In the 1970s, a private golf course in Riverton faced closure, with the land being developed for housing. The City of Canning recognised the need to provide a public golfing facility and in 1976 $80,000 was allocated for the development of a golf course.

The City decided on the large open space in Parkwood (then Lynwood). Sitting on Crown Land, the space was chosen as it provided a buffer between Parkwood residents and the industrial area of Canning Vale and the noise of Roe Highway.

The shape of the land resembled that of a whale and the road running along the north side followed the “whale’s back” – hence the name of Whaleback Avenue and subsequent name of the golf course.

Whaleback Golf Course was opened on 9 January 1981 by then Mayor Ern Clark.

Pictured above (left) is Mayor Ern Clark at the opening in 1981, with a re-enactment photo (right) taken on the 40^th anniversary in 2021 with Mayor Patrick Hall.

Improvements over time

Since the opening of Whaleback Golf Course many improvements have been made to add to the golfing experience and keep it modern.

Driving Range

In late 2002 the two-storey day/night driving range was completed. Toptracer Range was introduced in June 2019, just the second facility in Australia to include this ball tracking technology that tracks ball speed, accuracy, and distance of every shot in every bay.

Entrance

The entrance has undergone numerous changes over the years. Below are photos from 1985, 1992, and 2020.

Maintenance Shed

The Maintenance Shed was upgraded in 1992, below are the before and after photos.

Practice Green

The practice green is one of the most popular spots at Whaleback, particularly amongst children.

Tennis Courts and Community Facilities

In 1989 there were six tennis courts built, four of which are floodlit. A community hall, change rooms, and a new kiosk were also added to the complex at this time. The community hall was converted into a cafe and function facility in 2002.

World War II (WWII) involvement

While playing the course, you may see these unusual buildings around the 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th fairways.

The buildings were originally part of a secret radar station built during WWII. The buildings are integral to each other, as one was used as the operations room and the other its support generator room.

According to advice provided by past service personnel, the site previously included timber-framed structures used for sleeping and living quarters. The remaining structures were required to run the Radar Station, hence their concrete construction.

In 2018 the City and the R.A.A.F. Association of W.A. investigated the history of the station and discovered the station came into operation on 16 September 1943. It had seven commanding officers, the last being appointed on 1 April 1946.

The bunkers have since been re-purposed to accommodate local community groups.

History acknowledgement: City of Canning Heritage Services, whalebackgolf.com.au

Photo acknowledgement: Australia @ War by Peter Dunn (ozatwar.com)