Karana Downs Golf Course

Brisbane, QLD | User Rating: Rate-2 (2.5) | Add A Review

Our 18 hole golf course offers exciting challenges and has sensational water views of the Brisbane River. We are just 15 minutes from the Ipswich CBD and 25 minutes from the Brisbane CBD.
With the new 12 berth marina, what better way to spend the day than to sail up the river and hop off your boat for a game of golf.
We also have a very warm and cosy restaurant that we hire out for weddings and functions and a wonderful chef, who will tailor his menu to suit almost any budget.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

  • Name: Karana Downs Golf Course
  • Region: Brisbane, QLD
  • Address: 212 College Road
    Brisbane, 4305, Queensland, Australia
  • Directions: View Aerial Map »
    View Map »
  • Proshop: (07) 3201 0833
  • General: (07) 3201 0833
  • Holes: 18
  • Metres: 4546m
  • Par: 66
1. marygolfer | Rated | 01 Dec 2011 | Add A Review

yes karana downs golf course has closed down my brother was a member here he has now joined sandy gallop golf club . karana downs country club you will be missed by many thank you to all the staff for the effort and good times

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2. gekthepom | Rated | 10 Nov 2011 | Add A Review

I believe the course has recently been closed.

3. Pookah87 | Rated | 18 Sep 2011 | Add A Review

Very nice course and in very good condition considering the state during the start of the year! Quite challenging for the golfer who doesn’t have a good drive on them especially the 18th. Probably should have hired a cart as the 15th is still being built and that felt like walking across the desert but exercise was good. There were no score cards left apparently when I played so I had to judge some holes myself as there aren’t any signs on some holes however ending only 9 over on scratch for the first time i played the course, can’t complain at all! Loved it thanks KD :D

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4. CHO | Rated | 05 Jul 2011 | Add A Review

i think this golf course has to be cheaper than now.
one hole is under construction and fair way, green is too bad.

we tee off at 9, there are so many bird poop on the green.

5. Robio | Rated | 22 Jun 2011 | Add A Review

The course is just getting better by the day, well done to the staff for their toil.

6. JIGSAW | Rated | 16 Jun 2011 | Add A Review

’BARRIEUK’ Nice review mate. You are aware the course was completely flooded in January with all the maintenance equipment destroyed. No, hence your harsh review. How much did you pay for a round? Massive water inundation full of mud, silt and weed is not conjusive to a pristine golf course. I can only assume from your moniker that you are another whinging pom.

7. BarrieUK | Rated | 12 Jun 2011 | Add A Review

Basically it ok for the money but it’s not great.

It appears that the course is up for sale and this may be the key factor in the condition of the course. Many bunkers out of play and the others in poor condition.

The course is short and a bit of a goat track. This time we only played the from nine but have play the back nine before. There front nine has many par threes. When we played it was quite hard so this combined with the rough sloppy greens, slopes and side slopes means it’s a bit like crazy golf and for most holes its best to keep your driver in your bag.

8. Toulouse | Rated | 03 Jun 2011 | Add A Review

Nice golf course with excellent green! Quite hilly and challenging.

9. 692NYT | Rated | 12 Apr 2011 | Add A Review

Great course, need more par 5’s so I can pull some shots back lol

10. Robio | Rated | 29 Mar 2011 | Add A Review

For the recent flooding events that occurred to the course, they are doing very well to keep it presentable. It is a terrific little lay out that challenges all levels of golfers. A gem of a course with friendly staff.

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11. aosborn | Rated | 04 Feb 2011 | Add A Review

Course had suffered from recent weather as expected. Short but tight holes make it challenging for most. General conditioning was not great but on a $12.50 special it is cheaper than a bucket of balls at the range.

12. JIGSAW | Rated | 25 Oct 2010 | Add A Review

This is a great little course. As like other writers it is a challenging track that requires some thought before selecting a club. The staff are exceptional and can not do enough to make your round as enjoyable as possible. Head on out and have a game,,the Friday chook run is a good way to start the weekend.

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13. haphawidi | Rated | 12 Sep 2010 | Add A Review

nice and peaceful place,par 66,i shot 74,so not to bad for a challange

14. sbradley | Rated | 24 Aug 2010 | Add A Review

very short, hilly course with very tight tricky fairways and greens to keep you guessing. a lot of holes you must use an iron from the tee but you are still left with a short approach.
make sure you bring your short game but coz you’ll need it!

