Nullarbor Links Hole 1 – Oyster Beds is a unique and exciting golf course located in Ceduna, South Australia, as part of the Nullarbor Links – The World's Longest Golf Course. Spanning a staggering 1,365 kilometres along the Eyre Highway, this par 72 course comprises 18 holes, with each hole situated in a participating town or roadhouse from Kalgoorlie in Western Australia to Ceduna. Hole 1, Oyster Beds, is an excellent representation of the course's rugged and natural terrain fairway style.
The project was conceived and executed by the Eyre Highway Operators Association (EHOA), a retail-based community organisation aimed at boosting tourism and supporting businesses along the Eyre Highway. The Nullarbor Links concept was developed to provide an additional attraction for travellers passing through the region, hence encouraging them to spend more time and money in the area. By combining the world's largest industry, tourism, with one of the most popular sports, golf, the course not only enhances the region's tourism industry but also offers visitors a quintessential Australian experience.
Nullarbor Links Hole 1 – Oyster Beds showcases the potential for this unique tourism product. It invites golfers to immerse themselves in the outback surroundings and challenges them with its rugged fairways and natural greens. As Australia's longest golf course, it attracts golfing tourists who not only stay longer but also spend more money, making golf tourism a lucrative market for the region. By offering employment opportunities and attracting new businesses and people to the communities along the highway, the course has a positive “flow-on” effect for the entire region.
The project's success lies in the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved. The Eyre Highway Operators Association implemented a well-structured management approach, with a representative board and a dedicated chief executive officer overseeing the project. With carefully developed operating procedures and corporate governance regimes, the course was professionally managed, ensuring the satisfaction of all participants and the ultimate success of the endeavour.
Nullarbor Links Hole 1 – Oyster Beds represents much more than just a golf course. It is an opportunity to showcase the beauty of the Australian outback, promote cross-state tourism, and generate income for smaller communities along the highway. With its challenging fairways and breathtaking scenery, this golf course is not to be missed by any golf enthusiast or traveller passing through Ceduna. So, embark on a journey along the Eyre Highway and experience the world's longest golf course at Nullarbor Links Hole 1 – Oyster Beds.