Looking for something fun, different, and toddler-friendly in Sydney? After weeks of the same park routine, our family tried a spontaneous round of mini golf at City Golf Gordon — and it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable family activities we’ve done together!
Inspired by our preschooler Benji’s curiosity about “putt putt,” we ditched the bikes, jumped in the car, and gave this North Shore mini golf course a go. Spoiler alert: Benji’s already asking when we can return! Here’s everything you need to know about our City Golf Gordon Review 2025 before you visit this hidden family entertainment gem.
What Is City Golf Gordon?
City Golf Gordon is a European-designed, 18-hole miniature golf course located on Sydney’s North Shore.
What sets this venue apart? Each hole can be played two or three different ways, giving variety for both beginners and more experienced mini golf enthusiasts.
The course is outdoors, floodlit for evening play, and maintained to a professional standard that puts many indoor play centers to shame.
With onsite parking and a casual kiosk, it’s designed to be family-friendly, social, and accessible for parents juggling kids, gear, and the inevitable “Are we there yet?” questions.
Getting There & Essential Logistics for Families
Address: 817 Pacific Highway, Gordon NSW 2072
Family-Friendly Opening Hours
- Thursday: 11am–5pm
- Friday: 11am–9pm (perfect for after-school treats!)
- Saturday & Sunday: from 10am (till 9pm evenings)
- Public Holidays: usually 10am–5pm
- School holidays: open daily (a lifesaver for parents!)
Important for families: Last entry is 1 hour before closing — don’t make the mistake we nearly did!
Parking & Access: Onsite parking is available, but here’s the parent hack — the entry is directly off the Pacific Highway southbound. Slow down early or you’ll overshoot like we almost did with excited kids in the backseat.
City Golf Gordon Pricing: Honest Value Assessment for Families
Current 2025 Pricing
- Preschoolers (2–5 years, with playing adult): $9
- Children (6–17 years): $15
- Adults (18+): $19
- Seniors/Disability card holders: $15
- Family pass (2 adults + 2 kids): $63
- Second round bonus (same players, same day): half price
Every entry includes a putter, ball, scorecard, and pencil. The onsite kiosk stocks drinks, ice creams, chips, chocolates, and lollies — because no family outing is complete without snacks!
Real Parent Cost Comparison
For our visit, we paid $47 for two adults and one preschooler. To put this in perspective with other Sydney family entertainment options:
- Kids’ theatre shows (The Gruffalo’s Child): $154 for three tickets
- Disney on Ice: $172 for three tickets
- Indoor play café sessions: ~$30/hour
- Timezone arcade visits: ~$35
- Bounce trampoline sessions: ~$20 per person
City Golf Gordon sits perfectly in the sweet spot — more special than everyday activities, but won’t break the family entertainment budget.
The Family Experience: What Parents Really Need to Know
Walking onto the course, I was immediately impressed by how well-maintained and inviting it looked. The 18 holes offer genuine variety that kept both adult attention and toddler excitement levels high. From tunnels and creative obstacles to water-based tubes that transport balls, there’s enough visual interest to prevent the dreaded “I’m bored” complaints.
For Parents with Toddlers
Benji absolutely loved it! He dashed ahead from hole to hole with pure excitement. The course is definitely toddler-friendly, though kids under 6 need close supervision — both for safety and to prevent them racing ahead like our enthusiastic preschooler did.
Realistic Timing Expectations
The estimated 45–60 minutes felt spot-on for our family pace. We took slightly longer due to natural breaks (including the inevitable toilet stop), but never felt rushed or pressured.
Atmosphere & Crowd Management
The relaxed vibe was perfect. We saw toddlers, primary school kids, teenagers, parents, and couples all enjoying the course. Our Sunday afternoon visit didn’t feel overcrowded, and staff were proactive in maintaining play conditions throughout.
What Worked Brilliantly: The Parent Perspective
The Magic Moments:
- Benji’s pure joy: Watching him laugh and problem-solve each hole was the highlight
- Clever course design: Variety for both kids and adults
- Professional maintenance: Clean, tidy, and cared-for throughout
- Practical convenience: Easy parking and snacks onsite reduced stress
- Bonus discovery: Chubby Buns Burgers across the road — perfect post-golf treat!
Honest Assessment: Areas for Improvement
Minor Challenges We Encountered:
- Highway entrance: Easy to miss when distracted by kids
- Very young toddlers: May find waiting turns difficult
- Weather dependency: Light rain is fine, but heavy rain may close the course
- Limited rest areas: More seating and shade would help parents
Who Should Visit City Golf Gordon?
Perfect For
- Toddlers (with supervision)
- Preschoolers (sweet spot age group!)
