Things to do in Rockingham
Discover What's On in Perth's Marine Playground.
Located just 45 minutes south of Perth, Rockingham offers an abundance of things to do with beautiful expanses of safe beaches, water sports and environmental parks boasting a variety of exciting activities. Get your aquatic adventure on in Rockingham. With an abundance of activities, there are plenty of things to do on land and in the sea! Dive with dolphins, swim with sea lions, dial it up with jet packing, scuba diving and SUP-boards or throw in a line for the catch of the day. Explore offshore islands, where pelicans nest, marine life thrives and coastal flora blooms. Around lakes and islands, Aboriginal stories resonate.
Soft sandy beaches make for family fun. Bright umbrellas, summer smiles. A funky foreshore, endless eateries and exciting events for the young and young at heart. Nature reserves, marine parks and discovery centres provide the opportunity to learn, observe and enjoy. Rockingham is where the coast comes to life, and everyone is welcome. Close to creature comforts, away from the hustle and bustle. Pack your bucket and spade and enjoy a good old-fashioned beach holiday.
The Rockingham region forms the southernmost border of the Perth metropolitan area. The city fronts onto the sheltered waters of Cockburn Sound with Garden Island, Penguin Island and Seal Island very close by. The Shoalwater Islands Marine Park is located a mere 500 metres offshore and plays host to one of the finest displays of marine and bird wildlife to be found anywhere in the world. Enjoy wine, a beachside stay or cruise the waterways, with so many activities to choose from, you’ll never be left wondering what to do when you visit Rockingham.
What To Do in Rockingham
- Enjoy an incredible eco-tourism experience - swimming with wild dolphins or snorkelling with wild sealions
- Kayak around the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park to see an ambundance of wildlife.
- Experience excellent scuba diving at the West Coast Dive Park.
- Picnic at Bell and Churchill Park next to the beach.
- Dine at the excellent cafés and restaurants in the region.
- Take a trip along the Baldivis Karnup Wine trail and enjoy tasting locally produced wines.
- Get adventurous on the water - go snorkelling, sea kayaking and jet skiing.
- Try your luck with some fishing off a jetty or the beach.
Shoalwater Islands Marine Park
Weathered strings of craggy limestone islands make up the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park in Rockingham which boasts secluded white sandy bays. Vibrantly coloured corals, a colony of little penguins, bottle-nosed dolphins and countless sea lions call this area home. There are a number of ways to experience and interact with the local wildlife.
Starting out in the early morning, a dolphin interaction tour takes you to the heart of wild dolphin territory and introduces you to aquatic characters like Ringo, Boomerang and Logo. Led by your experienced guide, you will then plunge below the surface of the ocean where you will be swiftly surrounded by a host of curious bottle-nosed dolphins all vying for your attention.
A wildlife safari expedition will see you paddling your own well-equipped kayak amongst the chain of islands. Cruising is also a great way to take in the sights. A 45 minute excursion takes you to the beaches of Seal Island, past the rugged cliffs and pristine coves of the marine park and back to Penguin Island.
Water Sport Activities
Adventure lovers are also in for a treat in Rockingham with plenty of thrilling things to do. You can head to Safety Bay to take to the waves on a windsurfing sail or catamaran. Fresh afternoon breezes here make for excellent sailing conditions. Even non-sailers will love chilling out on the beach and watching the colourful sails dash across the waves. Try your hand at sea kayaking or jet skiing or head inland from Rockingham you can try wakeboarding at the Perth Wake Park - the only cable wakeboard park in Western Australia.
For calmer conditions, head to Rockingham Beach. This protected swimming area is ideal for families and also offers a safe snorkelling environment. More experienced snorkellers and divers can head to the West Coast Dive Park. This park is rich in dive wrecks and boasts a wonder world of fish and coral.
Food, Wine & Recreation
Food and wine lovers are well catered for in Rockingham with a host of excellent cafés and restaurants along the foreshore and a nearby winery. History buffs can also set out on a number of heritage trails, walks and drives that exist within the region. Other activities include first-class championship golf courses, historical sights and some excellent recreational fishing.
