Rockingham

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Lovers of nature and outdoor adventure should look no further than Rockingham. This eco-tourism mecca just south of Perth is home to a riot of bird and marine life. The Shoalwater Islands Marine Park is particularly alluring, with oceans that shimmer in a palette of varied blues. The park is home to Seal and Penguin islands. Seal Island boasts a colony of Australian sea lions which can almost always be spotted here, sprawled out in the sun, while Penguin Island is a haven for the world’s smallest penguins – the little penguin. You can see the penguins in the Penguin Experience – Island Discovery Centre on the island.

Bird life is also prolific here, as are dolphins. You can join the award-winning swim-with-the-dolphins tours from Rockingham or jump aboard a charter to watch these endearing creatures frolicking in the waves. There are also kayak tours to Penguin and Seal islands, as well as kayak hire and catamaran hire at Palm Beach.

Secret Harbour offers a lovely beach surfing break and ocean-side golf, while windsurfing is popular at several places along the coast.

Scuba divers are in heaven within the West Coast Dive Park, which is rich in dive wrecks as well as a wonder-world of fish.

And Lakes Richmond, Cooloongup and Walungup are especially popular with bird watchers seeking to marvel at the grace of migratory birds.

Top things to do in Rockingham

• Enjoy an incredible eco-tourism experience and swim with the wild dolphins or join the dolphin watch tour
• Have a picnic or barbeque at Bell and Churchill Park
• Try some of the excellent cafes and restaurants in the region
• Get close to wildlife at Marapana Wildlife World or sample some nuts at Macnuts WA
• Visit nearby wineries and taste some local Peel wines
• Discover the great snorkelling, windsurfing and surfing along the coast
• Try some fishing off the jetty or off the beach
• Go scuba diving in the West Coast Dive Park
• Try a round of golf at a nearby championship golf course

For more information, visit the Rockingham Visitor Centre website.