Rockingham is located 47 kilometres south of Perth, Western Australia, and is a holiday beach resort city on the southernmost boundary of the Perth metropolitan area.
Being one of the earliest towns established in Western Australia, Rockingham was already a thriving town in 1897 when it split from the Fremantle Roads Board. Captain Stirling landed on Garden Island in 1827. Rockingham was the site of the first permanent European settlement in the Swan River Colony in Western Australia. When the first settlers arrived in 1829, they had to wait on Garden Island for 6 months before being allocated land.
During the early years, Rockingham served as a port that was busy shipping Jarrah and Sandalwood to other countries. During World War II, Rockingham and Garden Island were used as base for the army, navy and “Z” force. Garden Island is now the HMAS Stirling which is Australia’s largest Fleet Base with facilities available to support half the fleet. Garden Island is linked to the mainland by a 4 kilometres causeway although has restricted access for Naval personnel stationed at HMAS Stirling. Visitors can travel to the base by private craft.
Rockingham is known as “Your Aquatic Playground” with the city facing the sheltered waters of Cockburn Sound. Garden Island, Penguin Island and Seal Island are situated nearby. Penguin Island, located south west of Rockingham is home to colonies of fairy penguins, sea lions and other rare seabirds. You can observe them in their natural habitat by taking a special ferry to the island.
The beaches are clean and safe for a variety of water activities ranging from watching the dolphins to surfing. One can also take a walk along the many trails available near the public parks.
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Australia
