Wanneroo Invests $26 Million to Modernize Carramar and Marangaroo Golf Courses

The City of Wanneroo has announced a $26 million redevelopment plan for its public golf courses, a move designed to modernize facilities and meet a surging demand for both traditional and off-course golf experiences in Perth’s northern suburbs.

Following the recent momentum of golf entertainment projects in Western Australia, such as the LaunchPad Golf facility at Fremantle Public Golf Course, the City of Wanneroo is moving forward with significant capital works at its two primary venues: Carramar Golf Course and Marangaroo Golf Course.

Project Approvals and Scope

Carramar Golf Course is now one step closer to its major refurbishment after receiving development approval from the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC). A separate development application for Marangaroo is currently under consideration.

The proposed upgrades focus on diversifying the use of the land, incorporating hospitality and high-tech practice facilities alongside traditional play.

Carramar ($10 million): Plans include a single-level, 33-bay undercover, floodlit driving range with automated ball distribution and collection. The site will also feature 10 grass bays, a refurbished pro shop with a simulator and tuition room, a new commercial kitchen, an outdoor deck overlooking the 18th green, and an electric cart storage facility.

Marangaroo ($16 million): Subject to WAPC approval, the site will receive a new clubhouse integrating a pro shop and changing rooms, a two-level 44-bay undercover driving range equipped with smart golf technology, and expanded indoor and outdoor hospitality areas.

Construction is slated to begin as early as August 2026, with funding sourced through a combination of City reserves and loans in accordance with the Long Term Financial Plan.

Responding to Industry Growth

The investment aligns with the City’s Golf Courses Strategic Plan 2024-2039. Recent data from Golf Australia’s 2024-25 Participation Report highlights a record four million adults playing the sport, with 1.6 million Australians specifically engaging in off-course formats like driving ranges and simulators.

Wanneroo Mayor Linda Aitken noted that the upgrades are essential to evolving with the community’s changing habits.

“Carramar and Marangaroo have long been valued public golf courses for our community and these upgrades are about making sure they continue to serve them well into the future,” Mayor Aitken said. “Golf is changing and we are seeing growing demand for facilities that are more modern, accessible and welcoming to a broader range of users.”

The Mayor emphasized that the new facilities would create more opportunities for women, families, and social players, strengthening the courses’ roles as local destinations.

Broadening the Appeal

In Western Australia, junior participation in MyGolf programs recently rose by 34 per cent, and over 80 per cent of new “Get into Golf” adult participants were women. Belgravia Leisure, which manages both sites for the City, believes the infrastructure must reflect these demographics.

“Golf is no longer just about traditional course play,” said Douglas Bailey, Belgravia Leisure Business Operations Manager. “We are seeing more people engage through driving ranges, beginner programs and social formats, and that is creating new opportunities for public courses like Carramar and Marangaroo.”

Bailey added that the upgrades will position the venues to be more welcoming to those trying the game for the first time while improving the experience for the existing player base.