Located just 40 minutes or so drive south of Perth along WA’s Kwinana Highway, the coastal town of Rockingham is often overlooked by grey nomads … and that’s a real shame.
Boasting 37 kilometres of spectacular coastline, as well as a rich history and a huge offering of activities and experiences, it’s a place that really shouldn’t be missed off the Big Lap itinerary of any unhurried traveller.
The town got its name when the Rockingham, one of three ships carrying settlers to WA, was blown ashore here in 1830 and eventually broke up and sunk in the waters of Cockburn Sound.
The arrival of the railway and the construction of a jetty in 1872 saw the settlement prosper as a place from which timber was shipped around the world.
Rockingham foreshore is popular with visitors. PIC: City of Rockingham
However, as other ports slowly opened, its importance slowly diminished … and it eventually evolved into a popular seaside resort.
And it’s not hard to see why. The area boasts numerous idyllic beaches that are well used by swimmers, fishers, surfers, kayakers, and wind surfers. Among the most popular are Point Peron, Rockingham Beach, Palm Beach, Waikiki Beach, Singleton Beach, and Secret Harbour Beach. Dolphins regularly visit these waters, and so do penguins.
One of the must-dos for most visitors is to take a five-minute ferry ride to Penguin Island, home to hundreds of delightful fairy penguins.
The island is also home to many species of seabirds, including what is reputed to be WA’s largest colony of pelicans. Those keen to continue their natural adventure, might consider taking a further 45-minutre cruise on a glass-bottomed boat to Seal Island to see some extremely rare Australian sea lions.
The wonderful Penguin Island is a short boat ride away. PIC: Tourism Western Australia
Rockingham itself boasts an excellent range of shops and services, with plenty of cafes and restaurants.
There are several caravan parks, including the oceanfront Cee and See Caravan Park. While it is now very much a modern settlement, there are still many historic sites to enjoy.
The East Rockingham Heritage Precinct is home to the Chesterfield Inn which was built in 1855, as well as Hymus House, Bell Cottage, the old abbatoir, and the site of Sam Chalwell Cottage.
The best place to really get to grips with the town’s past though is to visit the Rockingham Museum which boasts a wide range of historic exhibits.
Given the area’s strong naval tradition, the Rockingham Naval Memorial Park is also well worth a look. As well as a series of commemorative plaques, the park contains several fascinating items … including a gun turret from HMAS Derwent.
But, for visitors, who like their history to go back a little bit further, it’s hard to beat a trip to Lake Richmond where a boardwalk offers views of the ancient dome-shaped thrombolites.
Fittingly for an area which offers scientists a clue to the origins of life in Earth, just across the road from here is the Rockingham Regional Environment Centre. This education and resource facility is designed to promote a greater understanding of environmental issues and sustainable lifestyle choices.
For such a developed area, there are also some great regional parks in the area offering excellent walking opportunities, and a trip up to Mandurah Hill offer superb views across the surrounding landscape all the way to the Darling Scarp.
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