Just a short drive from Perth, Rockingham is a superb holiday destination with a stunning coastline, thrilling experiences and family friendly activities. These are the best things to do in Rockingham with kids.
Western Australia is spoilt for spectacular coastline and it’s one of the main drawcards for travellers to the west. However, this little pocket of paradise rivals the tropics when it comes to coastal life. Just 45 minutes south of Perth, Rockingham is an undiscovered stretch of the outer metro city that boasts its own appeal. Think 37 kilometres of stunning coast, mini islands to take the kids to see native wildlife, shallow waters for family friendly swims and endless beach activities. It’s the only place in the Perth metropolitan area where you can swim with wild dolphins, and Rockingham is where you’ll find Shoalwater Islands Marine Park and an underwater ecosystem of thriving ocean wildlife. Keen to find more of the best things to do in Rockingham with kids? Read on.
Older kids and parents can test their mettle at Perth Aqua Park, a gargantuan floating fun park with more than 100 interconnected obstacles. Race each other on the three-lane course, fly down the slides or tackle the climbing walls. Located at Perth Wake Park just 30 minutes south of the Rockingham CBD, Perth Aqua Park sessions are 50 minutes long and supervised by lifeguards, with double sessions available for daredevils with energy to burn.
Some of the best things to do in Rockingham are watersports. Perth Wake Park is the only cable wakeboard park in the state, and riders of any level can give it a go. Alternatively, try kitesurfing or wing foiling at Seabreeze Kite Surf School or WA Surf, both of which provide beginner to advanced surfing lessons in the mirror-smooth Pond in Safety Bay. If that isn’t enough to get the heart pumping, become a hydroflight pilot at Jetpack Perth, WA’s only coastal water jet experience.
If you happen to be in Rockingham for Easter, you’re in for a treat. Each year, the Catalpa Adventure Festival marks the events of the Catalpa Rescue, the true story of six Irish Fenian prisoners who escaped the Convict Establishment (now Fremantle Prison) – a British penal colony in Western Australia – in April 1876. This year, the Catalpa Adventure Festival takes place on Sunday 31 March and Monday 1 April 2024. The annual event is one the best things to do in Rockingham, and features Gaelic football, Irish hurling demonstrations, food trucks, free family activities, live music and market stalls. Listen to Fenian fables and watch the Peel District Cycling Club take the journey from Fremantle Prison to Rockingham
Penguin Island is a 12.5-hectare island off the coast of Rockingham, only 660 metres from the mainland. There is free car parking by the ferry terminal, and the ferry takes families over to the island in just five minute. The islet is part of the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park and the wildlife encounters are some of the best things to do in Rockingham. Here, families can swim with dolphins, snorkel with sea lions, take a guided kayak tour or take in the idyllic surroundings from a stand-up paddleboard. There are also glass-bottom boat cruises that tour Penguin, Seal and Bird Islands. During the 60-minute sailing, families can spot dolphins, rare Australian sea lions, pelican rookeries and native birds.
Rockingham Beach is a north-facing stretch of white sand and turquoise water that enjoys all-day sun. With shallow water and a long, clean shore, the beach is an idyllic locale to set up for the day. There are also multiple play areas along Rockingham Beach, including at Bell and Churchill Park. The concrete slide is a sure-fire hit with little ones. It’s also undercover making it suitable for summertime play. A grass amphitheatre hosts local bands with live music on Sunday afternoons in summer, adding to the already vibrant atmosphere that is quintessential to Rockingham Beach.
The Rockingham Foreshore also hosts the Rockingham Beach Cup, Australia’s only beach horse racing carnival which takes place over a weekend in November. There’s entertainment on Rockingham Foreshore before the main event and an exciting horse race on the sand. Pop-up licensed beachside marquees run along the Rockingham Esplanade and the beach racing spectacle can be viewed from the free Community Carnival in neighbouring Churchill Park, where you’ll also find plenty of family friendly entertainment throughout the weekend, with proceeds going to local charities.