15. Dawso | Rated | 23 Aug 2010 | Add A Review

Karana Downs Golf Club is definately not an easy round of golf. If you are a high handicapper you will probably have a very frustrating day. The course relies on being very accurate with worlds of problems anywhere outside of fairway play.
The distinct lack of distance markers is very frustrating as, for the most part, you need to be landing on the green not around it!
The course is in average condition – with bunkers hard and fair grass cover on the fairways. The Greens were in good nick!
The ability to get on over the weekend is great, and the price is reasonable – but a difficult course to score well!

16. wedgeman | Rated | 10 Aug 2010 | Add A Review

I was informed by a reliable source Karana Downs was a short but challenging course and challenging it sure was. At 4718m par 66 consisting of a few par 4’s reachable in 1, Karana Downs is by no means a straight up and down layout. Fairways are hilly and aggressive contours around the greens can punish an inaccurate approach shot. Often, a bunker or hazard sits infront of the green and mounds at the back can result in a difficult shot back to the flag. Greens were fast and consistent and putting was treacherous at times. With water in play on 8 holes, plenty of doglegs, pins in tricky locations and the contouring layout makes Karana Downs a very tricky and interesting course. If you lack accuracy, Karana Downs Country Club will beat you every time.

17. sol | Rated | 06 Aug 2010 | Add A Review

Karrana downs is in good condition despite all the doom and gloom about the develovment which is an absolute disgrace and the locals should fight it till the last house is finished give the developer a hard time .I am just here on holiday visiting my daughter, and played the course a few times & found it a challange and very enjoyable by no means an easy layout for us average golfers, it was good to see more people playing than last year and i found them very friendly.

18. BishChong | Rated | 03 Aug 2010 | Add A Review

Played there for the first time today. It was a bargain round of golf.

Nice picturesque course but some of the layout didn’t make much sense. The greens and bunkers weren’t well maintained and there seemed to be a serious lack of distance markers.

All in all, you get what you pay for.

19. andyjames | Rated | 14 Jul 2010 | Add A Review

A nice little course, especially for the price.You can tell the club is in a few financial troubles as it is a little run down in places.The greens are great and there are some very interesting holes that you really need to play a few times to get the best out of them.

20. margy120 | Rated | 07 Jul 2010 | Add A Review

Only played the back 9 on Sunday however it was very picturesque and albeit a bit hilly in places. Really enjoyed the golf but passed on having a drink a the clubhouse as it looks quite rundown and uninviting.

21. wrewichil | Rated | 21 Jun 2010 | Add A Review

It was one of those rare occasions when i had a good game, i had played there plenty of times years ago and the course was too tight for me then. This time however, with a much more controlled game, i enjoyed it thoroughly. The course has a lot of lumps and bumps around the greens and can punish you severely if your approach or chip is not accurate, i enjoyed mostly having to use my imagination to try to get close to the pin.
The course is in pretty good nick, greens are soft and fairways have a good cover of grass. The course now has a few more strategic water carries which adds to the challenge.
I try to play a lot of different courses and not often go back to one i’ve just played, but i am looking forward to playing Karana again very soon and am considering a membership there as it is unbelievably cheap at the moment.

22. Reggie64 | Rated | 08 Apr 2010 | Add A Review

Steeltoast69 must have been beaten by the course that day. I bought cheap special yesterday and they invited me to play in their open stab comp (first prize $150, yes $150). I doubt my 31 points bothered the scorers but I enjoyed the course and the members I met. Fair to say the course needs some work particulay the bunkers are quite hard but 5m fairways, course not mowed and overgrown – not the course I played. The head greenskeeper actualy stopped to talk to us after giving way to us which I think is normally the other way around.
If I was to play again I would think twice about hitting driver on some holes and you must look at every angle before putting as the breaks can be alot but they still ran true.
Membership special $240 for 7 day playing rights. Could be the cheapest membership I’ve heard of but I couldn’t leave Ashgrove yet

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23. steeltoast69 | Rated | 06 Apr 2010 | Add A Review

course has really gone down hill big time, over grown, not mowed, some fairways are only about 5 meters wide, stupid, used to be a alright course
dont waste your time or money now

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24. Dawso | Rated | 06 Apr 2010 | Add A Review

A very challenging golf course. To score well, you need to be very accurate. A little run-down (particularly in the bunkers). Helpful staff in the clubhouse/proshop! A good weekend stop-over for a round of golf.

For a golf bargain – book tee off time online for a reasonable $ saving.

25. lenardb | Rated | 22 Jan 2010 | Add A Review

Played 18 yesterday. Good value though online booking!

The developer’s application has been submitted to Brisbane Council, but it is far from approved. The locals are fighting hard to save the course! GOLFERS UNITE! Anyone can object to council to block the closure, so when the submission time comes up, send in an OBJECTION!!

