Looking for an autumn getaway location?
By Lisa Gageler
Just 45 minutes south of Perth, Rockingham is a beautiful Western Australian coastal town that offers just about everything you could want for a weekend away! Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, Rockingham has something for everyone. But that's not all – Rockingham has some fantastic restaurants and cafes featuring local seafood and modern Australian cuisine.
Here is a two-day itinerary sampling just some of the things you can do and see in Rockingham during the autumn months - helping you make the most of your weekend trip.
Saturday: Explore Rockingham, Wine Tasting & Dreamtime Tour
8:00 AM: Head off early from Perth to make the most of your weekend. It’s an easy drive to Rockingham along the Kwinana Freeway south – just follow freeway directional signs for the turn off to Rockingham. Arrive at the Rockingham Foreshore and start your day with a hearty breakfast at Ostro Eatery on Rockingham Beach Road. Offering local, fresh food with a modern influence, make sure to try their Peanut Butter and Jam overnight oats or their delicious French Toast with mango and passionfruit curd. Plus of course a flat white or a freshly squeezed juice to accompany your breakfast.
10:00 AM: After breakfast, take a walk around the revitalised Rockingham Foreshore precinct to explore the shops, cafes, boardwalk with heritage and the stunning beach and heritage attractions. If you’re feeling up for a longer stroll, take the Foreshore Flow for a picturesque 1.8 kilometre walk along the coastline to Mangles Bay. If the weather is nice, take a swim, walk along the beach, or simply relax and soak up the sun.
12:00 PM: It’s time to leave the Rockingham town centre and head out to Karnup for some wine tasting. On the way, make a pitstop at Pinjarra Bakery at Port Kennedy to grab some supplies for a picnic - maybe one of their famous Pies, or a fresh gourmet baguette. And don’t forget the Vanilla Slice or Rocky Road Slice! Drive on to Peel Estate Winery in Karnup. Established in 1979, this multi-award-winning winery is the oldest winemaker in the Peel Region, and boasts beautiful shady grassed grounds, and daily Cellar Door wine tastings. Buy a bottle of wine and enjoy with your Bakery picnic, sample their Chenin Blanc or Chardonnay and relax the early afternoon away in the picturesque grounds.
3:00 PM: After your long lunch, head to Point Peron to explore the scenic coastline of Boya Kaarla with an Aboriginal guide. A 90-minute walking tour with Djurandi Dreaming will help you gain a deeper understanding of the land’s cultural connection to the Nyungar people and give you a glimpse into the rich indigenous culture and its values. Marvel at the rugged limestone cliffs, sandy beaches, and offshore reefs around Point Peron, whilst you hear dreamtime stories passed down from generation to generation.
4:30 PM: Drive back to the Rockingham town centre and check in to your hotel. There are lots of great accommodation options in the Rockingham area. We suggest the Quest Rockingham which features 96 modern serviced apartments and is located just a few minutes’ walk to the beach and foreshore. This hotel has everything you need for ultimate comfort – private laundry facilities, complimentary WiFi, gym, swimming pool and the friendly staff team will help you kick up your heels with all the best local recommendations.
7:00 PM: For dinner, walk down to Latitude 32, Rockingham’s premier multi award-winning steak and seafood restaurant. Located on the popular Rockingham boardwalk, you’ll love their tender, juicy steaks, slow roasted prime rib, fresh local seafood, crisp salads, mouth-watering desserts, and extensive drinks menu.
Sunday: Adventure and Nature
8:00 AM: Leave the hotel early and head down to a hidden gem in Safety Bay for breakfast. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, Café Barco is a popular local spot that is serving up some seriously good food. With a whimsical atmosphere, great coffee, friendly service, generous food portions and reasonable prices, we guarantee you’ll be vowing to return… with friends!!
9:00 AM: After breakfast, head to Mersey Point and take a tour to explore the crystal-clear waters of the spectacular Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. The claim to fame of this special aquatic area is that it is home to the largest colony of little penguins in WA, plus some playful and rare Australian sea lions. To get up close and personal with the wildlife, here are a few options:
- For an encounter with the local Sea Lions that you won’t forget take a kayak tour with Capricorn Sea Kayaking to Seal Island. Autumn is a beautiful time on the water with crisp, clear mornings and calm waters. Tours are led by qualified instructors, and you’ll receive plenty of tips and insights about the marine park as you glide over the turquoise water and get great views of the sea lions.
- Take the hourly ferry to visit Penguin Island. This beautiful island is blessed with white sandy beaches and surrounded by the magic blue water of the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. Explore the nature trails and try to spot the reclusive little penguins in their burrows. Follow the boardwalk trail around the island for some amazing views.
- For memories that will last a lifetime, Perth Wildlife Encounters runs a variety of tours from Mersey Point that will give you an exhilarating wildlife encounter. From swimming with wild dolphins, to the half day 3 Island Snorkel and Seafood Cruise they have something for everyone. With over 30 years of experience, a custom-built boat with onboard toilets, wetsuits provided, and a super attentive crew you can be guaranteed to see the best of the local marine life, above and below the water!
1:30 PM: Once back on the mainland head to Pengos Café for fish and chips or seafood chowder for lunch. Located next to Perth Wildlife Encounters at Mersey Point, on a sunny day this is a gorgeous spot to enjoy a delicious meal as you relax under the shade sails of the alfresco area.
3:00 PM: After lunch, it’s time to make your way back to Perth and leave the beautiful Rockingham region. Before hitting the road, stop at Sound Brewing Co. for a local craft beer. With 24 rotating beer taps and regular live music sessions, Sound Brewing Co is the best spot to sink a few cold ones and sample some of the best flavours across WA. They also have their very own brews in the tanks on site which will be ready to pour in late May.
Rediscover where the coast comes to life this autumn.
