Located less than 50 kilometres south of Perth’s CBD, Rockingham is celebrated for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, pristine beaches, and thriving wildlife. The town’s name originated from the ship Rockingham, one of three vessels Thomas Peel chartered to bring settlers to Western Australia. In 1830, the ship was beached due to rough weather and was abandoned after unsuccessful attempts to refloat her.
Originally established as a timber port in the 1870s, Rockingham has since grown into a popular tourist destination for families, day trippers, and nature enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re looking to dive into adrenaline-filled activities or simply relax, Rockingham offers a wealth of ways to enjoy its coastal charm.
Rockingham Day Trip
This day trip itinerary brings you the best of Rockingham by land and sea. Venture off the beaten path, explore both above and below the water, and immerse yourself in a destination celebrated for its natural beauty and adventurous appeal.
9:30 am: Breakfast at Bayside Barista
Begin your Rockingham day trip with breakfast at Bayside Barista. The café is 100% gluten-free with accreditation from Coeliac Australia, so it’s perfect for those who are gluten-free by choice, coeliac or dating a non-gluten eater. Expect to chow down on burgers and pancake stacks without a care in the world.
11:00 am: Jet Ski Tours Perth — The Eco Tour
Also known as personal water crafts, jet skis are a fantastic way to get closer to nature while providing adrenaline-pumping thrills. Imagine getting so close to dolphins and sea lions you can almost touch them! On The Eco Tour with Jet Ski Tours Perth, you’ll get to do just that while exploring the beautiful Cockburn Sound and Garden Island surroundings on a one hour jet ski ride.
12:30 pm: Picnic lunch in nature at Churchill Park
Savour a picnic lunch amongst the lush, shaded grounds of Churchill Park along the Rockingham Beach Foreshore. You can pick up some takeaway from one of the many foreshore eateries or stop by the local IGA for picnic essentials.
2:30 pm: Stand up paddle boarding at Rockingham Beach
Spend a leisurely afternoon paddleboarding at Rockingham Beach, with board rentals available from Surf Mania. For those interested in diving or snorkelling, the Churchill Park Dive Trail is nearby, offering a wonderful way to explore the coastline. Just 50 metres offshore from the Rockingham Foreshore, the trail — which can be accessed via Flinders Lane car park — is home to a collection of small wrecks and aeroplanes, as well as playground equipment.
5:00 pm: Dinner at Catalano & Co
Head to the family-owned Catalano & Co for a relaxed Italian dinner feast. The hardest part will be choosing between dishes like carbonara, penne alla vodka, chicken scallopini, and veal parmigiana. Delizioso!
Stay the night: Rockingham Apartments
If you don’t want the fun to stop, why not spend the night? Situated on the Rockingham Foreshore, Rockingham Apartments offers a range of self-contained, beachfront apartments and villas adorned with large balconies and spectacular ocean views of Cockburn Sound and Garden Island. Packed with all the creature comforts of home, it’s the perfect place to lap up some well-deserved respite.
