Rockingham is a rapidly expanding regional centre some 40 minutes drive south of Perth. Being protected from the open ocean by a network of islands and reefs, the Rockingham region has some of the safest and best beaches Western Australia. With the scenic, stunning Shoalwater Marine Park (including Penguin and Seal Islands), the unique north facing beaches of Palm Beach, Cape Peron Regional Park and the white Waikiki beaches makes this area a true beach lovers paradise.
Listed below are some of the places you may want to visit and activities to enjoy during your stay in Rockingham.
Wild dolphins - Rockingham's crystal clear waters are home to over 100 Bottlenose Dolphins that have become a major international tourist attraction. For the adventurous, a ‘Swim with the Wild Dolphins tour’ and for those wanting to stay dry – a “Dolphin Watch tour’ are available daily for most of the year. Full details of all tours www.dolphins.com.au
Sea Kayaking – a safe paddle to Seal Island is one of the best sea kayaking trips anywhere. Crystal clear waters surround Shag Rock and Seal Island. Experience jagged limestone cliffs, reefs and fish, plus magnificent swimming beaches. Watch the sea lions lazing on the beach or maybe even experience the magnificence of the local dolphins as they swim by. A keen eye may even spot a ray slinking along the sea bed.
For tour information visit www.rivergods.com.au .
Visit Penguin Island – The ferries leave regularly from the jetty at Mersey Point (only 50mtrs from Arcadia Beachside Apartment) for the 600mtr trip to Penguin Island. Rockingham Wild Encounters operate the regular ferry service. For ferry times and costs call 9591 1333. Also available is a Penguin and Sea Lion Tour on the glass bottom boat.
You could hire a canoe and paddle across to Penguin Island. Whilst not recommended, if you decide to walk the 600 meter sandbar, you must show extreme caution. Pack a picnic lunch as well as your camera and enjoy a day at the island swimming and snorkelling in one of the magnificent and sheltered bays or take a stroll around the island. The CALM operated penguin feeding at the Penguin Discovery Center are also very entertaining and informative.
Point Peron (Cape Peron) - Walk along the bay to Point Peron or take a short drive. Visit the gun sites at cape Peron, explore the limestone cliffs from the new overhanging viewing platform and explore the magnificent beaches. Snorkelling is a popular activity with a snorkelling trail in place. A cyclepath and walkway on the western side overlooks Mangles Bay and the Garden Island Naval Barracks. Calm sheltered beaches on the west side which are great for children. Why not hire a canoe, paddle and explore the rocky islands just off the point.
Marapana Wildlife World – Experience cute and cuddly animals which will have the kids entertained for hours, tel: 9537 1611or email marapana@westnet.com.au
Windsurfing / Kite Surfing – Safety Bay and Shoalwater Bay are amongst the top windsurfing spots in Australia. Many overseas competitors use these waters as training grounds for world competitions. The afternoon summer breezes provide superb conditions for the professional or beginner. Protected waters on the inside of the Island and reefs network provide hours of fun and adventure for windsurfers and kite surfers alike. Lessons are available from local business found along the bay.
Scuba diving - dive on the famous Rockingham wrecks, snorkel with sea lions or explore the many limestone reef formations. Experience face to face contact many fish species as well as the famous WA rock lobster when in season. Contact Bell Scuba 9527 9211 or visit www.bellscuba.com.au
Local wineries – for those who enjoy delicacies in life close by are two local wineries. Amarillo Vines Winery - 23 Marlock Place, Karnup Ph: 9537 1800
Peel Estate Wines - Fletcher Road, Baldivis Ph:: 9524 1221
Rockingham Golf Club - Beautiful 18 hole course with bar, dining, hire equipment and electric buggies tel: 9527 1320
Rockingham Golf Driving Range - undercover, trees provide shade and shelter, lessons available
AMF Rockingham ten pin bowling - great family fun for all ages. Fully automatic computer scoring, licensed bar and cafe. Corner Read and Paterson Roads tel: 9528 1161
Water Ski Park - safe clean and friendly skiing on protected lakes. At various times of the year watch the exciting speed and precision of jet boats going through their paces. Boat and equipment hire available. Open 7 days 8:30am to 5:30pm. Lot 101 St Albans Road, Baldivis www.bonneyswaterskipark.com.au
Hoyts Cinema Rockingham - 14 Leghorn Street, Rockingham tel: 9527 8072
Aqua jetty sporting complex - indoor/outdoor pools/spa/steam room, water slide, health club, creche and cafe. 87 Warnbro Sound Ave, Warnbro tel: 9593 9999
Naragebup Rockingham Regional Environment Centre - discover living rocks of Lake Richmond, aquariums, bush tucker, nature reserves. Safety Bay Road, opposite Lake Richmond tel: 9591 3077
Information listed here as a guide only – please contact the individual activities for full details.
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