Looking for some fun and fresh air? Here’s your guide to Perth’s thriving disc golf scene

Some people think they’re bird feeders, some have mistaken them for possum catchers, and at a glance, some have thought they’re rubbish bins….

Article by Joey Darbyshire, Sue Summers, Jason McCormick, Karen Mummery

So, what ARE those funny looking bins with chains popping up around Perth and what are they for? The answer is they’re holes for disc golf!

A new version of golf is taking the city by storm. Disc golf is similar to golf but rather than using a club and ball, the player throws a disc (commonly referred to as a frisbee) from a tee-off area and attempts to land it into a specially designed basket in the least number of throws possible.

With almost all courses completely free to play, gear being extremely affordable and the sport being incredibly fun, it’s no wonder disc golf is one of the world’s fastest growing sports. All you need to start playing disc golf is a golf disc or starter pack of three of the main types of golf discs (they come in putters, mid-ranges and drivers, like golf clubs).

Discs can be purchased online or instore from a number of dedicated retailers in WA, including Disc Golf Warehouse, Disc Connection and the Flying Disc Store. Then get yourself to one of a growing number of disc golf courses – many of which are free to use.

Perth boasts some of the premier disc golf courses in the country, so much so that World Flying Disc Federation 2024 World Team Disc Golf Championship is headed to WA later this year, taking over the Mundaring Sporting Club Disc Golf from November 6-9!

To help you get in the spirit and start your disc golfing career, here’s a list of ten of the best places to begin your disc golf journey (all free to play except Mundaring and Pine Lines):

Mundaring Sporting Club

Mundaring Sporting Club Disc Golf (MSC DG) is home to one of Australia’s premier championship courses. With an incredible 72 holes (and counting), MSCDG is pay to play with courses for every level from beginner to touring pro. Utilising the dramatic natural beauty of the Perth hills and the ample space afforded by the lengthy golf course fairways, the courses of MSCDG have something to offer every player. Whether you are in the trees battling tight gaps, showing off your muscles bombing down the fairway or enjoying a relaxing social game with family or friends, MSCDG has it all.

This year MSCDG has the privilege of hosting both the World Flying Disc Federation 2024 World Team Disc Golf Championships (WTDGC24) and the Aussie Open 2024, two international tournaments that will attract a host of top professionals and skilled amateurs from around the world. Whether you want to test your skills or just watch some of the best disc golfers in the world, these tournaments are a must attend. Mundaring is known the world over for being a highlight destination for disc golf in Australia so make sure you put it at the top of your list.

665 Coolgardie Street, Mundaring

Rob Hancock Memorial Disc Golf Course

One of Australia’s first permanent disc golf courses (and still free to play), Rob Hancock Memorial Disc Golf Course is located at Cockman Park in Greenwood and is Perth Disc Golf Club (PDGC)’s spiritual home of disc golf. Named for the late Rob Hancock, a widely respected pioneer of disc golf in Perth, this course has a rich history and holds a special place in the heart of many local players. The course will test the best players with punishing obstacles and unforgiving terrain. You’ll need to have a broad skillset to master this course as it demands a wide range of different shot shapes and lengths. The course is also home to PDGC’s most popular league day on the first Sunday of every month for those looking to take their first steps in the competitive scene.

54 Cookman Road, Greenwood

McFaull Park Disc Golf Course

In the spacious, friendly atmosphere of McFaull Park in Spearwood, this course excites and challenges all who step out onto its plains. The jewel in the crown of south- of-the-river disc golf, this course is home to Perth Disc Golf Club’s other year-round league day, held on the last Saturday of almost every month. McFaull Park has holes that even the biggest throwers in the country would struggle to reach but is perfectly balanced with shorter holes that require finesse and precision. Situated around the corner from retailer Disc Golf Warehouse, McFaull is a great place to pick up some discs and start your journey.

McFaull Park, Spearwood

Chichester Park Disk Golf Course

There’s a reason that Chichester Park was the most played course in Australia last year. With 18 holes and plenty of space it offers something for everybody. With an average hole length of around 60m it’s perfect for those just starting out on the sport or a casual round with the whole family. For those who have been playing a while it offers the chance to score some aces (hole in ones). Chichester Park is the perfect destination to experience how disc golf is a sport that everyone can enjoy.

