Ocean Dunes Rebranded as King Links Following $38 Million Redevelopment

King Island’s Ocean Dunes golf course has officially been renamed King Links as part of an ongoing $38 million redevelopment project. The upgraded coastal site has adopted the King Crab as its new visual identity and will feature expanded resort amenities, including a 48-room hotel set to open on February 1, 2027, followed by a new clubhouse and on-course restaurant scheduled for completion in early 2028.

Island Impact and Employment Opportunities

King Island Mayor Marcus Blackie described the hotel project as a “game changer” that will deliver much-needed accommodation to attract additional golfers and tourists to the region.

The project has provided a noticeable boost to local employment during its construction phase. “The construction at the moment is employing a lot of people. In particular, local apprentices have been hired, which has been a fantastic win-win arrangement for King Island and for locals,” Blackie said. To support the expanded labor pool, temporary housing facilities were established on the island for the incoming construction crew. “So growing pains, but very good problems for a mayor to have,” Blackie added.

Among those working on site is Seth Bowling, a second-year carpentry apprentice and King Island local, who noted it was his first time working on a project of this scale. “I’ve been loving it,” Bowling said.

Seth Alroy, an apprentice carpenter who relocated to King Island from northern New South Wales roughly a year ago, shared a similar perspective on working on the island. “Everything’s a lot sort of slower and a lot more intimate,” Alroy said, adding that he would “100%” recommend the experience to others.

World-Class Tourism and Government Backing

King Links chair Andrew Muir highlighted the course’s global standing alongside neighboring Cape Wickham, placing it among the world’s top 50 bucket-list golf destinations. Addressing the financial structure supporting the project, Muir expressed gratitude to state officials, noting the club was “very thankful for the government and their support for their $10 million loan.”

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff emphasized that the redevelopment will “elevate Tasmania’s position as a leader on the international stage of golf.” “The rebirth of this spectacular course as King Links, King Island represents the next chapter in our state’s world-class tourism story,” Rockliff stated. He added that the construction work predominantly relies on Tasmanian labor, including seven local apprentices “who are gaining invaluable world-class trade experience.” “This isn’t just an investment in a premier global golf destination, it’s an investment in our people,” Rockliff said.

Broader Economic Momentum for King Island

Addressing historical constraints on local development, Rockliff observed that accommodation had previously been “a chicken and the egg thing when it comes to … development on the island.” However, he expressed confidence in the region’s current trajectory, citing broader economic drivers across the area.

“I just see we’re on the cusp of something fantastic for King Island,” Rockliff said, pointing to the secured local dairy industry, the reopened mine, and the world-class status of the island’s links courses, such as Cape Wickham and King Links. “I see [it] as a real opportunity for growth on the island,” he stated.

Echoing this positive outlook, Tourism Tasmania chief executive Sarah Kingston Clark noted that the rebrand and expanded offerings will give more visitors a reason to make the journey to the island.