Golf Course Thrives on Remote Australian Island

A unique golf course has emerged on Truwana/Cape Barren Island, a remote community in Bass Strait, thanks to a suggestion made by Furley Gardner in 2013. Her son, John Gardner, recalls the moment during a public meeting when she proposed the idea of establishing a golf course. "We were all getting up ready to leave and then Mum put her hand up in the air," he said. The local Aboriginal community had been managing the island since 2005, following the return of the land from the Tasmanian government.

When Furley raised the idea, support was immediate. "I said, 'Ah well, that's it, it's going to happen,'" John remembered. With the backing of the local Aboriginal Association Inc. and the Aboriginal Land Council, John began to clear the land, leading to the creation of Marra Wunna Golf Course. Although Furley was not an avid golfer, she was delighted to see her idea come to life. John honored her by naming her the course's patron, stating, "She was pretty important."

Marra Wunna offers stunning views that rival those of any prestigious golf course in Australia. However, it is not frequented by wealthy tourists or corporate players. Instead, the atmosphere is relaxed, with no strict dress code. "You score an advantage if a crow steals your ball. And shoes are optional," John noted. He volunteers as the course's caretaker, taking on multiple roles including greenkeeper and organizer. "It's a place to come and nobody worries about anything but the golf … we don't have any carry-on," he said.

The course's name, Marra Wunna, is a playful twist that brings smiles to those who say it. John emphasizes that the name does not promote drugs but adds a lighthearted touch to the course's identity. Unlike other golf destinations in Tasmania, such as King Island, where greens fees can reach hundreds of dollars, Marra Wunna is free for locals. "It was done for the community right from the word go," John explained.

The course hosts a weekly hole-in-one competition, where players contribute a few dollars to create a prize pool. This event has become a staple for the island's approximately 80 residents. Luana Towney, a regular player, shared her experience: "It doesn't matter if you're good at golf or not, people support you and people laugh at each other." The local school also organizes golf days, encouraging children to participate.

Tim Maynard, one of the island's top players, enjoys the camaraderie of the game. "I reckon it feels better when someone else gets a good shot in and you can celebrate it, join in it," he said. This spirit of celebration is central to the Marra Wunna experience. John has even added backboards on the greens to make the game more accessible. "It's all set up to not make things too hard for anybody," he stated.

Buck Brown, a senior ranger on the island, reflected on the community's connection to the course. While golf is not a traditional sport for Aboriginal people, it has become an integral part of life on the island. "One of the strongest things I've seen in this community, to actually pull the community together, has been this golf club," Buck said. He noted that the course encourages residents to get outside and enjoy their surroundings.

John takes pride in the course he has cultivated. "Especially the day after I've mowed, there's a certain smell out here then, you've got fresh-cut grass," he said. He finds joy in maintaining the course, particularly on sunny mornings when the beauty of the landscape shines through.

Marra Wunna Golf Course stands as a testament to community spirit and the joy of simple pleasures in life.