Dive in Rockingham

Travel to Rockingham

Rockingham is 47km south of Perth and has always been a popular spot with suburbanites seeking the salt air, sun, surf and sand.  Beautiful beaches, lots of water activities and plenty of open reserves down by the ocean attract families and fishermen.

The town is only a 40 minute drive from central Perth so hiring a car is probably your best bet to see the sites.  Regular trains and buses also service the area.

There is some beautiful boutique bed and breakfast accommodation available but they can be a little pricey at $130-$190 a night for a double room.  A great way to get around is to hire a camper van which you can also stay in or a cheaper option is to camp at one of the many sites available.  If there are a few of you then hiring a beach house is a great idea.

You can go surfing, kayaking, waterskiing or hire a boat and hit the water for a spot of fishing.  Visit the Catalpa Memorial and Naval Memorial Park or take a walk in one of the many parks and reserves.  Take a sailing trip to one of the islands off the coast or just chill out on the beach with a book and take in the sun.  If you love wine then head into the hinterlands to the Balidivis Karnup Wine Trail and sample the vineyard’s wine collection.  Chilling out in one of the local beers gardens is a great way to spend an afternoon in the sun.

There are a few dive sites off the coast of Rockingham and you’ll find a couple of dive centres in the town.  The Bell Park wreck is a great dive (especially at night) with lots of fish and sea horses along the ropes.  The MV Petrel is another wreck to explore.  Snorkelers and beginner divers can enjoy the sheltered shallow waters and abundant fish life around Penguin Island or Point Peron.

So take some time out of the city and soak up the sun in Rockingham.

(By Kelly Luckman)