Search on the Brisbane City Coucil Website under planning:
212 College Road, Karana Downs. or DA A002696611.
http://pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au/MasterView/modules/applicationmaster/default.aspx?page=wrapper&key=A002696611

To address some previous posts – the place isn’t deserted waiting for the bulldozers. There is a part time pro (which is the same method of operation as the last couple of years). There are 2 greenkeepers and they are mowing the fairways lower than ever, which makes for more roll & crisp irons.

The course in general is short, hilly, fast and tricky. You need to be precise or you will be punished (prehaps unfairly), but thats the nature of the game. Shot shaping & pre-shot thought is required. With summer storms the bunkers do get knocked around, and aren’t as fluffy as some, but it is green & lush.

It’s a challange that needs accuracy and not the driver every hole.

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26. cachistat | Rated | 01 Jan 2010 | Add A Review

some good fairways and greens. others unfair and stupid.some greens too much slope.not enjoying golf even for a medium hcper.not enough distance markers.

27. markgolfer | Rated | 19 Dec 2009 | Add A Review

its a shame a developer has bought the course the reveiw below is wrong he intends to develop the whole course into house blocks, many members greenkeeper and golf pro have left i will stay to the end which dosnt look to far away, this was a lovely little club

28. markgolfer | Rated | 02 Nov 2009 | Add A Review

ex member the course has been bought by a developer the whole course is planned to close down golf pro , greenkeeper and many members have left its a shame brisbane needs more golf courses

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29. 9hcap | Rated | 10 Oct 2009 | Add A Review

the lastest is a developer has purchased the golf course he intends to close down the whole course when they have development approval they want to put 110 house allotments on it, dont wast your time playing it right now no money being spent every one is leaving members greenkeeper golf pro all gone

30. golferr | Rated | 11 Jul 2009 | Add A Review

was a member untill today just received a club news letter, very disappointed , course has been sold to a developer for a retirement village and will end up only 9 holes this should not be aloud its greed at its worst . i am going to join the wayne grady course in ipswich good bye karana

31. drafroras | Rated | 28 Jun 2009 | Add A Review

Worst course I have ever played in. Very hilly course. Bunkers were full of water. Fairways very narrow. One hole even had a landslide with half the fairway in the river.

32. MulliganMan | Rated | 18 Feb 2009 | Add A Review

Karana Downs is an unprententious par 66 course. The layout must have changed since some of the early reviews on this page.

It is tight and challenging with well-kept and quick greens. Some holes, the par 5 second and the par 4 15th in particular, pose questions to high handicappers like me that I am yet to adequately answer. The fairways are in great nick at the moment thanks to the rain but the bunkers are wet and the sand is hard – just stay out of them I suppose.

Because it is so reasonably priced, you do tend to get a few dads and kids playing on weekend afternoons and play can get slowed a bit. However, I have always found that people are more than happy to let the faster players play through. I quite like the family atmosphere.

I have some concerns about the accuracy of the signs marking the distance on the tees. You can however hire a cart with GPS.

If you want a resort style golf experience, Karana Downs will not be your thing. Pay extra and play Northlakes or Hope Island or similar. If you would like to hit a quick nine holes on a Sunday followed by a quiet beer then give Karana Downs a go.

33. Utah000 | Rated | 09 Oct 2008 | Add A Review

Short, hilly course but makes up with some shorter challenging holes. A bit dry at the moment but still enjoyable.

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34. HoInWan | Rated | 15 Jul 2008 | Add A Review

Challenging and tricky…i agree that it is a very short course but it looks like it was in good condition and the people there were quite nice…i play off a 13 handicap and found it very hard to play to that…

I too found that the green were impossible to put on…they are extremely hard to read and very very fast yet flat…

All shots close to the green are so tricky as you can end up aut 30 metres long from a chip bumped onto the green…

Would recommend it for a visit but probably not somewhere to play regularly…

35. Tom1978 | Rated | 06 Jul 2008 | Add A Review

Played here a few weeks ago and well…. The price was reasonable $30 for 18+ cart, organised through work. The course was disappointing, first time i’ve played in 3 years and found it frustrating, not because i’m a bad player but the layout was crap! 1st hole is a 214m par 4 you can’t attack the downhill slope green as there’s a big tree about 50m infront of the tee, a decent player can lay up next to the reen with a 5iron and leave him/herself with a nasty downhill chip onto a sloping green leading to more strife. Leave your woods at home as you won’t need them, forget about attacking the greens and don’t get frustrated ifnyou 4-5 putt at least 2 greens! As a group of 4 we had similar putts on one of the greens on putt headed right to left, the next left to right, the third straight and the last to putt (me) had no idea what to do as 3 putts went in different directions from almost the same lie? forget the SW as you can putt out of the rock hard bunkers and prepare to lay up to 75% of the holes as the pin isn’t visible from majority of the tees. Disappointing, 1 star

36. Crownie | Rated | 27 Apr 2008 | Add A Review

I live locally and this course is really convenient and quite tricky but they have just put their prices up – $22 for 9 holes on a weekend is a rip off for this course. $35 for 18 is not much better. Come on team be reasonable.

