With 37 km of spectacular coastline, Rockingham is renowned for its safe, calm waters, pristine beaches, unique marine wildlife and abundance of aquatic activities available in the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. Here you'll find Penguin Island and the breathtaking scenery of Cape Peron.
Our soft sandy beaches, including the unique north-facing Palm Beach, provide sheltered swimming and aquatic recreation opportunities for most of the year. The Rockingham Foreshore is the perfect place to enjoy our relaxed beach lifestyle with plenty of ocean-front dining options and picnic spots to choose from.
Renowned as a destination where the coast comes to life, visitors can dive with dolphins, snorkel with sea lions, scuba dive, snorkel, stand up paddleboard, kayak, fish, boat and more on a good old-fashioned beach holiday.
Rockingham is accessible via a short 45-minute car or train journey from Perth. Check out the Rockingham Visitor Guide for inspiration on planning a day trip or extended stay.
Plan your visit
For assistance planning your trip, contact the Rockingham Visitor Centre or Penguin Island Visitor Centre.
Rockingham Visitor Centre
- Phone: 9592 3464
- Email: info@visitrockingham.com.au
- Address: 19 Kent Street, Rockingham WA 6168
Penguin Island Visitor Centre
- Phone: 9592 6100
- Email: bookings@penguinislandvisitorcentre.com.au
- Address: 153 Arcadia Drive, Shoalwater WA 6169
Things to see and do
Set sail with Catalpa Charters and experience one of their iconic tours, from breathtaking sunset cruises and whale watching encounters to hands-on catch-and-keep crayfishing adventures.
Shoalwater Islands Marine Park is great for kayaking and wildlife watching. Why not book a tour with Capricorn Seakayaking or Rivergods Kayak Adventures to learn some local knowledge along the way about our protected marine park, with our local sea lions known to pay a visit on tour.
Rockingham is also home to some of the oldest living life forms on earth known as the thrombolites, located in Lake Richmond with a walking trail that loops around the lake.
In Safety Bay, kite surfer fanatics flock to the world-class kitesurfing destination, The Pond. Its consistent winds and mirror-like flat water makes for the best conditions. If you're new to the sport, or in need of equipment, Seabreeze Kitesurf Schoolo and Soulkite Australia can assist with lessons and gear.
Rockingham is also proud to be home to WA's only cable ski park, Perth Wake Park. Also located here is Perth Aqua Park, a seasonal giant inflatable obstacle course offering a fun day for the whole family.
Jet ski tours and experiences are available within Cockburn Sound and the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park and can be booked via Jet Ski Tours Perth.
Cape Peron provides spectacular coastal views over the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. It's a popular place for walking trails and offers some of the best snorkelling in the region, with the limestone headland dotted with reefs, caves and swim throughs in crystal clear water.
Visitors can also learn about the Aboriginal significance of the area on a cultural tour with operators In Culture Tours and Djurandi Dreaming.
The protected Shoalwater Islands Marine Park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including dolphins, seals, penguins and pelicans. It is a popular destination for diving and water sports.
Divers and snorkellers are spoilt for choice in Rockingham with a number of wrecks and dive sites perfect for experiencing the local sea life. See the Diving and Snorkelling Guide for more details.
Rockingham's 37km coastline is home to nine stunning beaches, each offering a unique way to experience the region's natural beauty.
Rockingham Beach
With safe, calm waters just meters from a vibrant dining precinct family-friendly playgrounds and picnic areas, Rockingham Beach is a favourite for visitors of all ages. This north-facing beach is sheltered from prevailing coastal winds, providing clear and tranquil waters for most of the year.
Palm Beach
Located close to Rockingham Beach, Palm Beach offers a range of accommodation options and similarly calm waters, making it ideal for paddling, swimming, snorkelling and fishing.
Mangles Bay/ Point Peron
With sheltered limestone cliffs and countless rock pools, Point Peron is a favourite destination for snorkellers looking to spot colourful fish, seals and nudibranchs. It is also the perfect location for swimming fishing and relaxing within Perth's only marine park.
Safety Bay / Shoalwater
Safety Bay is home to The Pond, a world-renowned location for windsurfing and kiteboarding. It's proximity to Shoalwater Islands Marine Park also makes it a popular destination for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and wildlife encounters.
Waikiki/ Warnbro Beach
Secluded, largely untouched sands and expansive coastal views make Waikiki, and Warnbro beaches popular with families, couples and anyone seeking a little extra space to unwind.
