The winter rain has finally come to an end, which means that spring, one of our favourite seasons here in Rockingham, has arrived!

Springtime is one of the most beautiful seasons for the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park Sanctuary. There’s abundant wildlife, including sea lions, dolphins, seabirds and schools of fish darting through the seagrass meadows, so you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to nature spotting

Back on dry land, wildflowers bloom along coastal trails and combined with the crisp blue sky and mild temperatures, they’re a hikers paradise. Rockingham and the islands off the coast are a hiker’s delight. Add in relaxed seaside dining, coastal lookouts, and some fascinating local history, and you’ve got the makings of the perfect day trip or weekend escape.

And best of all? All this is just 45 minutes from Perth.

1. Wildlife Comes Alive in Shoalwater Islands Marine Park

Spring is prime time at Shoalwater Islands. You’ll find sea lions basking on the sandbars, dolphins riding the wake of the ferry and migratory seabirds preparing for nesting season. Join our Wildlife Cruise with Lunch, our 3 Island Wildlife Snorkel or our Swim with Dolphins tours to experience the best of it all up close.

Whilst Penguin Island doesn’t open to the public until late October, our 60 minute wildlife cruises are back in full swing so you can still enjoy the pristine Shoalwater Islands Marine Sanctuary.

2. Calm Seas, Coastal Trails & Spring Blossoms

Spring brings clear skies, calm seas, and perfect hiking weather - even before Penguin Island reopens! Lace up your shoes for a coastal adventure on the Cape Peron loop trail or explore the scenic paths of Rockingham Lakes Regional Park. You’ll find wildflowers blooming along the tracks, seabirds nesting along the shore, and plenty of photo-worthy lookouts.

When Penguin Island reopens in late October add the island’s boardwalk trail to your list for up-close bird spotting and sweeping marine views. Download the free Nature Play WA app at Mersey Point Jetty, and log in to the new augmented reality ‘Play Trails’ experience for the kids!

3. Just 45 Minutes from Perth

One of the best things about Rockingham is how easy it is to get here. In less than an hour, you can swap city traffic for fresh sea air and a marine park adventure.

Start your day with breakfast at Pengos Café, conveniently located right at the ferry terminal. The menu is packed with great coffee, fresh juices, and hearty options perfect before your wildlife cruise or a walk along the beach.

If you’d like to make a weekend of it, there are plenty of cosy places to stay nearby. Quest Rockingham and Hotel Clipper are popular central options, both just a short stroll from the foreshore. For something a little different, try a foreshore holiday house or an Airbnb stay for a relaxed coastal vibe. Staying overnight means you can enjoy an evening along the foreshore, sunset drinks, and a slower start the next day.

4. Dive into Diverse Marine & Coastal Activities

Rockingham is one of WA’s best playgrounds for ocean lovers, and spring is when the water is calm, clear, and inviting.

Go Snorkelling - Discover reef fish, seagrass meadows, and even the occasional stingray around the Shoalwater Islands. Try our 3 Island Wildlife Snorkel for an incredible experience, no need to bring your own gear and added wildlife spotting.
Join a Dolphin, Penguin & Sea Lion Cruise – Get up close to dolphins racing the boat, sea lions lazing on the sandbars, and seabirds swooping overhead on our Wildlife Cruise. Spring cruises often mean glassy conditions and great photo opportunities!
Try Kayaking or Paddleboarding – Rent a kayak or SUP or book our Sea Kayak Tour and explore the lagoons at your own pace, or take a guided eco-tour to learn about the marine life beneath you.
Take the Plunge with a Dive – For experienced divers, the Saxon Ranger shipwreck is one of WA’s most accessible wreck dives. There are also plenty of sheltered shore dive spots around Point Peron.
Slow Down with a Coastal Stroll – If you’d prefer to stay dry, enjoy a foreshore sunset walk or pack a picnic and relax by the beach.

5. Scenic Walks with Historical Significance

Rockingham’s coastline and Penguin Island aren’t just beautiful, they’re full of stories.

When Penguin Island reopens in late October, its boardwalk trails invite you to step into history as well as nature.

Did you know the island was first made famous by Seaforth McKenzie, a colourful character who lived there in the early 1900s. He carved a home out of the island’s limestone cliffs, known as “The Castle”, and welcomed visitors for picnics and camping holidays. By the 1930s, the island had become a favourite summer getaway for Perth families.

On the mainland, follow the Cape Peron Coastal Trail, where limestone cliffs hide relics from World War II. Here you’ll find crumbling observation posts and old gun emplacements that once helped guard Fremantle Harbour and the WA coastline. These sites give a glimpse into a time when the Shoalwater Bay area was a military training ground, complete with tunnels and lookouts still visible today.

6. Relaxed Beaches & Café Culture

Once you’ve wandered the trails or spotted wildlife at Shoalwater, settle into the easygoing vibe of Rockingham’s vibrant café and restaurant scene.

Here are some curated picks that pair delicious meals with seaside charm:

Ostro Eatery
(Breakfast & Brunch)
Nestled right on the foreshore, this popular café offers sweeping ocean views, fresh-local plates like eggs benny or house-made granola, and top-tier coffee. Its sunny, breezy setup makes it a perfect morning stop.

Rustico Tapas & Wine Bar
(Lunch, Dinner & Drinks)
Just steps from the beach, Rustico is a vibe destination for tapas shared over evening drinks. Think paella, chorizo, and a cocktail in hand as the sun dips over the water.

Lulu’s Café & Restaurant
(All-Day Dining)
A local favourite, Lulu’s offers hearty breakfasts, fresh seafood lunches, and smoothie bowls with a view. Coastal, family-friendly, and perfectly positioned for casual dining post-adventure.

Spill the Beans Café
(Quick Bites & Takeaway)
Right on the foreshore, Spill the Beans is ideal for a light pick-me-up. Grab a coffee, a smoothie bowl, or snack to go, then stroll the jetty or sandy beach paths nearby. Bonus: it’s dog-friendly too!

Latitude 32
(Dinner with a View)
Rockingham’s premier waterfront restaurant delivers exquisite seafood platters, aged steaks, and stunning coastal views. Ideal for a celebratory dinner or after-dark relaxation.

Pink Duck Bar & Bistro
(Casual Cocktails & Social Vibe)
Just off the beach, Pink Duck offers a relaxed coastal atmosphere, signature cocktails, and casual eats - great for meeting friends or ending your day in style.

Plan Your Spring Escape

Spring is Rockingham at its most vibrant and accessible.

Our tours are in full swing, so book your spot now for an amazing escape on the water. Whether you're here for wildlife, trails, or a slow afternoon by the sea, the Shoalwater Islands Marine Sanctuary is calling.