PROS

  • technically challenging

Cons

  • rip off
37. eddie4golf | Rated | 15 Aug 2007 | Add A Review

7 par 3 plus 4 or 5 par fours that you tee off with a 5 iron then a sand wedge to the green, this course is an example of why golf technology needs to be restricted it will not be long before this is a par three course the course is in good condition but the layout is to short.

38. ltayl84 | Rated | 14 Jul 2007 | Add A Review

One word, short….... i mean, 7 par three’s? definitely challenging and well kept, but possibly one of the worst layouts ive seen. A lot of emphasis placed on accuracy, perhaps too much, but probably best to leave the driver at home.

39. shootsandl | Rated | 08 Apr 2007 | Add A Review

This course is the biggest hole ever. Any person in there right mind would not play here. Stay away, worst course i’ve ever played!

40. davemcd | Rated | 25 Sep 2006 | Add A Review

The whole feel of this course from the drive in to the pro shop to the course to the clubhouse is one of peace and tranquility. It is a very challenging course and you are likely to lose quite a few balls!

I enjoyed the whole day although fairly tired when I finished as the course is very hilly.

I am so taken with this course that I am in the process of becoming a member.

I recommend you do the same.

41. rosskd | Rated | 13 Apr 2006 | Add A Review

This course is very decieving and can get you into trouble very quickly if you are a wayward hitter. Very lush at the moment and the holes have been changed around eg: front nine now back nine and vice versa. Looks like alot of work is getting done as there is a new dam on the first which will catch you out also some old bunkers have been revived to life and make it more of a challange. Still right for price and now have a pro shop open with Russell O'Neill at the helm formerly from Ipswich. If you are after a challange then head on down to Karana Downs for a bash just bring some extra balls as you will loose them but you will have an excellent experience around this course.

42. lizamichelle | Rated | 23 Dec 2005 | Add A Review

What a beautiful course. Karana Downs has been taken over and run by new management as of September 05. It is obvious that the owners are avid golfers. The fairways are a major improvement on the past (they are now green) and the greens are faster then ever. I am a female golfer and although it is a very challenging course, it is still a lot of fun. Be very prepared to lose a few balls along the way!. My favourite hole is the 6th hole that runs parallel to the Brisbane River. I would recommend hiring a golf cart has the course is quiet undulating. Bring your family as there is a swimming pool and tennis courts. I spoke with management and the owners are extending some holes and making some wonderful improvements in general to the course and club. Highly recommend a day at Karana Downs ( Brisbane International).

43. rossmar | Rated | 07 Jun 2005 | Add A Review

Don't be fooled into thinking this course is easy because of the par 66 rating, being accurate not a big hitter is the order of the day around this picturesque course. No sign of the drought here, lush fairway's with even greener green's ( no pun intended) which are in great condition. The golf was very mediocre but even so we had a very enjoyable day, walking this very interesting,challenging and picturesque course.

44. evanlj | Rated | 10 May 2005 | Add A Review

When I first booked to play this course I thought "just what I need; a nice short course to get my confidence up after a long lay-off". The Lady that took the small green fee said, with a glint in her eye..."It's short but it is challenging". I headed off in total confidence looking forward to the challenge. I will not bore you with the details of my first round except to say I walked off devastated. My bag was lighter because I lost six balls. I gave up scoring because I ran out of ink. BUT...I went back and I continue to visit because this course sharpens your game. Accuracy and distance control is rewarded. There is little advantage offered to big hitters.

So, if you are going to challenge your big-hitting mate...choose this course...but have a couple of practice rounds first! I love this course because it makes me think and improves my golf.

Staff are friendly and the on-course players I found accommodating and friendly.

45. sdd12122000 | Rated | 28 Mar 2005 | Add A Review

So it's Easter Monday and you want to take the family for some golf. You choose a course that is supposed to be for families. You are thinking about taking out membership.

So you call to confirm not many people are playing today as you will be having a slow round, teaching the Missus and taking the ankle biters. You are told not many people are playing, and those that are are also taking their kids to teach them. Perfect!