Port Kennedy/ Kennedy Bay
This newly revitalised coastal precinct features beautifully landscaped bushland, calm beaches and easy access to Kennedy Bay Golf Course and Long Point Brewing Co. It is ideal for families and visitors seeking a premium coastal experience.
Secret Harbour Beach
A surfer's paradise, this patrolled beach is popular with both local surfers and families. With ample parking, the iconic Surfing Lizard Cafe, and nearby Octopus Playground, it offers an enjoyable beach day experience for all ages.
Golden Bay Beach
A favourite among local anglers, Golden Bay Beach offers a peaceful setting with barbeque facilities and picnic areas, making it ideal for a relaxed day by the coast.
Singleton Beach
Singleton Beach is a popular local destination featuring barbeque and playground facilities. Accessible features, including sealed pathways, handrails and beach matting, make it an excellent choice for visitors of all abilities seeking a day by the sea.
Pontoons
Swimming pontoons can be found at the following locations:
Cockburn Sound
- Palm Beach Foreshore (Fisher Street and the Esplanade)
- Rockingham Foreshore (Railway Terrace)
- Rockingham Foreshore (Flinders Lane)
Warnbro Sound
- Waikiki Foreshore (Safety Bay/Malibu Road)
Pontoons are deployed in the last week of November and removed at the end of March each year.
See also
Rockingham is home to a range of premier breweries, each offering its own unique experience and flavours.
Newly opened Long Point Brewing Co. boasts spectacular views across Kennedy Bay, complemented by a playground and a menu showcasing the best produce and flavours of Western Australia's South West region. In Baldivis, Limestone Coast Brewing and the White Horse offer relaxed, family-friendly dining experiences with something to suit every taste. Meanwhile, Fathom Brewing in Safety Bay serves exceptional craft beers just moments from the beach.
For wine lovers, a visit to the renowned Peel Estate Wines is a must. Enjoy a cellar door tasting overlooking the working vineyard, or book a private experience in the estate's intimate cellar, surrounded by ageing barrels and carefully cellared wines. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own picnic to enjoy on picturesque grounds, where barbecue facilities and picnic tables are available for a leisurely afternoon among the vines.
Rockingham has a range of shopping centres spread throughout the region that are easy to find and located on major roads.
Rockingham Centre
Rockingham Centre is on the corner of Council Ave and Read St and is the largest shopping complex in the region with over 200 specialty stores and fours major retail outlets including Target and Kmart.
Syren Street is the premier alfresco dining and entertainment precinct home to a diverse collection of restaurants open until late every evening. Whether you’re after exciting international flavours, traditional beer garden fare, a steak dinner experience or just chasing some quick, cheap eats, you’ll find the culinary experience you’re searching for on Syren Street, including new additions Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co, 2 Fat Indians and Wara Sushi.
The centre also includes an eight-screen Hoyts Cinema with Cine Gold Lounge, plus interactive virtual entertainment at iPlay. Hey Caddy is the hottest new spot for indoor mini golf in Rockingham and additionally features X-Golf, offering state-of-the-art golf simulators for a golfing experience like no other.
Other shopping centres
Rockingham and surrounds is a paradise for avid golfers, home to three world-class courses. Leveraging the City's natural splendour, the courses' designs mean there are sweeping views to enjoy as you make
your way around the holes.
Check out our range of courses:
Rockingham Arts Centre
Explore talent from across WA at this state-of-the-art gallery just a few streets back from the beach. Embark on a public art walking trail around Rockingham, explore the galleries current exhibitions, or attend artists talks during yearly events such as the Rockingham Arts Prize or Castaways Sculpture awards.
For more information on exhibitions, events and hiring spaces within this facility, visit the Rockingham Arts Centre page.
Rockingham Historical Society and Museum
Housed in a charming Art Deco building, the Rockingham Museum contains an interesting collection of memorabilia from Rockingham’s early days as well as costume displays, photos and posters.
Researchers, students and general public are welcome, visit the Rockingham Museum for information on opening times.
See also
Rockingham plays host to a number of amazing local events. From the Rockingham Beach Cup to an explosive New Year’s Eve event you can find the full list of major events on our Major Events page. You can also check out our What's On Calendar for upcoming events.
Summer in Rockingham
Discover why Rockingham is the ultimate summer escape, offering all the charm of an island-style holiday without the ferry ride. From snorkelling and wildlife cruises to waterfront dining and stunning sunsets, this guide highlights the perfect day out by the coast.
Gallery