- School-aged children (developing patience & coordination)
- Teenagers (fun in groups)
- Adults (genuinely entertaining, not just “for the kids”)
Ideal Visit Times
- Weekends: Manageable crowds
- Friday evenings: Floodlit course = great atmosphere
- School holidays: Reliable backup activity
Group Size Recommendations
- Families of 2–6 people
- Larger groups (8+): book ahead
Kids Party Packages: City Golf Gordon vs Bounce vs Timezone
Birthday parties are one of the biggest costs for parents, and the venue you choose can make or break the experience. City Golf Gordon offers affordable, outdoor packages, while Bounce Inc and Timezone/Zone Bowling provide high-energy indoor alternatives. Here’s how they compare.
City Golf Gordon Kids Parties (2025)
Package #1 – Standard ($25 per child)
- One round of 18-hole mini golf (60–75 mins)
- 2-hour covered table hire
- All golf equipment supplied
- Popcorn, Cheezels, cordial & water
- Zooper Dooper ice block for each child
- Birthday invitations, tablecloth, cups & plates
- FREE return pass for the birthday child
- BYO food & cake allowed
- $250 minimum (10 kids), $25 per extra child
- $100 non-refundable booking fee
Package #2 – Premium ($40 per child)
- Everything in Standard package PLUS:
- Unlimited putt putt for the duration of the party
- Dedicated party host (game rules & guidance)
- Choice of hot meal (hamburger sliders & chips OR nuggets & chips)
- Cordial & water included
- $400 minimum (10 kids), $40 per extra child
- $200 non-refundable booking fee
Note: The birthday child must be 6 years or older.
Bounce Inc – Ultimate Party ($39 per child)
- Minimum 10 kids required
- Includes:
- 20 minutes Welcome: host greeting, socks, safety briefing
- 60 minutes Bounce time: Free Jump, Dodgeball, Big Bag & more
- 40 minutes Party room: customised food package + birthday cake
- Dedicated party host throughout
- Official Bounce grip socks for everyone
- Unique birthday socks for the birthday child
- 2 free coffees for parents
- Optional extras: party bags, pizza platters, wedges, ice cream cake, etc.
- Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free catering available
Cost Example: ~$390 for 10 kids (pricing varies by venue)
Best for: ages 6+ who want high-energy action.
Timezone / Zone Bowling – Epic Party ($39.90 per child)
- Minimum 10 kids required
- Includes:
- 1 game of bowling
- 45 minutes of Time Play (unlimited arcade games)
- 400 Powertickets for each child
- 1,200 Powertickets for the birthday child
- 45 minutes in a party area
- Kid’s meal included
- Ticket Blaster experience
- Party host provided
- $399 for 10 kids
- $100 deposit required
Best for: kids who love arcades and prizes, mixed with bowling.
Which Party Is Best Value?
- City Golf Gordon (from $25pp): The cheapest by far if you choose the Standard BYO package. Outdoor, unique, and flexible for parents who want to control food costs.
- Bounce ($39pp): The ultimate active party for kids who love trampolines and high-energy play. Structured and fun, but pricier.
- Timezone ($39.90pp): Great for kids who love arcade games and tickets. The Ticket Blaster and Powertickets add a novelty factor kids rave about.
Parent Verdict: If you want budget-friendly, outdoors, and flexible — City Golf Gordon’s $25pp option is unbeatable. If your child is all about energy and action, go with Bounce. For kids who are more into games and prizes, Timezone is the winner.
Cost vs Value: Where It Ranks in Sydney Family Entertainment
Compared to other Sydney activities, City Golf Gordon delivers excellent value. It’s the middle ground between free activities (parks, beaches) and high-cost events (shows, theme parks).
Think of it as your “special but not splurge” family activity — memorable, affordable, and flexible. For an hour of outdoor fun that genuinely engages multiple age groups, it’s hard to beat.
Final Family Recommendation: Should You Visit?
Absolutely yes! Our spontaneous City Golf Gordon trip exceeded expectations and broke us out of the weekend rut. It gave Benji his first proper mini golf experience while creating lasting memories.
Would we return? Definitely. It’s simple, affordable, and fun for everyone.
Parent Tip: Visit on a sunny day, arrive early, and finish with burgers across the road. You’ll thank yourself later!
Related Family Reviews You Might Like
If you found this City Golf Gordon review helpful, you might also enjoy our other family activity write-ups:
- Dinos Alive Sydney 2024 Review – Step back in time with life-size dinosaurs and interactive exhibits perfect for kids.
- Calmsley Hill City Farm Review – A hands-on day out feeding farm animals, tractor rides, and sheep shearing shows.
Both are great additions to your family activity bucket list in Sydney!
Essential FAQs for Planning Your Visit
Do you need to book ahead?
Not usually, but groups of 8+ should book.
How long does a round take?
Plan for 45–60 minutes, depending on age and group size.
Is it toddler-friendly?
Yes — but kids under 6 must be supervised by a playing adult.
What about wet weather?
Light rain = play continues. Heavy rain = likely closure.
What’s the latest you can start?
Last game sold 1 hour before closing.
Snacks allowed?
The kiosk covers basics. For special dietary needs, check ahe
Do they host kids’ parties?
Yes — City Golf Gordon offers both Standard ($25pp) and Premium ($40pp) packages, making it one of the most cost-effective kids’ party venues in Sydney