Major upgrades to the City of Wanneroo’s public golf courses are set to modernise facilities, expand recreation opportunities and support the future of golf in the northern suburbs.
Carramar Golf Course is a step closer to a major refurbishment following development approval from the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC), while a separate development application is also under consideration for Marangaroo.
Together, the proposed upgrades will deliver improved golf, hospitality and social facilities at both venues, helping the City respond to changing community expectations and growing interest in both on-course and off-course golf experiences.
At Carramar, the revamped facilities will include a single-level, 33-bay undercover, floodlit driving range, 10 dedicated grass bays, automated ball distribution and collection, a refurbished pro shop with simulator and tuition room, a new commercial kitchen, lounge area, outdoor deck overlooking the 18th green, upgraded changerooms and an electric cart storage facility.
At Marangaroo, subject to WAPC approval, plans include a new clubhouse comprising a fully integrated pro shop and changerooms, a two-level, 44-bay undercover driving range with smart golf technology, improved indoor and outdoor hospitality areas and extra parking.
The Marangaroo course opened in 1988. Carramar was built in 1994. Both are managed by Belgravia Leisure on behalf of the City.
The estimated project costs are $10 million for Carramar and $16 million for Marangaroo. In line with the City’s Long Term Financial Plan, and subject to budget adoption, funding is expected to come from a mix of reserves and loans.
Construction could start as soon as August 2026.
Wanneroo Mayor Linda Aitken said Carramar and Marangaroo had been important community facilities for decades and the upgrades would help ensure they continued to meet the needs of current and future users.
“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,” she 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.
“These upgrades will improve the experience for existing players while also creating more opportunities for women, young people, families and social players to get involved.
“They will also strengthen the role our courses play as local destinations for recreation, social connection and hospitality.”
The upgrades support the City’s Golf Courses Strategic Plan 2024-2039, which sets a long-term direction to modernise both courses and create more accessible, welcoming and financially sustainable public golf facilities.
According to Golf Australia’s 2024-25 Participation Report, more than four million adults played the sport during that period – the highest total ever recorded. Off-course participation is also growing strongly, with 1.6 million Australians using driving ranges, indoor simulators and golf entertainment venues.
In Western Australia, junior participation in MyGolf programs increased by 34 per cent to 3,022 participants, while 1,228 adults signed up to Get into Golf programs, 83.8 per cent of whom were women.
Belgravia Leisure Business Operations Manager Douglas Bailey said the upgrades would better position both venues to meet growing demand and broaden their appeal.
“Golf is no longer just about traditional course play. 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,” he said.
“These upgrades will make both venues more welcoming and accessible to a broader cross-section of the community, including younger people, women and those trying the game for the first time.
“We are excited to work with the City to help deliver facilities that support participation, improve the customer experience and strengthen the role these courses play in the community.”