Check out the top 10 experiences in our Ultimate Rockingham Guide for this popular Western Australian holiday destination.
Renowned for its safe, calm waters, pristine beaches, marine animals, and an abundance of aquatic activities, we reckon Rockingham is the perfect location for a mini getaway. With around 37km of spectacular coastline, pristine islands, and reefs this popular holiday destination in Western Australia offers an incredible array of marine encounters and has plenty to do, see, and experience.
Rockingham is located around 45 minutes drive south of Perth. It’s an easy drive along the Kwinana Freeway south – just follow freeway directional signs for the turn off to Rockingham (freeway exits Anketell Rd or Thomas Rd). You can also take a train from the Perth CBD along the Mandurah line to Rockingham. Cost is $5 one way (adult), and takes around 34 min. Operated by Transperth you’ll arrive at Rockingham Train Station and to get to the Rockingham Town Centre or Foreshore precinct catch Bus 555 at the station (included in the cost of your ticket). Plan your journey here with Transperth.
Are you wondering what you could do in Rockingham this weekend? Or perhaps you’re looking for adventurous activities or fun things to do with the kids during the school holidays. Look no further, as we’ve rounded up the top 10 experiences to ensure you get the best out of your visit to Rockingham. Here are our suggestions:
The Australian sea lion is the rarest seal species in the world – and you can see them at Rockingham! These playful creatures lounge around in their natural habitat at Seal Island, a rugged little limestone island slightly north of Penguin Island at Safety Bay in the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. For a close-up encounter that you won’t forget take a kayak tour with Capricorn Sea Kayaking. Tours are led by qualified instructors and you’ll receive plenty of tips and insights about the marine park as you glide over the crystal-clear water and get great views of the sea lions.
We are novice kayakers and weren’t super confident in our ability (it was a little choppy on the day we went too), but despite our apprehension, we loved every minute of it (wasn’t as hard as you might think – apparently it’s all about technique). There’s even the chance to spot dolphins or little penguins, along with sea lions and plenty of birdlife.
Surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the spectacular Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, Penguin Island is about 700 metres offshore from Mersey Point (a 5-minute ferry ride). Its claim to fame is that its home to the largest colony of the smallest (and cutest) breed of penguins – Little Penguins (often called blue or fairy penguins).
Penguin Island is public land so it’s free to visit, but you will need to purchase a ferry ticket to get there. It’s a gorgeous spot for a day trip from Perth where you can get up close and personal with the local aquatic life, enjoy a picnic and swim at the white sand beaches. Read our full guide on Penguin Island here!
Established in 1979, multi-award-winning Peel Estate Wines is the oldest winemaker in the Peel Region. Boasting beautiful shady grassed grounds, and daily Cellar Door wine tastings, it’s an ideal spot for a day trip from Perth with a picnic in tow. Their range of wine includes Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel Chardonnay, Verdelho, Chenin Blanc, plus sparkling wines and fortifieds.
Wine tasting is available 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm, and we love that you can buy a bottle of wine to enjoy with your BYO picnic or BBQ and relax the afternoon away in the picturesque grounds.
Making memories that will last a lifetime, Perth Wildlife Encounters runs tours from Mersey Point that will give you an exhilarating wildlife encounter. From snorkelling and swimming with wild dolphins to the bees knees 3 Island Wildlife Cruise with Seafood Lunch, you’re sure to have an incredible experience.
With over 30 years of experience, a custom-built boat with onboard toilets, wetsuits and snorkelling equipment provided, and a super attentive crew (equipped with sonar shark repellant) you can be guaranteed to see the best of the local marine life, above and below the water.
Explore Rockingham’s Point Peron with an Aboriginal guide to gain a deeper understanding of the land’s spiritual significance. Take a walking tour with Djurandi Dreaming to hear dreamtime stories passed down from generation to generation that highlights the cultural connection the Nyungar people have to Boya Kaarla (Point Peron).
This one-of-a-kind experience will provide you a glimpse into the rich indigenous culture and its values, whilst you marvel at the rugged limestone cliffs, sandy beaches, and offshore reefs around Point Peron.
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try your hand at kiteboarding or wind foiling during your time in Rockingham? Wing Foiling, the newest addition to the world of board sports, involves riding a hydrofoil board while utilising the wind’s power via a handheld inflatable wing. The hydrofoil enables lift off the water’s surface, providing the opportunity to soar.
The Pond in Safety Bay is a world-renowned spot for kiteboarding thanks to its flat waters and steady winds during the summer season (November to March). Seabreeze Windsurf School offers one-on-one lessons with skilled and certified instructors who will share their love for this thrilling water sport with you.
There are a number of great hotels, apartments, and Airbnb options in the Rockingham area. We recently stayed at the Quest Rockingham located just 300 metres from the Rockingham Foreshore, cafe strip, and beachfront. Offering modern serviced apartment-style rooms it is perfect for short or long stays.
As an avid photographer and foodie, I love the idea of living ‘locally’ and I'm super passionate about the city of Perth and this great state of Western Australia. In 2021, I began sharing my photos on social media and birthed Perth Local which has since grown to over 115,000 followers on Instagram and almost 25k on TikTok. Recently voted as the sixth most liveable city in the world, Perth is a great place to explore. Although it’s been my home for over 20 years, I’m amazed to still discover new places every week that I never knew about. I hope through my guides and website you'll discover some of the reasons Western Australia is such a great place to visit or live!!
