Incredible marine wildlife encounters, golden beaches, sheltered bays, exciting eateries and adrenaline-fuelled adventures; that's Rockingham.
Being only a 45-minute drive from the CBD, it is the perfect place for an urban adventure with coastal thrills found nowhere else.
Here, we outline how to spend a weekend in this southern hub.
Rockingham Foreshore | Rockingham
Day 1
Morning
Kickstart your coastal escape in 'Rocko' by making a splash swimming with wild dolphins. Perth Wildlife Encounters offers the chance to encounter these cute grey torpedoes safely and responsibly in Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. Each snorkel is strictly limited in numbers, allowing you to get up and close with Rockingham's seafaring residents without scissor-kicking with the masses.
Departing Yacht Club Jetty, you'll journey Rockingham's sheltered waters on a custom luxury boat, spotting other wildlife – birds, sea lions – along the way to your dolphin swim. The swim isn't a once-off, with multiple chances to swim with dolphins. After the swim, enjoy free time in the water, and even test out an underwater scooter if you like!
Morning tea, a seafood platter lunch and gear hire are included in this exceptional half-day out on water.
Perth Wildlife Encounters
Afternoon
Continue exploring Rockingham's shores with a visit to Cape Peron, a 3-minute drive from the jetty. The natural rocky point is known for its granite cliffs and golden beaches. If you are keen to get back into the water, snorkel the point's offshore reefs. The reef is like a concourse with small caves and swim-throughs, making it another fun swim.
Also along the point is Peron Battery, once part of Fremantle's coastal defence and Peron Foreshore Park, an excellent spot for a stroll and unwind in green scenery.
Evening
Take a stroll along the Rockingham Foreshore's revitalised precinct. Start by walking down Rockingham Beach Road, dubbed 'eat street' for its dining options. Enjoy a bevy at Mini Bar Rockingham before moving a few doors down for a delectable degustation at Rustico Tapas. The award-winning tapas bar offers an affordable five-course dinner option; if you want to try it all or pick your own small plates off the tapas menu, you can do no wrong.
Stay
Call Quest Rockingham home for the night. Rockingham's premier accommodation features 96 serviced apartments within walking distance from the lively foreshore. The hotel includes an onsite pool and gym facilities to help you maintain your daily workout routine.
Quest Rockingham
Day 2
Start the day with a seaside breakfast atLulu’s Café along Rockingham Foreshore. The family-owned café serves all-day breakfast, with many options to suit all palates. Pick from American pancakes, eggs benny, toasted muesli and more and pair it with freshly squeezed juice for that extra bit of nourishment.
First, take a five-minute boat ride to Penguin Island, the largest island in Shoalwater Marine Park. Enjoy a half-hour guided walk around the island, spotting the bounty of birdlife frolicking on its rocky shores and learning about its history.
From here, hop onboard an open-air glass-bottom boat to join a dedicated one-hour wildlife cruise. There are several departures daily from Penguin Island around Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, voyaging past Seal Island – a popular spot to see sunbathing sea lions and Bird Island, with bridal terns and cormorants frequently spotted. Be on the lookout for dolphins being playful in the marine park.
Sea Lion Spotting
Afternoon
Head to Safety Bay for a hearty lunch at Café Barco. The popular artsy eatery offers big bites such as tacos (a local recommendation) and usual café favourites. Choose to sit outside and watch kite surfers taking flight in the bay or eat inside under framed pictures of happy dogs on the K9 rescue wall.
Test your strength and balance with a ride at Perth Wake Park. Never tried wakeboarding before? No problem. Western Australia's only cable wake park offers two-hour beginner small group lessons, including one hour on the beginner lake with an instructor. Lessons include riding on the wakeboard and controlling the cable while in motion.
After you have perfected your balance, head to the Main Lake for further guidance and test your newfound boarding skills on full-size cables.
If you prefer to bounce around instead, head next door to Perth Aqua Park. The massive floating waterpark includes over 100 inter-connected obstacles to bounce around, make a splash and ride down giant waterslides.
The family-friendly park has lifeguards and patrolling staff on standby to ensure everyone is having a safe time while having a wild time.
Evening
Toast your Rockingham getaway at Sound Brewing Co. Located in the heart of Rockingham, the family-friendly venue offers craft brews and gastro bites in a lively setting. Expand your beer knowledge by sampling left-field concoctions like double raspberry vanilla sour or imperial IPAs. If you are not a beer drinker, view the curated cocktail menu for a refreshing drink. Now that’s how to relax in Rocko!
