Marina construction
Boat ramps 5, 6, 7, and 8 have been permanently closed to enable construction of eight new boat ramps, which will be opened in early/mid 2025.
Boat ramps 1, 2, 3 and 4 will remain open until the new boat ramps are constructed.
Boat pens and stackers at Ocean Reef Marina will operate under the oversight of the future Marina Manager, with the Department of Transport as the preferred operator.
While the management structure is still being finalised, DevelopmentWA is maintaining an expressions of interest database for potential pen owners and stacker users. The expressions of interest database will be shared with the Department of Transport as the potential future Marina Manager. Please contact oceanreefmarina@developmentwa.com.au if you would like to register your interest.
Comprehensive environmental studies have guided responsible development practices. The project has received approval through the Environmental Protection Authority’s highest level of environmental assessment – a Public Environmental Review.
Following this milestone, the Marmion Marine Park Reserves Bill 2019 successfully passed through both Houses of Parliament.
The bushland surrounding the marina precinct will be preserved and enhanced with rehabilitation and management programs to provide protection for the benefit of future generations.
A Community Reference Group has influenced the overall Landscape Masterplan since the 2018 Open Day.
A Bush Forever Negotiated Planning Outcome, supported by the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, outlines strategies for long-term environmental protection, including rehabilitation of degraded bushland in the vicinity of the marina development and the purchase of 'offset' land with similar environmental values.
DevelopmentWA exemplifies true sustainability, having achieved EnviroDevelopment certification by meeting all six essential criteria. This prestigious certification encompasses six focus areas, known as leaves: ecosystems, waste, energy, materials, water, and community.
Ocean Reef Marina will have an onsite renewable energy microgrid with battery storage will power the precinct efficiently. Smart technologies will integrate with the microgrid to enhance building energy and water efficiency through control and monitoring devices such as such smart meters, street lighting, and control systems.
Additional initiatives being implemented include:
- Stormwater management and water sensitive urban design;
- Traffic and parking management and promotion of active transport;
- Smart transport initiatives;
- Smart waste initiatives;
- Coastal management and resilience against rising sea levels; and
- Protection of the surrounding natural bushland.
Furthermore, Ocean Reef Marina is incorporating a range of recycled materials throughout the development, including:
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Repurposed Sheoak trees, which have been milled for use in Public Open Space furniture – installation planned for a future stage
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Recycled rubber surfacing for the playground – installation upcoming
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Boral Envirocrete, a sustainable concrete alternative, used in footpaths – works ongoing
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Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) used in selected asphalt areas
Given Ocean Reef Marina’s coastal environment, including dunes and high winds, specific dust management measures have been implemented:
- Weather monitoring to adjust dust control measures as needed.
- Hydro-mulch applied to stabilize unused earth areas.
- Dust suppression agents used on surfaces to reduce dust.
- Street sweepers clean nearby roads and entrances as needed.
- Water carts dampen accessible work areas, including site access roads.
- Vehicles transporting materials are covered to minimize dust.
- Regular monitoring and feedback from residents and businesses ensure effective management.
In September 2022 the Department of Transport revised access to the waters within the marina for safety reasons. In summary:
- All waters of the Ocean Reef Marina are closed to windsurfing, kitesurfing and winging activities.
- All waters within the silt curtain are closed to all vessels other than vessels associated with construction of the marina and swimming is prohibited.
- The Department of Transport also publish up-to-date information on the current marine exclusion zones to support the construction of the marina. These Temporary Notice to Mariners can be found here.
Water quality at Ocean Reef Marina is regularly monitored as part of an approved environmental management plan. While natural variations in water colour can occur due to a range of factors, testing at Ocean Reef Marina has shown that sediment, dissolved oxygen, and pH levels remain below thresholds that could impact marine life or public use. Water quality results are also reported to the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, ensuring the marina’s water body meets the approved environmental standards.
The project is being completed in construction stages. Breakwater construction and internal works were completed in 2023. Stage 1 works which started in March 2024 are ongoing to prepare the site for further development. Release of the first residential land for sale is expected in 2026. Construction of the first stage of boat pens, along with the opening of the family beach and associated parkland is planned for late 2026. Completion of all civil construction stages is expected by 2030+.
