): Close out your round with a mid-iron approach to a well-bunkered, sloping green—a fantastic finale to a stunning course.

Post-Round: Ocean Views and Delicious Bites

After navigating this incredible course, head to the Long Reef Café and Clubhouse for a relaxing end to your day. With its floor-to-ceiling windows, the clubhouse offers a cosy yet vibrant atmosphere, perfect for unwinding with a coffee or enjoying a full meal. It’s also a local hotspot, ideal for those exploring the Northern Beaches with a Zipli rental car.

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Menu Highlights

• Long Reef Breakfast: This classic morning spread features eggs, crispy bacon, sausage, mushrooms, and sourdough bread.
• Corn & Zucchini Fritters: A lighter option served with poached eggs, fresh rocket, and a flavour-packed pesto.
• Seafood Platter: Perfect for lunch, this crowd-pleaser celebrates fresh, locally sourced seafood, showcasing the coastal location’s bounty.
• Beverages: Options abound, including cold-pressed juices like the popular “Green with Envy,” creamy smoothies, and premium coffee to energise your afternoon.

Culinary Exploration Beyond the Clubhouse

If you’re in the mood for more authentic Australian dining experiences after your visit to Long Reef, the surrounding Northern Beaches have no shortage of treasures. Collaroy, Dee Why, and Narrabeen all boast vibrant restaurants featuring everything from modern Australian cuisine to freshly caught seafood. Don’t miss local favourites such as:

• The Collaroy: Located right on the beach, The Collaroy offers a laid-back vibe and a menu that champions Australian produce, including fresh fish and steak. Their sunset views are the perfect pairing for a relaxed dinner.
• Wild Lotus, Dee Why: An elegant yet approachable choice, Wild Lotus blends Asian-inspired flavours with seasonal Australian ingredients.
• Ocean’s Narrabeen: Sleek and stylish, this seaside restaurant is known for its seafood dishes, including spanner crab linguine and buttery oysters.

Tips for Food-Loving Travellers

Exploring Australia as a food lover is an adventure in its own right. Here are a few essential tips to make the most of your trip:

• Be open to trying local delicacies like kangaroo steaks, Moreton Bay bugs (a type of shellfish), and lamington desserts.
• Don’t shy away from fresh seafood—it’s a must in coastal areas like the Northern Beaches.
• Consider a Zipli car rental to venture to hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path eateries, ensuring you don’t miss any regional favourites.

Conclusion

Long Reef Golf Club is not only a sanctuary for golfers but also a haven for nature and food enthusiasts alike. Set against the majestic backdrop of Sydney’s coastline, the course delivers a memorable blend of challenging play and visual splendour. Whether you’re enjoying a hearty Long Reef Breakfast post-round, indulging in local seafood nearby, or simply savouring the unrivalled views, this destination embodies coastal Australia at its finest. So, grab your clubs, reserve your Zipli car, and prepare to feast—both on the greens and at the table. Long Reef is waiting to steal your heart (and taste buds).

Food & Local Experiences

Chris Evans

Food & Lifestyle Writer

Savor authentic Australian cuisine and hidden gems.