Wearing Street Precinct – Stage 2 now complete

We’re excited to share that Stage 2 of the Wearing Street Precinct redevelopment is now complete!

To celebrate the transformation of this much-loved riverside destination, we held an opening event on Friday 2 May 2025, with over 80 community members and project partners in attendance. The event marked a key milestone in delivering a vibrant, safe and accessible aquatic and recreation hub in the heart of Port Noarlunga.

A revitalised riverside experience

The Wearing Street Precinct is a special place nestled between the Onkaparinga River / Ngangkiparri and the coastal dune system. Loved by locals for generations, the area has long been a hub for water-based recreation. However, many of the existing assets were in poor condition and in need of renewal.

Following extensive planning, funding support from the South Australian Government ($1.65 million Open Space Grant) and City of Onkaparinga, and valuable community input, Stage 2 of the redevelopment is now complete. This stage focused on enhancing the riverfront and public realm to create a premier aquatic destination in the south.

Key improvements delivered in Stage 2:

• Expanded aquatic launch area with two accessible ramps and safe riverbank access
• A striking viewing shelter with seating, offering panoramic river views
• New public toilet and outdoor shower facilities
• Landscaping with irrigated turf, trees, and native plantings
• A reconfigured car park with car and trailer bays
• Upgraded Wearing Street and Mann Street for safer access and traffic flow

These upgrades significantly improve the precinct’s functionality, comfort and visual appeal—welcoming both regular aquatic users and casual visitors for recreation and social connection.

Community at the heart of the project

This redevelopment has been shaped by years of community engagement, including early input on concept designs, direct feedback from aquatic user groups, and a recent mural survey that received over fifty contributions.

The new facilities support a wide range of users, including:

• Onkaparinga Canoe Club, Easy Kayaks, and South Port SLSC
• Department for Education’s water safety programs
• Broader community groups and families enjoying the riverfront

Stage 1 of the redevelopment, completed in 2023, delivered modern aquatic storage and facilities to replace outdated sheds. Stage 2 now complements this with a welcoming and functional outdoor environment for all.

What’s next?

Planning is now underway for a cultural space within the dune system, which will celebrate Kaurna heritage and provide opportunities for education and reflection. We are currently drafting an artist expression of interest for a public mural for the new toilet block based on the community selected theme of Aquatic life. To read more about the community engagement outcomes from the mural consultation here.

Thank you

We’d like to thank the community, project partners, and all those who contributed ideas, support and patience throughout construction. Your involvement has helped deliver a space that reflects our community’s needs, values and vision.

Come down and experience the new Wearing Street Precinct—whether you’re paddling, picnicking, exploring, or just soaking in the river views, there’s something here for everyone.