Stage 1 works started in March 2024, with bulk earthworks currently progressing across the site. The existing boat trailer parking in the south is being lowered to final design levels and material is being placed in various locations across the site to raise levels where required.
The Stage 1 works includes:
- Construction of new public car and boat trailer parking
- Construction of 8 new boat ramps set to open in mid-2025
- Construction of a new family beach and associated public open space areas, including a lobster themed playground and bike pump track
We are working through future operational and management logistics, with a future Marina Manager still to be appointed.
To express interest in roles via DevelopmentWA, The City of Joondalup or Department of Transport, you can view opportunities and apply via the below websites.
Construction started in August 2020. Georgiou is now on site (mobilised in March 2024) for Stage 1 of the construction works. Byte Construct is constructing the Marine Rescue Whitfords/Marina Manager and Ocean Reef Sea Sports Club/RSL buildings, commenced in August 2024 and are anticipated to open in 2025.
Works will take place across multiple stages, in response to market demand and community expectations. Internal works, which includes the breakwaters, were completed in early 2024. Stage 1 works commenced in March 2024 and include civil, marine, and landscaping. The construction of the new Ocean Reef Sea Sports Club/RSL and Marine Rescue Whitfords/Marina Manager facilities began in June 2024, with anticipated completion in 2025. Construction of the first stage of boat pens will take place in 2025/2026. The central parkland and family beach, along with Perth’s first coastal pool, will open in 2026. The completion of civil construction is anticipated to be in 2030. The full build-out of the marina will be 2036+.
*Please note all dates are forecast estimates and subject to change.
The release of the first residential lots for sale will be in early 2026.
The southern breakwater spans approximately 1.2km in length and the northern breakwater 670m, both reaching a maximum height of 8m above sea level in some spots.
Universal access and public facilities
DevelopmentWA is providing water runoff infrastructure in the new de-rigging bays to support future washdown services. It is intended that these services will be managed by a commercial operator under a sustainable, fee-for-service arrangement—similar to a local car wash. This will ensure proper water waste management and reduce water wastage. The Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure is transitioning its facilities to similar sustainable arrangements.
The Ocean Reef Boat Harbour Launching Facility previously had a low number of trailer parking spaces for an 8-lane facility. The project will almost double the capacity of trailer parking spaces. To increase the number of bays to this capacity, the project has adopted the Department of Transport’s guidelines. The layout is designed to improve access to boat ramps during peak periods.
Currently, temporary traffic management measures are in place with access arrangements being shuffled around to cater for construction works as they progress and continued public access to car parks where possible. Further permanent line marking and signage will be installed closer to the completion of works.
There will be four ACROD car bays and two designated ACROD trailer parking bays available.
During construction, temporary detours will be in place to maintain a safe separation between the work zones, construction traffic and pedestrians/cyclists.
Approaching the Marina site from the south, the shared path closes at the lookout and pedestrians can access Ocean Reef Road to the east. Pedestrians can continue north past Resolute Way (near the end of Gloriana View) before heading west, to re-join the existing coastal path.
There are plans for boat pens and jetties to be delivered as part of future stages at Ocean Reef Marina, and the possibility of short-term tie-up facilities is something that will be considered as part of that broader design work. While it won’t be included in the initial stage of pens, there is intent for this within the destination basin, led by the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI). We understand how important this is for boat users and will be working closely with DTMI to explore opportunities in future stages.
Yes, there will be two areas for the launch and retrieval of kayaks. Floating launch areas will be provided in front of the Ocean Reef Sea Sports Club and on the southern jetty extension from the boat ramps.
Please note, stand-up paddle-boarding and kayaking are not permitted within the closed water areas at Ocean Reef Marina, which have been restricted to support ongoing construction works.
