Premier Jeremy Rockliff has officially launched Northern Tasmania’s latest golfing attraction, where more than 800,000 golf balls have been hit in just seven weeks. The Range, featuring a multi-storey driving range and an 18-hole mini golf course, was formally opened on Sunday at Country Club Tasmania.
“The Range is not only a game changer for the local golfing community, it is also a boon to the tourism and hospitality sector,” Rockliff stated during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “We know one in six Tasmanian jobs are supported by the tourism industry and this facility has already created nearly 40 new jobs.”
A New Era for Tasmanian Golf
The Range is a state-of-the-art facility that includes advanced ball-tracking technology and lounge-style bays designed for comfort and friendly competition. This development follows a growing trend in the sports and leisure industry to combine technology with traditional activities, enhancing the user experience and broadening appeal.
Greg Farrell, Managing Director of Federal Group, highlighted the immediate popularity of the facility since its soft opening. “Already, in just over seven weeks since opening, well over 800,000 balls have been hit – that’s one every three seconds since opening – making it one of the busiest driving ranges in Australia,” Farrell noted.
Investment and Economic Impact
The Range is part of Federal Group’s broader investment in the precinct, which includes a $20 million transformation of the Championship golf course currently underway. “The Championship Course will sit among the best in the country. It will be one of only thirteen sand-capped courses in Australia,” Farrell said. The course, expected to be completed by the end of 2026, will feature eighteen stone bridges reflecting Tasmania’s convict-built heritage, along with two suspension bridges.
This development represents a significant investment in the local economy, with implications for job creation and tourism. According to sources, the tourism sector is a critical component of Tasmania’s economy, supporting a wide range of businesses from hospitality to retail.
Community and Wellbeing
Beyond economic benefits, Premier Rockliff emphasized the broader social impact of venues like The Range. “When you bring people together, people’s wellbeing is enhanced,” he said. Facilities such as this support families getting together, mates getting together, people of all ages and all abilities when it comes to golf.”
The announcement comes as Tasmania continues to position itself as a premier destination for both domestic and international tourists, with attractions that cater to diverse interests and demographics.
Looking Forward
The move represents a strategic effort to boost Tasmania’s profile in the sports tourism sector, which has seen increasing interest globally. As the Championship Course nears completion, the region is poised to attract golf enthusiasts from around the world, further cementing its status as a must-visit destination.
Meanwhile, local businesses and the community are expected to benefit from the influx of visitors, with potential for increased revenue and opportunities for local employment. The Range and its associated developments underscore the potential for sports and recreation facilities to drive economic growth and community engagement.
As Tasmania continues to develop its tourism infrastructure, the success of The Range could serve as a model for future projects, highlighting the importance of innovation and investment in regional development.
