Ocean Reef Marina has always been more than a marina project. It is the transformation of a long-planned coastal site into a new mixed-use destination for Perth’s northern suburbs, bringing together boating, housing, marine enterprise, recreation and community infrastructure in one carefully planned coastal precinct.
It has been over two years since our last project update on Ocean Reef Marina, and what a period of transformation it has been. Since late 2023, the new facilities for Marine Rescue Whitfords and Ocean Reef Sea Sports Club have been completed and are now operational, and Stage 1 residential construction has moved from groundbreaking to the cusp of completion — with the precinct now visibly emerging as the world-class coastal destination it was always envisioned to be.
As the lead urban designers and town planners for the project, TBB Planning has been deeply embedded in the work that is bringing this vision to life, progressing design guidelines, development approvals and the planning frameworks that underpin every element of the precinct.
Here is where things stand as of mid-2026.
Stage 1 Construction: Approaching the Finish Line
Georgiou Group commenced the $107 million Stage 1 works contract for DevelopmentWA in April 2024, with completion now anticipated in mid-2026. The scope of works spans the full breadth of the precinct — civil infrastructure, marine works, public open space, community facilities and the residential lots that will deliver the first new homes at Ocean Reef Marina.
Underground services — electrical, sewer, stormwater and communications — are now substantially complete across the development, and new road infrastructure and car parks are largely in place. The transformation of what was a working boat harbour into a vibrant mixed-use waterfront is well and truly underway.
Eight New Boat Ramps Open
One of the most tangible milestones reached in the past 12 months is the opening of all eight new boat ramps in late July 2025 — the longest in the metropolitan area.
The new facilities represent a significant upgrade over what existed before:
- New jetties at 65 metres — at least 24 metres longer than the previous ramps
- Ramps built beyond Australian Standard depth requirements to accommodate a wider range of vessels
- Ramp toes set at 1.46 metres below lowest astronomical tide (the standard is 1.2 metres for deep-draft vessels)
- A 108-metre southern jetty with dedicated mooring for small craft and a kayak launch and retrieval area
Lighting has since been installed at the boat ramps, with night launching and retrieval now available. The new ramps have already proven popular, with strong community use since opening. Smart boat ramp signage — providing real-time availability information before you even leave home — is expected to be operational in 2026.
Ocean Reef Sea Sports Club, Marine Rescue Whitfords and Marina Manager Facilities
The new Ocean Reef Sea Sports Club and Marine Rescue Whitfords/Marina Manager buildings, constructed by Byte Construct, were completed in late 2025, with both organisations relocated and operating from their new purpose-built facilities within the marina. The Joondalup City RSL also held its first ANZAC Day ceremony at the new marina in April 2026 — a meaningful moment marking the return of community life to the precinct.
The old ORSSC and MRW facilities were demolished in late 2025, clearing the way for the next phases of development.
Public Realm Coming to Life
Ocean Reef Marina continues its focus on early delivery of community amenity. The public spaces that will define the day-to-day experience of Ocean Reef Marina are rapidly taking shape.
Custom ocean-themed playgrounds are under construction, including a giant western rock lobster feature and a ship — play elements that draw directly on the coastal character of the place. Beach walls and shelters are nearly complete, and the new restroom facility for the main public open space behind the future family beach is now on site.
The bike pump track has been installed, with lighting and shade shelters in place. Winding paths and seating areas along the water's edge are also being added, creating spaces to pause and take in marina views. Landscape works including paving, barbecue facilities and planting are progressing in multiple locations across the precinct.
These community spaces are anticipated to open to the public later in 2026, with the protected family beach to follow.
Residential Land Release: 2026
The first tranche of residential lots at Ocean Reef Marina is expected to be released to the market in late 2026. As part of Stage 1 works, approximately 70 single residential lots and three development sites have been created, with the lots to be delivered to market in staged releases.
When complete, Ocean Reef Marina is expected to deliver around 1,000 new dwellings across a mix of residential and mixed-use sites — a genuine new coastal community for Perth's northern corridor.
What's Next
The beach and central parkland, including the central playground, are anticipated to open in 2026.
The unique eight-lane coastal pool is expected to open in late 2027/early 2028 subject to stakeholder approvals and procurement processes. TBB has recently lodged the formal Development Application for the coastal pool after months of design collaboration with stakeholders and specialists.
Planning and design work on future stages continues, encompassing additional marina infrastructure, boat pens, commercial and retail tenancies, and further community facilities.
The full build-out of Ocean Reef Marina is expected in 2036+.
We are proud to be part of a project that is genuinely transforming Perth's northern coastline — and we look forward to sharing more milestones as this world-class waterfront continues to take shape.
Learn more about TBB Planning's role on the Ocean Reef Marina project here.
Images courtesy of DevelopmentWA / Ocean Reef Marina (oceanreefmarinawa.com).
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