Further details are available in the most recent Temporary Notice to Mariners for Ocean Reef Marina, titled “Advice: Boat Ramp & Marina Construction Works – Ocean Reef Marina,” available via the following link: Perth | Transport WA
Ocean Reef Marina has capacity for up to 550 boat pens in areas that will be managed by the future Marina Manager, Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI). The mechanism for the management of these boat pens and stackers has yet to be developed. In the meantime, DevelopmentWA is maintaining an expressions of interest (EOI) database of boat owners who are interested in securing a pen and/or using the boat stacker. This database will be shared with DTMI as the future Marina Manager of the facility. If you wish to be added to this EOI database, please email through your interest to oceanreefmarina@developmentwa.com.au
Parking for residents, workers and visitors will be accommodated through the development within public areas and future buildings and caters for long term demand, based on traffic modelling. Parking will be managed to ensure pedestrian, cycling and vehicle networks, and parking allocation remains adequate for the development over time. Underground/basement parking will be permitted in certain areas and may be considered by developers as part of future development sites.
The coastal pool will be constructed using a combination of fixed and floating jetties, designed to enable the marina ocean water to continuously flow through. While this will be ocean water, the pool area will also be monitored and maintained to ensure contained water remains suitable for frequent public use.
Specialist universal access consultants have ensured the design meets best-practice accessibility standards across public areas, with plans to include accessible features in play spaces, furniture, and bathroom/changeroom facilities. The fishability platform is being specifically designed to provide safe and inclusive fishing opportunities for people of all abilities, including those with disabilities or limited mobility.
Yes, an accessible fishing platform has been planned for the northern breakwater, in consultation with Fishability. It is scheduled to be built as part of Stage 3 construction in approximately 2027, with detailed design work to ensure safe access and integration with surrounding infrastructure to be completed in collaboration with Fishability.
Project background
Ocean Reef Marina will become a premier waterfront precinct providing recreational, tourism, residential and boating facilities. The development will feature 12,000sqm of retail and commercial space (that’s about 10% of Lakeside Joondalup Shopping Centre, or ¾ the size of Optus Stadium) with waterfront dining, accommodating more than 1,000 homes, boat pens for vessels including superyachts, boat stackers, a protected family beach, and coastal pool. There will be more than five hectares of community space—which will include a lobster-themed playground and pump track alongside upgraded facilities for established local clubs and services, including Marine Rescue Whitfords and Ocean Reef Sea Sports Club.
Originally identified in the late 1970s as a potential location for a marina development, Ocean Reef Marina will address growing demand for boating facilities in Perth’s northern metropolitan corridor. The project will create more than 900 local jobs, while providing a mix of residential and short stay accommodation within a vibrant tourism destination.
Ocean Reef has been long identified as the preferred marina development site, supported by extensive community feedback and feasibility studies.
The project extends existing boating facilities, and minimises environmental impacts compared to alternate locations. Direct access to Mitchell Freeway and the Joondalup City Centre via Hodges Drive enhances the site’s strategic value.
About Ocean Reef Marina
The precinct Design Guidelines help provide a clear guide for design consultants and construction contractors at Ocean Reef Marina. Quality standards must meet or exceed State Planning Policy requirements, incorporating Green Star rated buildings for environmental sustainability. This approach is standard across most DevelopmentWA projects, with Montario Quarter serving as an excellent example of a development that has successfully met these standards and requirements.
These guidelines, alongside the Improvement Scheme, ensure high-quality built form and sustainable design across residential, mixed use and marine enterprise precincts.
The design guidelines demonstrate how exceptional development standards will be achieved through a separate approval process following the Gazettal of the Improvement Scheme in December 2019. You can review them here.
Ocean Reef Marina will become a world class destination for the City of Joondalup community and visitors. Future buildings will vary in height and purpose, creating vibrant spaces while being sensitive to the visual impact on the existing community.
The mixed-use precinct’s nine-storey building footprint has been reduced following earlier community consultation.
Buildings will be positioned to work with natural contours, with taller structures placed in lower areas to minimise impact. The residential precinct typically features two to three storeys for single dwellings, with select areas reaching up to six storeys in height. Views for existing residents remain largely protected by existing dunes, vegetation and adjacent development.
No. Residential home numbers remain unchanged from 2018 community presentations, while approximately 12,000sqm of retail and commercial space will be maintained. This area will feature food and beverage options, special events, and specialty retail, as well as a small supermarket for convenience goods. In addition to traditional marine services, the Marine Enterprise Precinct has the opportunity to accommodate maritime-related education, training and small-scale research uses, complementing the Ocean Reef Sea Sports Club, Marine Rescue Whitfords, boating, fishing and other marina recreational activities.
