Take a tour of Waves Carwash in Canberra, Australia, with CAR WASH Magazine.

Year opened: 2020
“We initially started with in-bay automatics but quickly realized their limitations in handling the high volume of cars we aimed to serve,” said Robert Sacco, managing director. As business demand grew, they invested in tunnels and increased automation to enhance efficiency. Waves adopted interior express belts to further streamline operations. “Our focus was on washing and cleaning cars faster while reducing reliance on labor,” Sacco said.

Today, Waves claims to be the largest car wash in the southern hemisphere and offers multiple services under one roof, including full-service valet, flex-serve, express tunnel washes, express interior belts, 24/7 in-bay automatics, self-serve bays, dog washes and a café.

Number of locations: 5
The first location opened in 2004.

Building size: 37,674 square feet

Contractor: Washtec Australia

Conveyor length: 98 feet 
“Waves was that first car wash in Australia to introduce the interior conveyor belt,” Sacco said.

Equipment supplier: Washtec (at Canberra) and a combination of Washtec, PDQ and Istobal (at other sites).

Chemical supplier: Velocity Vehicle Care (Australian distributor for NCS USA)

Environmentally friendly features:
Waves incorporates environmentally friendly features to minimize its ecological footprint. “Our advanced technology allows us to recycle up to 50,000 liters of water per hour, with 80% of the water used in our tunnels and in-bay automatics being recycled,” Sacco said. Additionally, Waves prioritizes sustainability by using biodegradable chemicals, leveraging solar panels for energy efficiency and sourcing bore water for its operations.

Waves uses advanced sensors that detect the shape and contours of each car as it moves through the tunnel. “This ensures a precise and efficient wash tailored to every vehicle,” Sacco said. Looking ahead, the Waves team is developing new capabilities to analyze dirt levels on vehicles, applying targeted chemistry to optimize cleaning while minimizing chemical waste.

These initiatives have earned Waves recognition, including the ACT Government and Corporate Climate Leader Award in 2024. 

Unique features:
Waves uses license plate recognition software, integrated with user-friendly digital kiosks and QR code systems to enable upselling opportunities, facilitate fully digital transactions and drive customers to their website, https://pulsewash.com.au.

Waves developed proprietary self-loading interior belt software, which utilizes cameras and sensors to guide vehicles onto the interior cleaning belt. “This technology not only streamlines the loading process but also ensures optimal alignment of cars, improving both speed and efficiency,” Sacco said.

Recognizing the scarcity and expense of land in Australian capital cities, Waves has expanded vertically in some locations rather than outward. “We design projects to include complementary businesses on the same property, such as fast-food outlets, service stations and commercial offices,” Sacco said.

Waves has a “Late Night Carwash Show” where they interview celebrities — such as Leo Sayer and the Australian professional rugby league football club, the Canberra Raiders — “to strengthen community ties and encourage locals to visit us,” Sacco said.

Other cool info to share:

Waves earned recognition as the #1 Automotive Service Business in Australia by the Australian Trade Champions. Additionally, Waves won the Best Local Business Award for the ACT region in 2023. Plus, Waves Canberra was a finalist in three categories for the prestigious Telstra Business Awards 2024, recognized for innovation, sustainability practices and business growth.

In 2016, Waves became the first car wash in Australia to introduce an unlimited wash club, Sacco said, a groundbreaking concept at the time. “Initially, it was a semi-electronic, paper-based system, but we quickly realized it was too challenging to maintain,” Sacco said. To address this, Waves collaborated with partners to develop proprietary technology, which is now sold to other car wash operators across Australia and New Zealand.

In 2020, Waves drew inspiration from U.S. car washes and launched a Halloween-themed car wash, which has since become an annual tradition. “The event has been a resounding success, bringing excitement and innovation to our community,” Sacco said.

Waves is committed to supporting its community through partnerships like the one with OzHarvest Canberra. Customers are encouraged to recycle bottles at Waves, with proceeds going toward meals for those in need. “Last year, this initiative provided 10,000 meals, thanks to the incredible support of our community,” Sacco said.

Waves uses social media as more than just a marketing tool. “It’s a way to showcase who we are as a brand,” Sacco said. From behind-the-scenes looks at operations to fun collaborations with local celebrities and community events, Waves’ social media highlights the innovation, personality and community spirit that define the brand.