Already keen for a holiday?
Even though the Christmas holidays are over, you’re probably already craving a bit of a break - we get it, life these days can be complicated and stressful. The good news is there’s already a perfect spot for a summer getaway.
The Rockingham region has plenty of fun, food, sun and sand to offer, so we’ve put some ideas together so you can plan your stay. Pack your bags and hop in the car - it’s getaway time!
Rockingham Accommodation
If you’re looking to get away for a couple of days, you’ll need a place to stay. Luckily there’s quite a few options to choose from depending on your needs.
Hotel Clipper is smack bam in the heart of Rockingham - only 400 meters from the foreshore, and with Cafè Clipper offering breaky, lunch and dinner for guests and general visitors alike. Its central location makes it a great option for exploring the surrounding areas and activities!
Another great option is Quest Rockingham, offering 96 fully self-contained apartments as well as complimentary on-site parking (very ideal for all of you road-trippers out there). It’s also only 300m from Rockingham Beach (north-facing apartments have spectacular ocean views), and 200m from a range of local shops and restaurants. Not bad!
Speaking of self-contained accommodation, if you’re lucky enough to have your very own caravan, then Cee & See Caravan Park is what you’ll be after. There’s 32 powered and unpowered sites (and a few self-contained chalets too), and it’s located right across from the beach and a short walk away from some amazing restaurants and cafes.
If you’re looking for something a little fancier (it’s a staycation - treat yourself!), then check out the award-winning, luxury beachfront Rockingham Apartments. With large balconies offering spectacular ocean views, it’s the perfect place to settle down with a glass of wine and watch the sunset with a loved one after a day of exploring and sightseeing.
Day 1 - Sun, Sand & Sea
Alright, so you’ve got your accommodation sorted - now it’s time to get out and explore!
Your first day in Rockingham should be all about exploring the water - luckily, there’s plenty of water adventures and tours to choose from!
Capricorn Seakayaking offers small group tours out to Penguin and Seal Island in - you guessed it - kayaks! It’s a great opportunity to explore WA’s unique marine life and beautiful coastal scenery in an unforgettable experience. Tours are run by experienced and passionate guides, and are open to those aged 8 and older.
If you’re after something with a little bit more power behind it, then you should check out Jet Ski Tours Perth. There are multiple jet ski tours running throughout each day, with guides taking you through the Rockingham waterways. No license or experience is required - you’ll get a full safety briefing prior to the tour.
If you’re a bit of an adrenaline junky, then Skydive Perth Rockingham offers an exhilarating tandem skydiving experience. Leave the world behind as you catch a ride up in their plane, before experiencing the thrill of freefall (and breathtaking views) while safely attached to a seasoned instructor.
For the animal lovers out there, Perth Wildlife Encounters offer two different marine wildlife experiences. The first is the Swim With Wild Dolphins tour that will take you out to the sheltered waters of the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, where over 200 bottlenose dolphins live, so you can dive in and enjoy each other's company. The second tour takes you out to Penguin Island, allowing you to see wild dolphins and rare Australian sea lions, and get up close with the world’s smallest penguins! Tours operate throughout the day, with a brand new sunset cruise experience being offered too. Book your spot now, it’s the perfect way to end your first day in Rockingham.
You’re going to work up an appetite while participating in any of these activities of course, so at some point you’ll be thinking about what’s on the menu for today.
Pinjarra Bakery is home to the best meat pie in Australia (courtesy of the Official Great Aussie Pie Comp 2019), so you really can’t miss out on a chance to taste one for yourself!
Day 2 - Peel Estate Winery
Now that you’re in full on staycation mode, it’s the perfect chance to head to Peel Estate, a magnificent winery nestled between protected wetlands and the estate's vineyard - if you’re visiting in February or March you might even get to see the winery in action too!
You can book your Cellar Door wine tasting online, so you can sample some of WA’s finest wines, including Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel Chardonnay, Verdelho, Chenin blanc as well as sparkling wines and fortifieds.
The gorgeous estate grounds overlook the picturesque vineyard, so pack your blanket and basket and enjoy a picnic lunch while you’re enjoying the view. While there’s no restaurant on the estate, you can pre-order a grazing box full of treats that you can pick up on the day that include locally produced gourmet cheeses and cured meats, a selection of homemade relish, dips and curds, and fresh local seasonal fruits. Yum!
Day 3 - Point Peron
Before you head back home, Point Peron is a must-see.
It’s a gorgeous spot for walking along the beach or trying your hand at a bit of fishing, but the crystal clear waters and diverse sea life also makes it an ideal spot for diving and snorkelling. There’s even the Cape Peron Snorkel Trail, a series of plinths on the seafloor mounted with interpretive signs which will help you to explore a complex and diverse reef system.
While you’re there, look out for the E&J Soft Serve van and grab some soft serve (the traditional type that will give you flashbacks to your childhood) or even some cupcakes, coffee and milkshakes from Vanilla Sprinkles from their restored vintage van. Both are frequently located at Point Peron, so there’s a good chance they’ll be there to serve you while you’re visiting.
Point Peron is the perfect place to cap off your visit to Rockingham before you pack up the car (or caravan) again and head on home!
This itinerary is just a guide of course - feel free to tweak it and swap things around, or you can head to our Rockingham page to add even more great options, if you’re thinking of extending your staycation to a full on vacation!
Don’t miss your chance to capitalise on all the summer fun to be had in the Rockingham region before the cooler months set in. Treat yourself to a break early in the year - you deserve it!