I haven't played KD for years (but used to regularly). Despite having ownership changes etc etc and not playing for a while as the previous owners deciding vistors weren't allowed for a while, I had been told the course was wonderful now and all was sweetness and light.

Well, the course was exactly how it was last time I played, as per the other reviews here. The golf shop either wasn't open or had moved. I had to go to the bar to pay green fees. The staff were civil. We let some people play through. They were very friendly.

Then the course got choked up. That's ok. We were only there for 9 holes and waited our turn patiently on the 8th and 9th tees.

Then the Missus' first experience at golf was destroyed with some yobbos yelling at her from the 8th tee to hurry up and laughing amongst themselves about it. We were halfway down the ninth waiting for people to put out! while we were still waiting (for ages), they finished the eighth and hit up on us!

Won't be going back again with the wife and kids. Might go back myself with a hockey stick in the bag though...

Same old course. Reasonable condition. Crap day.

46. 1looby | Rated | 26 Jan 2005 | Add A Review

Pretty easy to find, leading to an average clubhouse facility. The style of it and the pro shop were sufficient but lacking in comfort and practicality. A round of 18 holes costs $16 with cart hire for same costing $26. A cart could be a good idea for this course because it is set in between a housing estate. It is an undulating course and the walk in between some of the holes is lengthy.

The first thing about the course is it is short in length, however is very lush and green. There is only one par 5 and seven par 3. Most the tee off areas are well presented and placed, requiring you to shoot smart and straight to hit the fairways. The fairways are for the most, undulating and narrow, often leading to greens of various styles. Some are raised, others are tiered, one or two have several contrasting undulations making reading the green difficult and a few are surrounded by water (the 16th and large deep bunkers (the 3rd). The greens are great and run nicely. I found the par 3's (1, 3, 5, 8, 12, 14 and 16) great holes to play. Smart attacking play on these holes gets rewards. The sole par 5 (11th) is narrow, undulating and I would say a 3 shotter for nearly 90% of players. All in all, it is a good testing course were smart play is rewarded, not people who can hit long. Make not mistake, this course is not forgiving. Bad or stray shots are punished.

The negatives on this course include the undulating land. I am reasonably fit and 34, but walking 18 holes is tiring. As a first timer on the course, I found the amenities such as seats, ball cleaners, tee direction signage and hole layout diagrams were lacking. Knowledge of what the hole presents for first timers would be useful, such as on the river bordering 6th. That mini grand canyon gorge 30m before the green is a surprise (didn't and cant see that coming). The staff are nice but a large number of players (later found out most were members whilst I was in the club house) were unwelcoming and forgetting basic golf manners such as letting people play through when appropriate. I acknowledge members place in the scheme but remember, visitors are potential new members (which I now wont be)

The positives are the beautiful surrounding, wildlife and views, making it a peaceful place to play. Also, it is a thinking golfers course. Use your head, not muscles and you should do well. The front 9 is good but the back 9 is the better half, mainly for the golfing challenge.

I had my doubts about this course due to the up and down of it and the reported attitude of persons in Karana Downs and the members. Even though some of this may appear true, I still enjoyed the views and the golfing challenge the course WILL give you. I will play there again, this time with course layout knowledge and hoping the majority of members are nice and it was a one of thing.

47. lackiy | Rated | 02 Sep 2004 | Add A Review

Pretty good golf course good greens nice views plus really cheap.

48. rtyarrow | Rated | 20 Nov 2003 | Add A Review

Having not played KD for some 8 years I was keen to see how the course was doing after hearing varying degrees of rumours about it's lack of condition. First suprise was having a 18hole game of golf for $15. Bargin. Second suprise was condition of greens and some of the fairways - they were in great condition. Some fairways suffered from where they were on the course regarding exposure to elements. The course was as tight and challenging as I remember. Long hitters are rewarded for having a go and short hitters rewarded for accruacy, stray however and risk double bogies or worse or in my case a quadruple on the river hole (6th). The Multi tiered greens were challenging but were true. The Par 3's from higher tee's (1,3,5 & 12) looking down to the greens usually across deep gullys were good tests of ones ability to judge distances. Overall a good day and will be returning for another game sooner then last time.

49. jmckay | Rated | 06 Nov 2002 | Add A Review

Short par 66 course with only one par 5, quite hilly but has some picturesque holes overlooking the Brisbane River. Despite being so short, this is a very challenging course with some daunting holes for the higher handicapper.

New management has brought life back to this course, showing a willingness to spend money on improvements and this has resulted in a significant increase in membership.

Price of membership represents great value for the Brisbane area.

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