Places to visit in Western Australia

If you want to get away from overcrowded beaches and the hustle and bustle of city life, you'll be glad to know there are many secret slices of sand and sea in Rockingham waiting to be explored. Rockingham is a suburb of Perth known for its crystal clear waters, picturesque white sandy beaches, and balmy weather. It forms the southernmost border of the metropolitan area of Perth and is situated close to Garden Island, Seal Island, and Penguin Island. The region was inhabited for several thousand years by the Noongar tribes, and you can see here a melange of different cultures and traditions. It has several historical sites that give you a glimpse of the rich history of this town. Rockingham offers opportunities for relaxation and adventure in equal measure. You can cruise the waterways, swim with sea lions, dive with dolphins and enjoy a beachside stay.

Whether you're looking to have a quiet stroll, want to unwind on the shimmering sands, laze in the hammock, or soak in the sun, Rockingham can cater to all your fancies. With its 24-hour eateries, plentiful bars, karaoke joints, and street-food vendors serving delectable local cuisine, you'll always find a spot to relax and unwind. The town is bound to delight hardcore foodies with its eclectic dishes and array of local and international fare.

The Shoalwater Islands Marine Park is situated around five hundred meters offshore and hosts the finest displays of marine creatures and beautiful birds. Immerse yourself in the illustrious history of the town by heading to the Catalpa memorial and Naval Memorial Park. If you're looking for shopping therapy, you can head to the local retail stores and buy everything under the sun at discounted rates.

Rockingham experiences balmy and sunny weather throughout the year. August is the coldest month, with an average maximum temperature of around 19°C, and February is the warmest month, with an average maximum temperature of around 32°C. April, May, October, and September are the peak Rockingham Tourism season, as the weather remains pleasant, with average temperatures ranging between 20 and 26 degrees Celsius.

If you're looking for an intimate oasis for a beachy gateway, you won't find a place better than Rottnest Island. Rottnest Island is situated nineteen kilometers off the coast of Perth and is renowned for its raw, untamed beauty, breathtaking landscapes, striking coastal views, and natural rock formations. The island has six major habitats: salt lakes, coastal, woodlands, heath, brackish swamps, and settled areas. The limestone coral reef grew approximately 100,000 years ago and is home to Rottnest's exotic marine life. It also boasts a vibrant culture, rich history, world-class gastronomy, and a lively local music scene. The island was once used as a military base, but it has now been transformed into a pocket of remote wonderland waiting to be discovered.

With sixty-three of the prettiest beaches, twenty beautiful bays, and stunning coral reefs and wrecks, Rottnest Island is a coastal paradise where you can enjoy the sand, surf, and sun. You can explore the spectacular swimming spots, sample the unusual traditional local fare and attend the live comedy and music festivals. You can also sign up for whale-watching tours and get up close with southern right whales and humpback whales. 

The island is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, and you can spot here some of the unique species like the marsupial Quokka. If you're looking for a surfing break, you can head to The Rotto Box, Strickland Bay, or The Basins Ledge. Surfing competitions are also held here during the winter leading to a rise in Rottnest Island tourism. The island also has challenging hiking tracks and biking tracks to satiate the thrill-seeking soul of adventure enthusiasts.

You can opt for Segway tours to have an eco-friendly adventure and explore the breathtaking scenery of Rottnest Island. To learn about the island's rich history, you can sign up for an Aboriginal walking tour.

Rottnest Island experiences a Mediterranean-style climate with mild cool winters and dry and warm summers. February is the hottest month, with an average maximum temperature ranging around 27.2°C and June and September are the coldest months, with average temperatures ranging between 19 degrees to 7 degrees Celsius.