6 Ways to Have a Big Day Out in Rockingham

Rockingham may be full of natural charms and outdoorsy adventures, but there are also plenty of other experiences with the wow factor.

Days out in 'Rocko' are getting bigger and better with the laidback city's impressive events calendar and unique outings justifying your next seaside staycation.

Enter a new kind of pleasure state: rediscover Rockingham by adding these events and experiences to your social calendar.

Symphony on the Green

Bring the picnic basket and get ready to be entertained by a symphony under the stars. The West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) returns to Rockingham's Village Green on Saturday, 17 February. Classical and film favourites and many more musical surprises will be part of the outdoor concert event with WASO conductor Jen Winley at the helm. Singalong and appreciate the orchestra's talents for a remarkable evening of music.

The free, family-friendly show is part of the city's Summer Series, with events occurring throughout the summer.

Find out more: Symphony on the Green

Castaways Sculpture Awards

What could be more inspiring than seeing innovative sculptures at a blissful beach? Rockingham knows how to turn heads with October's annual Castaways Sculpture Awards. The awards champion artistic innovation while promoting environmental awareness and sustainability. It presents a world-class outdoor exhibition along the Rockingham Foreshore featuring artworks created from recycled materials, conveying a fresh take on sustainability.

Keen to get creative yourself? Many events and workshops hosted by Castaway artists are available throughout the exhibition dates.

Find out more: Castaways Sculpture Awards

Channel 7 Rockingham Beach Cup

Giddy up for Australia's most unique beach racing experience. The Channel 7 Rockingham Beach Cup combines a day at the races with beach time along Rockingham's stunning coastline, all for a good cause. The charity race supports the welfare of retired racehorses with no betting and no whips involved, making it a wholesome community event.

The two-day annual weekend event in November kicks off at Churchhill Park. The Saturday family-friendly event includes live music, artisan markets, street food vendors and activities for the young and old to get involved in.

Rockingham goes into race mode on Sunday, with the festival spread out at Churchill, Bell Park, and Rockingham Foreshore. Beach racing begins at midday, with entertainment also happening beyond sandy shores. Head to the licensed Palm Beach Oasis to enjoy shipping container bars, cocktail bars, food stalls, live music, DJ spins, and charity auctions. 

Join in on the excitement at Churchill and Bell Park with street food stalls, artisan markets, and activity zones for the whole family. And yes, the fashion factor is in vogue, so make sure to don your best summer outfit!

All funds raised at the Beach Cup support Variety, Alzheimer's Research Foundation WA, and Palm Beach Rotary community projects.

Find out more: Rockingham Beach Cup

Peel Estate Wines Events

Savour a sip (or many!) in the Peel region's oldest vineyard, Peel Estate Wines. The vineyard in Karnup and offers cellar door tastings and relaxed picnic experiences on its enchanting forested grounds. Besides wine-tasting experiences, the renowned winery also hosts various events, from local farmers' markets and live entertainment to boutique music festivals such as its Annual Blues Special. 

Peel Estate Wines forms part of the self-guided Peel Craft Beer and Wine Trail, which includes six other locally run venues serving award-winning drops and epicurean cuisines. 

Find out more: Peel Estate Wines

Skydive Australia

Gain a new perspective of Western Australia's coastline with an unforgettable (and hair-raising!) sightseeing experience. Skydive Australia offers Perth's only coastal skydiving experience in Rockingham.

See the spectacular Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, including Penguin Island, Cockburn Sound, and Garden Island, and its extensive seagrass gardens tandem diving at 15,000 feet high. Take in the region's beauty for five to seven minutes as you slowly descend back to Earth.

Complimentary transfers from the Perth CBD are available on weekends.

Find out more: Skydive Australia

ENCORE

The fun in Rockingham continues after sunset. The city's new late-night venue, ENCORE (part of local pub Vat 116), offers a stellar line-up of events to get you in the feel-good groove after hours. Get ready to have a good laugh at its comedy nights, or enjoy a dance at RnB Thursdays with Defyre, jazz and blues sessions and an array of touring musical and performance acts. 

Find out more: ENCOR

As you have realised, a lot is happening in Rockingham! To make the most of it, why not enjoy a seaside staycation? There are various accommodation types, including  Quest Apartments Rockingham,  Rockingham Apartments and budget-friendly stays, such as Cee & See Caravan Park and Hotel Clipper.

Read more: 48 Hours in Rockingham