Whaleback set for $8 million upgrade
Posted on: 3 June
The City of Canning’s popular Whaleback Golf Course, located in Parkwood, is set for an $8 million boost towards upgrading the driving range and food and beverage facilities.
At the City of Canning’s Ordinary Council Meeting in May, the council voted unanimously in favour of the extensive upgrades, which include the addition of entertainment bays at the driving range and an expansion of the Whaleback Café. All of the upgrades will be self-funded through the operations of the golfing facility.
“Whaleback is one of the most popular golfing facilities in Western Australia,” said City of Canning Mayor Patrick Hall. “Since the City took over operations 18 months ago, we have overseen major improvements to the offerings – and we are far from finished.
“Just last week, we completed our $2.5 million driving range netting project, where we had spectacular new netting, reaching as high as 36 metres, installed. The new netting has drastically improved golfer safety on the adjacent holes and, with fewer balls escaping the range, we are able to operate the facility more efficiently.”
“The new facilities are going to be very impressive,” continued Mayor Hall. “The entertainment bays will be state of the art, and the range will have improved hitting bays with the latest ball tracking technology. There will also be new toilet and kitchen facilities at the driving range.”
Visitors can also expect a larger, modern alfresco area that is better suited to keep up with the growing demands of the popular facility.
“We see Whaleback as much more than just a golf course. This significant investment will not only upgrade the facility for golfers, it will realise our vision of Whaleback being a vibrant a community destination where golf is played,” explained Mayor Hall. “We are confident that all Canning residents will enjoy these upgrades, whether they are golfers or not.”
The planned upgrades are expected to run from July to December and will rejuvenate and markedly improve the current facilities. The driving range will remain open during the construction periods, with some expected restrictions on the times of use, while Whaleback will be installing a temporary food and beverage facility.
The Whaleback Golf Course hosted an impressive 92,000 rounds of golf in 2024, with a total of 8.5 million golf balls struck on the driving range last year.