ROCKINGHAM
GET TO KNOW
THE AREA
Often overshadowed by nearby Mandurah, flying under the radar has suited Rockingham’s locals leaving much of the spectacular coastline to themselves. Situated 45 minutes south of Perth, Rockingham oozes outdoor charm, adventure, well-established amenities and an emerging cosmopolitan scene. This coastal town certainly lives by its catchphrase, ‘where the coast comes to life.’
Lifestyle
Catering well to all ages, Rockingham offers a wide range of amenities ranging from shopping centres, excellent schools, dozens of eateries, an active outdoor lifestyle and parks, including the Baldivis Children’s Forest spanning 20 hectares over a conservation reserve with walking trails.
Much of Rockingham’s appeal lies along the coast, where you can visit over 1,000 resident penguins on Penguin Island, snorkel in the crystal clear waters of Shoalwater Marine Park or relax along Rockingham’s Foreshore. Rockingham might hold a sleepy charm for some, but there are plenty of activities to get your heart racing, such as kiteboarding, jetpacking, surfing, waterskiing and skydiving.
Read MoreLifestyle
Catering well to all ages, Rockingham offers a wide range of amenities ranging from shopping centres, excellent schools, dozens of eateries, an active outdoor lifestyle and parks, including the Baldivis Children’s Forest spanning 20 hectares over a conservation reserve with walking trails.
Much of Rockingham’s appeal lies along the coast, where you can visit over 1,000 resident penguins on Penguin Island, snorkel in the crystal clear waters of Shoalwater Marine Park or relax along Rockingham’s Foreshore. Rockingham might hold a sleepy charm for some, but there are plenty of activities to get your heart racing, such as kiteboarding, jetpacking, surfing, waterskiing and skydiving.
Embracing an active lifestyle, Rockingham has several trails connecting walkers to nature and WA’s multicultural identity. These trails include the Waterfront Heritage Trail, Tramway Reserve Trail, Baldivis Nature Reserve Trail, Don Shepherd Nature Reserve and Nyoongar Trail, and the Southern Coastal Ward Walk.
Those lucky enough to live within staggering distance of the many eateries lining Rockingham’s foreshore certainly have a wide range of cuisines to choose from, including Asian, Spanish, cafes and quaint fish and chips.
Neighbours
Rockingham’s utopian bubble burst when proud resident, and Western Australia’s Premier Mark McCowan, started giving press releases on the foreshore during the height of the pandemic. Those turquoise hues got their day in the sun, albeit under harrowing circumstances. Since the state’s borders were closed, the rest of Perth organised day trips to this seaside town, much to the bemusement of the families and the mature-aged residents who already knew they were living in a misrepresented paradise, often with waterside addresses.
Neighbours
Rockingham’s utopian bubble burst when proud resident, and Western Australia’s Premier Mark McCowan, started giving press releases on the foreshore during the height of the pandemic. Those turquoise hues got their day in the sun, albeit under harrowing circumstances. Since the state’s borders were closed, the rest of Perth organised day trips to this seaside town, much to the bemusement of the families and the mature-aged residents who already knew they were living in a misrepresented paradise, often with waterside addresses.
Area features
SHOALWATER ISLANDS MARINE PARK
Originally named for its shallow waters by early settlers, the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park is home to Penguin Island, best enjoyed on tour with Perth Wildlife Encounters. Adventurers might prefer to kayak, paddle board, dive, snorkel or swim independently through the pristine islands, craggy rocks, reefs and shipwrecks among bottlenose dolphins, little penguins, sea lions, stingrays, pelicans and the wide range of fish.
PENGUIN ISLAND
One of the cutest days out, Penguin Island is home to approximately 1,200 little penguins, 50 species of seabirds and rare Australian sea lions. Located about 650 metres from Shoalwater, the 12.5-hectare island hosts the largest population of penguins in Western Australia. Once you arrive, head to the Discovery Centre for the daily feeding sessions, stroll along the boardwalks, visit the lookouts, enjoy a swim and a picnic on the beach.
ROCKINGHAM FORESHORE
Travelling to Rockingham’s foreshore for fish and chips has always been a drawcard. Since its revitalisation in 2019, the upgraded precinct includes an amphitheatre facing the beach and an expanded boardwalk with terracing and seating on the sand with shade. Order a coffee, a snack or fish and chips from the nearby eateries, and grab a spot with a good book or some friends and family and make a day of it.
POINT PERON
This sandy stretch of beach at the southern end of the Cockburn Sound holds many childhood memories. Featuring idyllic beaches safe for swimming, snorkelling and diving, it’s easy to spend hours exploring the rocky outcrops and bays with inquisitive dolphins. There are boat launching facilities here, and those lingering until sunset will witness the golden sun slipping into the Indian Ocean.
GARDEN ISLAND
Although predominantly a naval base, the public is welcome on Garden Island as long they arrive by private boat or kayak and leave before nightfall. As many people aren’t aware of this fact, you’ll likely have those sandy white beaches, bays and some of the best snorkelling and diving in the region all to yourself. Just off the Rockingham foreshore and covered with Rottnest cypresses, tea trees and honey myrtles, Garden Island is home to many birds and wallabies. While here, visit Captain Stirling’s first settlement at Cliff Head.
