Perth Surf Park: Long-awaited $120 million project finally kicks off early works

Early works have officially begun on the long-awaited $120 million Perth Surf Park, which will be one of the largest wave pools in the southern hemisphere.

Speaking to PerthNow, surf park developer Aventuur has now moved onto the Jandakot site, near Armadale Road and the Kwinana Freeway, and begun preparatory works on the project that has been touted for years.

While construction had initially been planned for late 2025, formal works are now set to begin in the coming months, with the first waves still expected in the lagoon by July 2027, ahead of a public opening in late 2027.

The 2.2-hectare surfing lagoon will be able to produce waves all year round through a fully controlled artificial system and will be located less than 400 metres from Cockburn Central train station.

The park will feature a 62-module Wavegarden Cove, the largest in the world, delivering guaranteed perfect waves for surfers of all abilities in a safe, controlled environment using customisable wave technology.

It will also offer overnight accommodation with rooftop glamping, a wellness centre, fitness studio, skate park and pump track, as well as a member’s lounge, beach club, café, restaurant and bars, topped off by a high-performance surf academy.

Since getting formal approval from state planning officials in March 2023, the project had been in limbo, with final funding yet to be secured.

However, in August last year, the RAC joined the Wyllie family in investing in the park, allowing the project to move forward.

Andrew Ross, Aventuur’s Chair and Chief Development Officer, described the surf park as a “once-in-a-generation project” and said he was thrilled to have RAC on board as an investor, alongside further investment from the Wyllie family.

“The Perth Surf Park represents the first major tourism attraction to be delivered in Perth in over 25 years and is currently the single largest private investment in tourism infrastructure in the State,” Mr Ross said.

“From the outset, our approach has been to deliver an authentic, sustainable surf park for Perth that is ‘by the West, for the West.’ Now, with the support of two reputable WA institutional investors and our dedicated WA-based project team, we’re ready to start building.”

The surf park is expected to attract up to 1 million visitors a year and generate more than 280 construction jobs, around 100 full-time positions once it opens, while also contributing over $300 million to the WA economy throughout its operating life.

While the RAC weren’t prepared to disclose exact investment figures at this stage, Group CEO Rob Slocombe said the investment continues the organisation’s long-standing support of WA tourism.

“RAC has a long and proud history of supporting WA tourism, be it via our parks and resorts portfolio, our advocacy for safer and easier travel, our sponsorship of the RAC Arena, and now through our investment in Aventuur’s Perth Surf Park,” Mr Slocombe said.

“We’re proud to be investing in a soon-to-be iconic West Australian destination which will provide the WA community a unique, world-class experience, with RAC members set to gain access to a range of member benefits and exclusive offers.”