No. With residential and retail space unchanged, traffic patterns match previous planning. Hodges Drive’s central access serves recreational, retail and commercial activities, as well as the mixed-use precinct.
Northern access primarily serves the new residential neighbourhood, while the southern access via the realigned Boat Harbour Quays supports boat launching and marina enterprise activities.
Higher density buildings will incorporate appropriate parking for residents, staff and visitors within the site footprint. Current Stage 1 works being undertaken by Georgiou Group, follow detailed traffic management plans, while the Improvement Scheme guides future pedestrian, cycling and vehicle networks.
Views from Ocean Reef Road and nearby residential properties will change as a result of the development of the marina and the new breakwaters, built to improve boating safety.
However, strategic placement of development in lower-lying areas of the site limits taller buildings’ visual impact. The Improvement Scheme controls maximum heights, while the Design Guidelines respond appropriately to the future character of the precinct while retaining views where possible from existing Ocean Reef suburban development.
Children will enjoy the Beach Playground, a space that celebrates the region’s maritime heritage with a lobster, boats and waves play elements. The lobster was chosen as it spoke to both Noongar and settler culture of hunting and eating lobster. It is one of the most iconic WA marine species – and it’s a fun shape! The playground has been designed to ensure play elements for all children, with practical amenities such as change rooms, toilets and shaded seating. It will be centrally located within the beach park and close to the coastal pool and future shops and restaurants.
Ocean Reef Marina will be a waterfront precinct with capacity for up to 550 boat pens, 200 boat stackers, approximately 320 trailer parking bays, approximately 12,000m² of retail and commercial space, and a diverse mix of over 1,000 new residential homes.
Ocean Reef Marina’s new boat ramps will feature eight lanes — the most in the metropolitan area — and will be the longest ramps in Perth, making launching easier and more accessible. A 108-metre stationary jetty will allow boats to be tied up safely, and smart boat ramp technology is also planned for future implementation.
Additional features include:
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The boat ramps incorporate floating pontoons that are the longest of any metropolitan boat ramps — 24 metres longer than the previous ones. Each pontoon is at least 65 metres long.
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The southern jetty includes a 108-metre floating extension for temporary mooring of vessels awaiting retrieval or for general short-term mooring.
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A lower-level landing at the end of the southern jetty will provide a safe point for launching kayaks and other personal watercraft.
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All jetties will be fitted with bespoke solar lighting along their full length, designed to illuminate the jetties without affecting visibility for reversing vehicles at night.
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The ramps have been extended to accommodate deep draft vessels, with the toe of each ramp positioned 0.5 metres deeper than the level recommended in the Australian Standard.
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Lanes 1–4 will be retrieval only, while Lanes 5–8 will be launch only, helping to streamline traffic flow and reduce congestion.
The 65ha precinct will create a world-class destination featuring waterfront cafes and restaurants, a protected family beach, enhanced walkability and 5ha of open space for the community.
Residential areas will be thoughtfully separated from marine services, and 12,000sqm of retail and commercial space will help attract visitors from near and far.
The development is set to deliver 8,600 jobs during construction and more than 900 ongoing positions.
The marina will offer a range of boat pens capable of accommodating superyachts through to smaller vessels, as well as a marine services area capable of accommodating convenient boat stackers for storage. Eight boat ramps will maintain the previous capacity, with an improved layout and increased boat trailer parking which will enable more efficient access during peak periods.
Designed as a vibrant destination for locals and tourists alike, the precinct offers an array of public amenities, including landscaped open spaces, parks, event and community areas, public walkways, a waterfront promenade, plazas, a protected public beach, and a free-to-access coastal pool. With 5 hectares of community open space there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The precinct will feature approximately 1,000 dwellings, ranging from apartments to single residential homes and mixed-use developments. Adding to its appeal, it will also host significant retail and commercial spaces totalling 12,000 sqm—equivalent to three-quarters the size of Optus Stadium—making it a dynamic hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Community input has guided development since inception. Following extensive community feedback gathered through the City of Joondalup, the Ocean Reef Marina concept plan ensures the marina is appropriate to its location, aligns with community preferences, demonstrates environmental responsibility and maintains financial sustainability.