Birdie’s Mini Golf Bar

Mini golf has hit the ‘burbs at Birdies Mini Golf Bar. Head out to the Dining and Entertainment precinct at Forest Hill Chase Shopping Centre and putt your way around the 18-hole course with a pint in hand.

With an urban meets industrial vibe, the venue features hand-painted murals designed by students at Swinburne University, a state-of-the-art sound system and a large screen to watch all your favourite sporting events. The food menu features quality local and Australian produce while the bar stocks an all-Australian line-up of 12 beers on tap, wines and spirits including 65 Australian gins (impressive!), showcasing some of the country’s leading craft brewers and independent wineries.

Milk Bar were invited for down for a round just before the Christmas break. Now, the art of mini golf for the average participant is a curious thing – there are no guarantees. On a hole with par 3, you might be right on the mark or, like me, right off it. (You don’t want to know how far off … okay, it was 12 all right? No need to share that around.) You’ll also find that certain characters emerge in your group. There’s the highly competitive one (cue much angst and many dramatic cries); the one who plays fast and loose with the rules (watch out for ball tampering); the one who seemingly cruises through like a pro; and the one who is horrifically inconsistent. I won’t name names – they know who they are!

Birdies isn’t your average brightly coloured, kitschy mini golf course. While kids are welcome, the setting definitely caters to the more adult crowd in both function and design. Each hole was decked out with aesthetically pleasing, curved wooden obstacles and metal pipe frameworks on a sleek, black turf. Golf partner TaylorMade has supplied the putters and balls, so you’ll feel like a pro no matter how many swings it takes.

The 18 holes were varied and increased in difficulty as you went along. We were a group of four and I don’t think you’d want many more than that. Some holes featured novelty elements like ‘The Barrels’ and ‘Loopy’ where you’ll need to decide whether to take the safe route or risk it all on a fun shortcut. Anything with a hill can lead to disastrous results (see the ‘Hidden Terror’). The last hole is by far the most fun and well thought out. The ‘3 Pointer’ features a ramp facing a basketball hoop which essentially functions as a funnel. Once you make your shot successfully, your ball is delivered back to the front desk. Despite how tricky it looks, this hole’s design ensures that pretty much anyone can make the shot (even me) – it’s a moment of engineering genius.

Afterwards you can celebrate (or commiserate) with a bite to eat as you reminisce on the great and not-so-great shots. Available for parties, private and corporate events, Birdies Mini Golf Bar offers amazing starter deals with a game of mini golf and drink for $20, pints of beer are $11, espresso martinis and margaritas are $10, and wines (rated at 94 points or above from Halliday) are also $10 a glass.

Birdies gives those outside of the city a fun space for a good time, a drink and a feed.

Birdie’s Mini Golf Bar
Forest Hill Chase Shopping Centre, The Loft, Level 3/270 Canterbury Road, Forest Hill, 3131
Open 7 days, Monday to Friday, 11am to 10pm, Saturday and Sunday, 1pm to 10pm
birdiesminigolf.com.au