The revitalisation of Rockingham Foreshore in 2019 made it a focus in the city. A wooden boardwalk with colourful built-in sun loungers and numerous cafés with beach views makes it ideal for snack ‘n’ swim afternoon plans. There are plenty of kid-friendly food choices, too: grab fish and chips or tuck into tapas at Rustico. It’s one of the best things to do in Rockingham on a balmy eve.
If you’re looking for outdoorsy things to do in Rockingham, check out the Baldivis Children’s Forest. This community-managed forest area has trails and a centrepiece lookout, and is a lovely place to take the kids away from the water and into the bush. The not-for-profit education space is made to connect children to nature and the natural ecosystem.
Cape Peron Loop Trail is another visually stunning 2.4km circuit hike that usually takes 30 minutes to an hour to complete. This coastal stroll meanders along limestone cliffs and pristine beaches with access points along the way for an impromptu swim. Dogs are allowed provided they are on leash, and cars can be parked at Mangles Bay carpark.
Alternatively, the 20-hectare public park by Lake Walyungup is known as the white lake due to its salt formations. With easy walking trails, an electric BBQ, picnic areas, an outdoor amphitheatre and easy walks through woodlands and wetlands with kangaroo sightings, it’s one of the best things to do in Rockingham.
Jaffelato specialises in sweet and savoury toasted jaffles and gelato ice cream. Run by locals Ali and Justin, who are parents to triplets, Jaffles is a real community affair. They hire special needs staff and give back to local charities. Their café interior, budget-conscious menu and nothing-is-fried approach to the menu make it a popular pit stop with both locals and daytrippers. They pride themselves on quality coffee, milkshakes and smoothies. Don’t miss their authentic chai tea and their delectable artisan ice cream made by two Perth-based Italians, originally from Florence, using traditional gelato-making techniques.
Rockingham Centre is the premier Rockingham shopping centre with more than 140 stores, including big stores like Kmart, Target, Coles and Woolworths across one single level. An eight-screen Ace Cinema complex with premier alfresco dining makes up its entertainment precinct. Check out The Chutney Mary Café, The Groove Train and The Sporting Globe Bar and Grill.
Once you’re done having fun in the sun, host a family game night at iPlay Zone. Located inside Rockingham Centre, this newly renovated venue has a huge selection of arcade games and redemption machines both new and retro. Expect to find tried-and-true classics such as air hockey, claw machines and racing challenges, plus big-ticket arcade highlights such as Jurassic Park, Lane Master, Midnight Maximum Tune DX5, Big Sweet Land, Walking Dead, Piano Keys and Quik Drop.
Bowling is a classic weekend activity and a crowd-pleaser for people of all ages. Head to Zone Bowling and reserve one of the 18 lanes for a friendly family competition, or book a laser tag session if you’re feeling a little more competitive. Not one for sports? No worries, retire to the arcade and earn some tickets to spend at the prize shop. It’s one of the best things to do in Rockingham when wet weather rolls in.
Rain, hail or shine there are always things to do in Rockingham. Tucked away within Rockingham Centre is Hey Caddy, a fully licenced mini-golf venue with a full-service bar and food menu, open from 10am until late. The 18-hole course themes each stop after a destination, from the streets of New York to the uncharted terrain of Mars. It’s the perfect place for kids and adults alike.
There’s plenty of family friendly accommodation in Rockingham. Stay at Quest Rockingham, a modern apartment hotel with a swimming pool. Hotel Clipper is a simple motel-style accommodation with new contemporary rooms. Rockingham Apartments offers luxury beachfront accommodation along the stunning Rockingham Foreshore with panoramic ocean views of Cockburn Sound and Garden Island.
This article was produced in partnership with the City of Rockingham and is a Holidays With Kids digital exclusive. Be the first to see more exclusive online content by subscribing to the enewsletter below.
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