In the current era of environmental restoration, exacerbated by the United Nations Decade on Restoration, the process to implementation can be challenging. Practitioners, scientists, managers, and governing agencies all have a role in the planning and permitting for environmental restoration. The task of bringing all involved parties along the restoration journey to progress these projects can be difficult, particularly when new types of restoration are proposed. Coastal restoration is ever-increasing with new ideas and additional designs for living shorelines. Artificial oyster reef designs now range from shell material to natural limestone and 3D printed materials to replicate the complexities of living reefs. Through a targeted citizen science and ecotourism Passport to Recovery project on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, we built an oyster reef that went through multiple iterations of design and planning. Across that journey, we learnt, along with multiple government agencies, how to adapt with the permitting process for successful installation of the reef restoration project. Here, we provide insights into that process and guidelines for a clearer path for future reef restoration projects in southern Australia.