Mornings in Rockingham are best started with a stroll along the beach, just a 10 minute drive away. Grab a coffee first at Bean at the Beach. Their smooth flat whites and ocean views are worth the short drive, and if you’re peckish they have a range of muffins and pastries to tempt you.

By lunchtime, we stopped past Pengo’s Café near the Penguin Island ferry. The fresh fish and chip packs and juicy burgers are great fuel for an afternoon on the water. Grab a table outside and you might spot pelicans catching their own lunch in the shallows.

Come evening, head to the local tapas bar Rustico on the foreshore. Go for a quick drink and a plate of chorizo or chargrilled prawns, or settle in for their five-course degustation. It’s lively but relaxed, and there’s even a kids’ menu to keep younger travellers happy. 

For something more low-key, The Swinging Pig is one of Rockingham’s local favourites. Inspired by British pub roots, the menu features English style meals, fresh seafood and your usual pub classics. With a quintessential Australian beer garden, you can lap up the WA sun and enjoy a local tap beer. 

If you’re cooking for yourself, the park’s camp kitchen and BBQ areas are well set up, with plenty of space to prep, cook, and share a meal.

Just a 10 minute drive from the Park, Palm Beach is the top pick of the local swimming spots. It’s sheltered for swimming, boasts crystal clear water and has a large jetty for a spot of fishing.

Nature and wildlife lovers shouldn’t miss Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, where you can take a wildlife cruise or ferry to Penguin Island to see little penguins, sea lions, and seabirds in their natural habitat. For an even bigger thrill and unforgettable experience join a Perth Wildlife Encounters tour for the chance to swim alongside dolphins in the wild (please note: these tours only operate in summer).

We took a nice long walk to Point Peron which was a great chance to explore the rugged coastline, military history and enjoy sweeping Indian Ocean views.

If you happen to be here on a Sunday, check out the Rockingham Rotary Sunday Market. On offer is a huge variety of handmade goods, arts and crafts, and delicious treats.

There’s no Wi-Fi in the park, so plan to use mobile data or bring a hotspot if you need to stay connected.