Major upgrades: Buildings & Driving Range (August 2025 – February 2026)

Whaleback set for $8m upgrades

From August 2025, we will begin extensive upgrades ($8 million) to the Whaleback. The Whaleback Driving Range will be renewed, including the addition of new Driving Range Technology and the addition of scalable Entertainment Bays. We will also add a new kitchen and toilets at the Range. This follows a $2.5 million investment in improved Driving Range netting, completed in June 2025.

The Driving Range experience (hitting bays, technology) will be modernised and transformed into one of the best ranges in WA.

Further investment includes the upgrade of the Whaleback Café, buildings and alfresco area. This will ensure that the facility is a place where non-golfers are welcome and the Canning community can connect through food, entertainment and shared experiences.  

All upgrades will be self-funded from Whaleback’s operational profits.

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Whaleback Upgrades 2025 FAQs

What upgrades will be taking place?

We will be upgrading both the Driving Range and the main Whaleback building, which houses the Café, toilets, and alfresco area.

At the Range, we will be improving the hitting bays, refreshing the ball-tracking technology and adding unique entertainment bay options. We will also be adding much needed toilet and kitchen facilities.

At the main building, all of the upgrades will be internal – with upgrades to the the Café and the alfresco area – where the roof will be raised and extended. We will also be upgrading the men’s and women’s toilets.

Why are you making these upgrades?

The Whaleback Food & Beverage facility is now over 40 years old and is in need of modernisation. This gives us the chance to create a new food & beverage facility that keeps up with current customer needs and attracts non-golfers from the local community. 

The Range is now over 20 years old and is starting to show its age. Upgrading the hitting bays and adding entertainment bays will elevate the status of Whaleback to one of the finest golfing facilities in Perth. It will also make it more inviting to beginners or non golfers.

When will the upgrades begin?

The Range work is scheduled to begin in early August, while the Food & Beverage upgrades should start towards the end of August/early September. Work should continue until the end of January 2026, however we will have temporary F&B facilities in place and the Range will remain open, with some restrictions.

What is the total investment?

In total, the upgrades will cost $8 million, but it is important to note that they are entirely self-funded from Whaleback’s operational profits.

How will the golf offerings be affected during construction?

The Whaleback golf course will remain open through the construction period, so there will be no difference there, other than the temporary F&B facilities and toilets.

We aim to keep the Driving Range open through the construction period, with reduced capacity, as a number of bays will be closed off for renovation at any given time.

To facilitate the upgrade works, all of the range technology will need to be removed for a period of time – but we will be adding clear distance markers on the range and offering a ‘reno rate’ during this time.

Will I still be able to get some food and drinks?

Absolutely! We will have a temporary food truck in place and will offer a tasty, but limited, menu. We will also have the full range of drinks available – and a covered area to sit and enjoy them.

What else will be affected?

• Parking: To accommodate two sets of contractors on site, we will have some parking bays roped off, but overflow parking area by the tennis courts remains available.
• Ablutions: The toilets in the main building will be closed, but we will have temporary toilets available, as well as the toilets adjacent to the 10^th tee.
• Noise: We can expect some noise disruptions during the construction period. We apologise in advance and will endeavour to keep this to a minimum.
• Function Room: The Whaleback Function Room will be closed for bookings during this period.

How can I stay updated about the progress of the upgrades?

Keep coming back to this page, as we will be regularly updating it to keep users informed about things like opening hours, new menus and any unanticipated impacts of the works.

You can also keep an eye on our socials or sign up for our eNewsletter.