109 Trappers Drive, Woodvale

Fantasy Park Disc Golf Course

Fantasy Park in the City of Rockingham marks the full stop on your disc golf journey down Perth’s southern corridor. For those who are fans of links golf, this is as close as you are going to find in disc golf. A seemingly gentle course on first inspection with some shorter, highly scorable holes, anyone who has stopped at Fantasy Park Disc Golf Course on a summer afternoon is well aware that this course has teeth. When the sea breeze picks up, this course becomes challenging and even the most confident players go into damage limitation mode as discs ride the wind like runaway kites. It’s still a fun and accessible course for beginners however. This course has nine baskets and 18 tee pads, with an alternate layout for the back nine.

Rand Avenue, Waikiki

Curtin University Disc Golf Course

One of Perth’s hidden gems, Curtin University Disc Golf Course is a local favourite. Not too easy, not too hard, it is the perfect course for any occasion. Located on the university campus, the course wraps around what was once a lake. Formerly a treacherous trap for disc to be swallowed up by its watery depths, the lake has dried up, but for disc golf purists, playing the lakebed as out of bounds brings another layer of difficulty. With short holes, long holes, holes that go left, holes that go right, Curtin is a well-balanced course, and you will need every shot in the toolkit to master this one. Another course with nine baskets and 18 teepads, there is always plenty of variety here.

Centenary of Federation Walk, Karawara

Taylor Reserve Disc Golf Course

Straddling the line between the north- and south-of-the-river disc golf communities, Taylor Reserve Disc Golf Course sits as close to neutral ground as you can get. With breathtaking river and city views, Taylor Reserve sits on the foreshore of the Swan River in Victoria Park. The most central course in Perth, the course is just a short drive over the causeway from the CBD. Making great use of the space provided, Taylor Reserve mixes sprawling par 4s that stretch the length of the park with tight, tricky holes where you may be required to get the disc to bend 90 degrees or hit a gap the size of a watermelon. Be prepared for anything.

Taylor Street, Victoria Park

Alexander Heights Disc Golf Course

On the edge of Perth in the City of Wanneroo, Alexander Heights is the course for those in the upper reaches of the suburbs. The course is a great opportunity to practice your forehand and backhand with a wide variety of holes. But be careful, for some of these holes you are going to need a selection of different discs to achieve some of the unique shot shapes required. Nearby retailer Disc Connection can provide you with all your disc needs to get you started.

Green Park Road, Alexander Heights

Dick Lawrence Oval Disc Golf Course

Located at Hilton Park in Beaconsfield, on the outskirts of Fremantle, Dick Lawrence Disc Golf Course is a perfect course for beginners. The starting point for many players, the hills and trees on the edge of the football oval provide a beautiful backdrop for your game which means that even if the golf is going badly, you’ll still have a lovely walk. This course is short and gentle with some of the most forgiving holes in the city. It is a fantastic place to find your groove before moving on to some of the tougher courses in the area. With a friendly local community that meets to play regularly, Dick Lawrence is a fantastic place to connect with the disc golf community.

Hilton Reserve, Beaconsfield

Pine Lines Disc Golf Course

As the name suggests, this picturesque beauty is nestled in a pine plantation in Gidgegannup on a private property. Designed to challenge even the best disc golfers among us, Pine Lines is like no other course in the state. Tight fairways and unforgiving rough are what gives this course its unique and special feel. Being on a private property, it is pay to play and you’ll need to contact the owner for access.

Private Property, Gidgegannup

If you want to get involved with a local club or learn more about the Perth disc golf community, Mundaring Disc Golf Club, Perth Disc Golf Club and Sunset Coast Disc Golf Club are excellent resources. Offering tournaments, league days, and events, these organisations are a great way to meet other disc golfers in Perth and stay up to date on local disc golf events.

The Australian Disc Golf website also offers a wealth of disc golf resources for everyone from newcomers to seasoned players.