Go Rockingham

Location: 47kms South of Perth by road
Population: 62,000
Climate: Summers are generally hot and dry, lasting from December to late March, with February generally being the hottest month of the year. Mild wet winters.
Attractions: Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, dolphins, seals, Penguin Island and beautiful foreshore
Accommodation: Self contained units and houses. There are also hotels, motels, caravan parks and B&Bs.
Visitor Centre: 19 Kent Street Rockingham. Tel: 08 9592 3464
www.rockinghamvisitorcentre.com.au

Chances are, if you are visiting from overseas and have relatives in Perth, they'll be living somewhere around Rockingham. If you're local, then you've probably heard how far Rockingham has come from being a sleepy little fishing getaway – but have you visited the area lately? These days Rocko (as the locals call it) offers cosmopolitan cafes and dining, pubs, clubbing, shopping, every imaginable aquatic activity above and below the sea, many great accommodation options, Sunday markets and an array of festivals and events – most of which are free. The stunning foreshore and esplanade provide the perfect backdrop for various music and cultural events, usually culminating with an impressive firework display once the sun has quietly dipped below the Indian Ocean.

Rockingham's main attraction is its pristine beaches, sheltered swimming conditions and bountiful fishing (any mug can throw their line off the jetty and end up with something on the end of it!) and fantastic marine life. Penguin Island is one great day out. Grab a frequent ferry from Mersey Point. Remember to take a picnic with you, as only fresh drinking water is available on the Island. Ideal for swimming and relaxing, Penguin Island is covered with a myriad of birdlife, including of course, the native penguins. The island even boasts a pelican flying school for 'tweeny' birds. Part of the Shoalwater Island Marine Park, Penguin Island neighbours Seal island – where the obvious reside. See www.rockinghamwildencounters.com.au

Other attractions in the area are The Spectacles Yargon Tours escorted by local Indigenous guides, top class snorkelling and scuba diving in the West Coast Dive Park. The Dive Park is rich in dive wrecks, including The Saxon Ranger, as well as a wonder-world of fish.

Boating, fishing, surfing, windsurfing and the Baldivis Karnup Wine Trail are amongst the most popular activities on offer. Or you may be up for just chilling on the shady grassed lawns of the Rockingham Foreshore. Take advantage of the free BBQ facilities or try some very tasty local fish and chips.