For more day trip options, within an hour south of Perth there are two coastal towns – Rockingham and Mandurah, which are both well worth visiting, and offer their own unique charm. They are both popular with locals and visitors as weekend retreats or a stop off if you’re heading further south. We have the best guide for the things to do in Mandurah and Rockingham while you are visiting our city!
40 minutes south of Perth by car, the safe, sandy beaches in Rockingham are ideal for aquatic activities, such as sailing, boating, windsurfing and fishing. The safe, sandy beaches are lined with parks and playgrounds for the kids, with a selection of cafes and restaurants nearby. Home of the beautiful Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, the many offshore islands are added attractions, with their sculpted limestone rocks, little coves and reef areas are ideal for diving, snorkelling and kayaking. Penguin Island lies in the Marine Park, where you can have the opportunity of getting up close with the world’s smallest species of penguin, the Little Penguin. You can watch feedings and learn all about them at the Penguin Island Discovery Centre, located on the island. There are also roughly 260 resident wild bottlenose dolphins in the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, plus rare sea lions on Seal Island. Rockingham Wild Encounters offer a shuttle boat service to cross over to Penguin Island, plus a number of tours to swim with dolphins and visit the penguins and seals. You can also take in the stunning views while skydiving! Drop by the Visitor Centre at 19 Kent Street Rockingham, visit rockinghamvisitorcentre.com.au or call 9592 3464.
Half hour south of Rockingham, Mandurah is a vibrant tourist destination with plenty of waterside restaurants, crystal clear water, numerous activities for the family, plenty of accommodation choices and a relaxed, holiday atmosphere. The city centre foreshore is home to a variety of wildlife including dolphins, pelicans, shags and an abundance of marine life such as the blue manna crab which has become synonymous with the area. Mandurah Cruises offer a selection of cruises to view the resident dolphins and abundant birdlife, the luxury canal homes and pioneer sites. or Enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, crabbing (in season) swimming, boating or windsurfing. The marina precinct offers waterside leisure, shopping and dining just a short walk from the city centre and Mandurah is easily accessible by train with a fast, regular service from Perth.There is a shuttle service thats runs between the train station and city centre. Drop by the Visitor Centre at 75 Mandurah Terrace, Visit www.visitmandurah.com or call 9550 3999.
There are plenty of unique attractions and activities also in the Peel Region, just east of Mandurah, such as bike riding, fishing boutique wineries, camping, kayaking and much more. See below for a selection of things to do in Mandurah and Rockingham, as well as things to see and do in other areas south of Perth.