Mangles Bay at Rockingham

Rockingham WA 6168 (Pop 65 000)
Pic: by Bjenks

Rockingham is a large commuter centre and coastal resort town on Mangles Bay 51 km south of Perth. Established in 1870s, it soon became WA’s busiest port shipping timber to England. When Fremantle took over as the region’s main port, Kwinana industrial area (1950s) and the Garden Island Naval Base (1970s) revitalized the town. Its beautiful beaches and proximity to the capital are among its main attractions.  Mussel Festival (Mar), Jazz Festival (Mar), Spring Festival (Nov), Safety Bay Windsurfing Classic (Dec), Cockburn Yachting Regatta (Dec).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Rockingham Museum, cnr Flinders La & Kent St one of Australia’s finest folk museums with fascinating historic memorabilia and collections. A highlight is the excellent Z Force display featuring the secret WWII British and Australian forces trained at Garden Island and responsible for bombing a number of Japanese ships in Singapore. Open (1pm-4pm) Tues/Wed/Thurs/Sat and (10am-4pm) Sun. The Granary, Rockingham Rd interesting museum relating to WA’s grain industry. By appointment. Kwinana Beach site of the SS Kwinana shipwreck. Cape Peron, Point Peron Rd a former WWII coastal battery lookout. Bell & Churchill Park, Rockingham Rd shaded recreational area.

Nearby:
Penguin Island (ferries from Mersey point) home to a colony of fairy penguins with a series of boardwalks, lookouts and great swimming, snorkeling and diving beaches. Island open Sept-June. Nearby Seal Island has a colony of seals. Lake Richmond (4 km s-w) flora, fauna, scenic walks and ancient thrombolites - domed like structures. Wineries include Baldivis Estate and Peel Estate. Secret Harbour (20 km south) excellent surfing, snorkeling, windsurfing. Serpentine Dam (48 km s-e) scenic bushland and nearby Serpentine Falls. Shoalwater Bay Island Marine Park extends south of Garden Island to Becher Point.

Accommodation:
Rockingham has about half a dozen hotel/motels, a B&B, several holiday apartments/cottages and 4 caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: 43 Kent St. Tel (08) 9592 3464.

Airport:
Perth Airport (PER), 2 George Wiencke Drive, Perth Airport. Tel (08) 9478 8888. (26 km north). 

Hospital:
Rockingham General Hospital, Elanora Dr, Cooloongup. Tel (08) 9592 0600. (3 km east).