The City of Wanneroo is moving forward with a $26 million redevelopment of its two public golf courses, Carramar and Marangaroo, in a bid to modernise facilities and cater to a growing number of golfers in Perth's northern suburbs.
Carramar Golf Course Upgrades
Carramar Golf Course will receive a $10 million makeover, featuring a new 33-bay undercover, floodlit driving range. The range will include 10 dedicated grass bays and automated ball distribution and collection. Plans also include a refurbished pro shop with a simulator and tuition room, a new commercial kitchen and lounge area, an outdoor deck overlooking the 18th green, upgraded changerooms, and an electric cart storage facility. The project aims to modernise the course, which has seen little change since its opening in 1994.
Marangaroo Golf Course Upgrades
Marangaroo Golf Course will undergo a $16 million redevelopment, including a new clubhouse with a fully integrated pro shop and changerooms, as well as a double-storey, 44-bay undercover driving range equipped with smart golf technology. The upgrades also feature improved indoor and outdoor hospitality areas and additional parking. Marangaroo, which opened in 1988, has also had minimal updates over the years.
Timeline and Approval
The Carramar project has received approval from the WA Planning Commission and is expected to begin construction as early as August 2026. Both projects are subject to final budget adoption by the council, with funding anticipated from reserves and loans, consistent with the city's long-term financial plan.
Mayor's Comments
Wanneroo Mayor Linda Aitken emphasised the importance of the upgrades, stating that Carramar and Marangaroo have long been valued public golf courses and these improvements will ensure they continue to serve the community. She noted that golf is evolving, with increasing demand for modern, accessible facilities that appeal to a broader range of users, including women, young people, families, and social players.
Strategic Plan and Participation Trends
The upgrades align with the city's golf courses strategic plan 2024–2039, which aims to modernise both courses and create more accessible, welcoming, and financially sustainable public golf facilities. Golf participation in Australia has reached an all-time high, with over four million people playing in some format in 2024-25. This surge has prompted several local governments in Perth to invest in public courses, including the City of Stirling's $20 million upgrade at Hamersley Public Golf Course, the City of Canning's upgrade of Whaleback driving range, the City of Fremantle's upgrades to Fremantle Public Golf Course, and the City of South Perth's $19.8 million upgrade at Collier Park Golf Course.
Management and Future Outlook
Since 2022, both courses have been managed by Belgravia Leisure on behalf of the City. Belgravia Leisure business operations manager Douglas Bailey expressed confidence that the upgrades will meet growing demand and broaden the courses' appeal, particularly among younger people, women, and beginners. He highlighted that golf is no longer just about traditional course play, with increasing engagement through driving ranges, beginner programs, and social formats, creating new opportunities for public courses like Carramar and Marangaroo.
