Murray Downs Golf & Country Club

Murray Downs Golf & Country Club: Located on the New South Wales side of the mighty Murray River, and just four kilometres from Swan Hill, which is on the river's Victoria side, Murray Downs is a Stay&Play location with an excellent 18-hole, parkland golf course.

This immaculately presented and wonderfully natural course combines a strong layout with the peace and tranquillity of its rural environment. Although "Downs" might conjure up a picture of gently rolling hills, the surrounding rural farmland is as flat as a pancake. However, Ted Parslow's design for the course included plenty of landscaping, which has created modestly undulating terrain. There are many more trees and "hills" here than you'll see for 20 miles around (and that includes the town of Swan Hill, again at the flatter end of any definition of hilly).

At times tree-lined, at others more open, the good-width fairways and excellent, large, sloping greens are well defended by superb bunkering. Water is in play on several holes - beware the "hidden" pond in front of the green at the par-5 4th.

Several of the greens occupy a relatively open aspect, with stylish bunkering around them and slick run-offs that will thoroughly exercise your chipping skills. If you enjoy the thrill of sinking long putts, the 70-metre wide green at the par-4 10th provides a golden opportunity.

Although you don't play directly alongside the Murray River (you come within 100 metres of it at one point), the overall quality of this course does much to guarantee a thoroughly enjoyable outing.