Wearing Street redevelopment complete

Published on 05 May 2025

The much-loved Wearing Street aquatic precinct in Port Noarlunga has officially reopened after a major riverfront makeover.

Jointly funded by the City of Onkaparinga and a $1.65 million Open Space Grant from the South Australian Government, the project has helped transform the ageing precinct into a more appealing and accessible place for the community to stay healthy, connected and active.

Stage 2 of the redeveloped precinct includes an expanded aquatic launch area with two beach access ramps, a viewing shelter with seating, a new public toilet and outdoor shower, a reconfigured car park and improved access to the precinct and traffic management.

Its completion follows Stage 1 of the redevelopment, which saw modern facilities constructed to replace the outdated sheds and shipping containers used by aquatic user groups including the Onkaparinga Canoe Club, Easy Kayaks, South Port Surf Life Saving Club and the Department for Education’s water safety program.

City of Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were said the completion of Stage 2 was an exciting day for Port Noarlunga and the broader community.

“We know how important this river has been to the Kaurna people for thousands of years, and also that this spot has been a beloved destination for aquatic recreation since the early 1900s,” she said.

“But it had become increasingly clear in recent years that this ageing precinct needed a major investment. We wanted to not only ensure the facilities were fit-for-purpose for the user groups that call this place home, but also to create a drawcard gateway statement for those entering Port Noarlunga across the Saltfleet Street Bridge, and to make this a more appealing and accessible place for the community to stay healthy, connected and active.

“Looking around at this beautiful, inviting riverfront, I think you’ll agree the transformation is befitting of Wearing Street’s reputation as the south’s premier aquatic destination, whether you’re keen to go canoeing or kayaking, fishing, walking or simply enjoying a picnic in stunning surrounds.

“We’re grateful the state government chose us as a trusted delivery partner for investment once again.

“A massive thankyou to the community and the aquatic user groups for your feedback during the project engagement, and for your patience during its construction.”

You can provide your feedback on plans to install a mural on the precinct’s newly completed toilet block at the council’s Your Say page until Tuesday 6 May.

Looking ahead, further work to restore and enhance the adjacent sand dunes is currently being designed.

Once completed, the attractive, educational, and engaging space will meaningfully acknowledge and celebrate the rich Aboriginal cultural heritage of this special place, opening another chapter of the Wearing Street story.

This additional work is possible thanks to a state government land transfer and $480,000 in funding, which is also being used for dune restoration and stabilisation, with important weed removal and native planting work having already begun.

Kayakers paddle down the Onkaparinga River past the sandy riverbank of the newly redeveloped Wearing Street precint.

A view of newly developed paths, toile facilities, car parks and more at the Wearing Street precinct. A view from the Wearing Street riverbank showing a shade structure and bench seats. A view from the redeveloped carpark at the Wearing Street precinct. A rack of red kayaks sits in the carpark alongside the newly redeveloped Wearing Street precinct. A view from a shelter at the newly redeveloped Wearing Street precinct. A view from the green, manicured lawns of the redeveloped Wearing Street precinct. A view from the redeveloped toilet facilities at Wearing Street. A view from the redeveloped aquatic facilities at Port Noarlunga's Wearing Street. A group of elected members, MPs, Kaurna man Karl Telfer and others cut the ribbon to officially open the Wearing Street precinct stage 2 redevelopment.