Rockingham is only 45 minutes south of Perth by car or by train making it an easy destination for day trippers or those who want o enjoy a longer coastal getaway. Only a short 40-minute drive south from Perth’s CBD, Rockingham is a popular destination offering a wide range of visitor experiences and activities.

The Rockingham region is well sign posted with visitor attractions indicated by the blue tourist signs located along major roads.

On entering the Rockingham region from either the north or south boundaries we recommend taking the 202 tourist drive. The scenic drive is well sign posted and starting points can be accessed on Patterson Road, Mandurah Road or Ennis Avenue.

Penguin Island Visitor Centre Rockingham is located at 153 Arcadia Drive Shoalwater. You can also contact us on +61448 958 667 or email bookings@penguinislandvisitorcentre.com.au for more information.

SELF DRIVE & HIRE CARS

For those self driving, the Rockingham region is well sign-posted and easy to navigate. Ambrose Rent-A-Car and other companies have cars available for pick up in Rockingham, surrounding suburbs and at Perth Airport.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Rockingham’s convenient public bus transport links make it easy to get around the region– with frequent bus routes like the 555 stopping along Rockingham train station, Rockingham Centre and the Rockingham Foreshore precinct. You can plan your journey with Transperth here.

TAXIS & CHARTERS

Taxis operate services throughout Rockingham from the Rockingham Train Station and Rockingham Centre and can take you anywhere in and around the region. Uber is also available. You can also join guided tours with Explore Tours Perth and other operators.

All parking within the City of Rockingham is free, but time limits do apply in specific areas. Get the full details on parking HERE.

As part of Australia's sunniest Capital City of Perth, Rockingham enjoys eight hours of sunlight each day. Warm Summers and cool wet Winters follow a Southern Hemisphere climate. In Summer (December to February), the average maximum temperature is 31°C with an average minimum temperature of 19°C. In Winter (June to August), the average maximum temperature is 16°C with an average minimum temperature of 9°C. The Leeuwin current bringa warm water down the West Coast of Australia with the temperate climate, provides an ideal marine environment in the shallow waters around Rockingham.

Penguin Island Visitor Centre is the official Visitor Centre in Rockingham. Before embarking on your adventures around the region, be sure to visit the Visitor Centre located at 153 Arcadia Drive Shoalwater. Alternatively, you can also call the team on +6144 895 8667 for a friendly chat and expert advice about Rockingham's best experiences. Tour bookings, region information, brochures and accommodation can be booked through Penguin Island Visitor Centre.

OPEN HOURS

PENGUIN ISLAND VISITOR CENTRE & RESERVATIONS
8.30am- 4.30pm (when Penguin Island is open).

9.00am- 3.00pm (when Penguin Island is closed & winter offseason).

TICKETS & GIFT SHOP
8.30am- 4.30pm (when Penguin Island is open).

9.00am- 3.00pm (when Penguin Island is closed & winter off season).

FERRY DEPARTURES
Depart hourly*: 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm.

Return hourly*: 10.10am, 11.10am, 12.10pm, 1.10pm, 2.10pm, 3.10pm & 4pm.

*Extra ferries are scheduled every 20 minutes or half hour during busy times as required.

PENGUIN ISLAND DISCOVERY CENTRE

Open daily 10am- 3.30pm.

Penguin Feedings: 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2.30pm.

PENGOS CAFE
Open Daily 8am- 4.30pm. (8am - 3pm during the winter months).

You are welcome to use your own vessel to visit Penguin Island and Garden Island. Please be aware that the areas accessible to the public on Garden Island are restricted. Before visiting, please check the Department of Transport's South Metropolitan Boating Guide.

We do not recommend walking or wading across the sandbar to Penguin Island. Strong rips and currents can occur, and the water depth and conditions change rapidly. There have been fatalities in this area. The best and safest way to get to Penguin Island is to board the ferry across, which departs hourly from 9am to 3pm. You may purchase ferry tickets here.

From a stunning coastline and ancient lake systems, to a vibrant restaurant and café strip on the foreshore, Rockingham is jam packed with amazing attractions that can be easily accessed by bike. You can find the shared cycle paths here for the most scenic rides around Rockingham and surrounds.

There are plenty of free public BBQ facilities located along the Rockingham and Shoalwater Foreshore and various other parks around town. To see all available facilities, please search here.

We are renowned for our wonderful coastline, which is a major attraction for residents and visitors alike. However, gaining access to the beach and water is a major issue for many visitors, in particular people with disability.

BEACH MATTING

Beach access matting provides assistance for many people, including people with disability, seniors, and parents with prams, making it easier to get from the main footpath onto the sand.

The matting is available from October through to April each year depending on weather conditions. To confirm that the matting is in place before heading to the beach, call the City on 9528 0333.

BEACH WHEELCHAIRS

Beach wheelchairs are designed for use in outdoor environments and specifically for use on sand and in or near salt water.

There arW two types of beach wheelchair available for loan from the City free of charge. These are hosted by community organisations and you can contact them directly to book and arrange collection.

BEACH WALKERS

A walk on the beach can be difficult for many. Beach walkers make it easier for people to access and enjoy the sand.

Two beach walkers are available for community members to loan free of charge. Bookings are essential. Refer to the Information Sheet below for more details about booking and using a beach walker.

ACCESSIBLE JETTIES

Rockingham offers great facilities for fishing enthusiasts, and both the Val Street and Palm Beach jetties have been designed to allow easy access for people in wheelchairs or with other mobility restrictions.

Accessible toilet facilities are also available nearby to both jetties.

For more information and to book wheelchairs and walkers, please visit the City of Rockingham’s website here.

Penguin Island Visitor Centre offers free WIFI from the mainland in the vicinity of the Visitor Centre and Pengos Cafe. Free WiFi is also available in various cafes/restaurants and major shopping centres.