Explore heritage

Historic Day Cottage Endures

Day Cottage (fmr) is one of Rockingham's oldest surviving homes and a rare example of a colonial-era limestone cottage. Originally established on land owned by early settler Jabez White, it became home to William and Susan Day, who raised their family there from the late 1850s.

The property later evolved into the homestead Ellendale, built by William Day and his sons in the 1880s. Over its 160-year history, the site remained closely connected to several pioneering local families and played an important role in the development of the district.

Today, Day Cottage is listed on the State Register of Heritage Places, recognising its significance to Western Australia's history. Ongoing conservation efforts are helping preserve this important reminder of East Rockingham's pioneering past for future generations.

Photo credit: Lana Pratt Photography, Courtesy: Kilmore Group

New Local Heritage Survey and Heritage List

In August 2025, the City adopted an updated Local Heritage Survey and Heritage List following a comprehensive review and community consultation.

The survey now includes 100 places, with 51 recognised on the Heritage List for their significance. The update reflects new research, site assessments, and improved heritage records.

Acknowledgement

Thanks to consultants, community members, and heritage groups for their contributions.

Rockingham Museum – A Local Heritage Story

Did you know the Rockingham Museum was originally the Rockingham Roads Board Office, built in 1946 as the district’s civic hub? Since 1979, the building has been home to the Rockingham District Historical Society.

Carefully preserved in its original Art Deco style, the building reflects Rockingham’s growth through the post-war period and continues to share the City’s history through exhibitions and community engagement.

Open regularly and run by dedicated volunteers, the Museum remains a valued place to explore Rockingham’s past.

Peelhurst Ruins Conservation Management Plan

In 2023, the City completed an updated Conservation Management Plan for the Peelhurst Ruins, helping guide the protection and management of this significant local heritage site in Golden Bay.

Built in the 1860s by Thomas Peel Jr, the ruins are an important link to the area's early settlement history. The project also included a community archaeological dig, which was recognised with a commendation at the 2023 WA Heritage Awards for its contribution to heritage conservation and community engagement.

2025 Western Australian Heritage Award Winners

Peelhurst Ruins Archaeological Dig

A community archaeological dig at the Peelhurst Ruins in Golden Bay uncovered a range of historical artefacts, including an 1880 coin, early 20th-century bottles and household items from the site's past.

Led by heritage and archaeology specialists, the project gave residents a unique opportunity to experience archaeology firsthand while learning more about this significant local heritage site and its connection to Rockingham’s early settlement history.

Rockingham Rd Board Officers - Conservation Management Plan

In 2022, the City completed a Conservation Management Plan for the former Rockingham Road Board Office, guiding its ongoing care and use.

Built in 1946 as the district’s original civic hub, the building now houses the Rockingham Museum, operated by the Rockingham District Historical Society. Recognised for its high heritage value, it remains well maintained and continues to play an important role in preserving and sharing the City’s history.

East Rockingham Pioneer Cemetery Conservation Management Plan

In 2022, the City completed a Conservation Management Plan for the East Rockingham Pioneer Cemetery, guiding its ongoing care and maintenance.

Established in 1866, the cemetery reflects the history of early settlers and includes graves from the late 1800s, as well as soldiers connected to the 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic. Today, it remains an important heritage site, preserving the stories of Rockingham’s early community.

2021 Western Australian Heritage Awards

In 2021, the City of Rockingham received a Western Australian Heritage Award for its outstanding contribution to heritage, guided by the Heritage Strategy 2020–2025.

The award recognised the City’s work in protecting and celebrating cultural heritage through key projects and strong partnerships with community groups, helping to enhance appreciation of heritage across the region.

2021 Western Australian Heritage Award Winners

Saw Home Restoration

Built in the 1920s for the Saw family, ‘Lakeside’ is an important local heritage home tied to Rockingham’s early farming community and the legacy of nurse Lucy Saw.

After a proposed demolition in 2020 was declined, the property was sold and carefully restored by new owners in collaboration with the City. The result is a thoughtful restoration that preserves the home’s heritage significance for future generations.

Point Peron Replica M1917/18 Gun

A replica 155mm M1917/18 gun was installed at Point Peron in December 2020, honouring the site’s role in coastal defence during World War II.

Delivered through a collaborative effort between community groups, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, and the City, the memorial reflects the original guns that once formed part of the Fremantle Fortress. It stands as a tribute to those who served and helps preserve an important part of Rockingham’s military history.

Houtman and Dedel Plaque, Safety Bay

In July 1619, Dutch explorers Frederick de Houtman and Jacob Dedel sighted the Rockingham coastline near Safety Bay, marking an early European encounter with the region.

In 2019, this historic event was commemorated through community celebrations and the installation of a plaque overlooking Safety Bay. Today, the site recognises Rockingham’s important place in early maritime exploration history.

Darile Street Old Abattoir Restoration

The City has restored the historic Old Abattoir in Hillman, originally built in the 1940s and later used as a dairy, preserving an important link to Rockingham’s past.

With support from heritage groups and Council, the building’s original limestone walls and roof have been carefully reconstructed, ensuring this significant site can be enjoyed by the community for years to come.

Chesterfield Inn Restoration

The historic Chesterfield Inn, dating back to 1855, has been stabilised and conserved through works by DevelopmentWA.

Once a key stop for travellers between Fremantle and Mandurah, the building reflects Rockingham’s early history and pioneering families. Today, it remains an important and rare example of an early wayside inn in Western Australia.

Places of Pride

The City is contributing to the national Places of Pride register, an Australian War Memorial initiative documenting publicly accessible war memorials across the country.

Local sites include the Naval Memorial Park, Village Green War Memorial and Remembrance Flame, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. These places honour Australians who served and continue to preserve important stories of remembrance within the community. Find more information here: Places of Pride

Rockingham Serving Son's

The Alfred Hines Seaside Home

Following storm damage in 2019, the historic Alfred Hines Hall facade was carefully restored in line with its original Art Deco design.

A valued community landmark since the 1950s, the building reflects its long history supporting children with disabilities and their families, and continues to hold strong social significance for the Rockingham community.

Seaside Camp for Children

The Founders' Memorial

Originally installed in 1979, the Founders’ Memorial commemorates Rockingham’s early settlers and pioneer history.

As part of the Foreshore Revitalisation, the memorial was carefully redesigned and relocated in 2019, retaining key elements of the original artwork. It continues to hold a position on Railway Terrace, celebrating the City’s heritage for the community and visitors.