Rockingham, WA 6168
Ranked 41st best suburb by locals in Perth (Greater) Region, WA
Great for
- Parks and recreation
- Eating out
- Neighbourly spirit
- Safe and sound
- Public transport
Not great for
- No ratings yet
Who lives here?
- Families With Kids
- Professionals
- Singles
- Retirees
- Beach Lovers
Reviews of Rockingham, WA
"I love it here!"
We're fairly new migrants so we did a lot of research when we had to choose a suburb to start our family here in Oz. At first, we were considering up North, but we saw a few houses and it just didn't feel like "home". We did also try the Canning Vale area coz we've got kids... it's more 'homey' than the North, but it seems too hot and people seem aloof (esp. the real estate agents showing the houses there!). Whereas in Rockingham, they call this place as such for a reason -- it just ROCKS! The place is very homey, people so kind and friendly, schools are just great and the community seems 'united'. Finding a secondary school for my growing boys was a challenge at first, but having attended the Parent Info Meeting last night for Rockingham SHS, they gained my trust and confidence that it's a good school and they will attend to my kids as if they're second parents. Worst case, you've got Comet Bay College, Safety Bay HS, etc. as fallback. As for jobs, there isn't a lot that's accessible, speaking for IT professionals like me. Since such jobs are mostly in the CBD, prepare yourself for a 1-1.5 hour train/bus commute to/from work. But I guess if you're in other fields, you're maybe lucky and able to find vacancies within Rocky. Childcare is also a challenge here since there's only a few before and after school care that I know in the area. I guess, that's also a sign that God wants me to stay with the kids while they're still in school.
Great for
- Great community
- Beautiful beaches
- Great medical services
Not great for
- Far from CBD, if jobs for your field are usually in the CBD
Who lives here?
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- Beach Lovers
I am really interested in your comment related to child care as I could find many centres on the website https://www.spotachildcare.com.au/. Do you think the demand is much higher than the supply ?
Hi rv, yes we've moved to ML. Maybe I should write a review as well. I like it here in ML, but of course, there are a few things we miss about Rockingham... like the beach, people, and the Rocky Beach fish and chips! :)
Hi martins7, I assume you're asking about child care in Rockingham. Before we left in Jan 2017, there's been a high demand for good/great child care centres and low supply - meaning parents run the risk of losing spots at centres or staying on waitlist. However, the demographics in Rockingham may have changed since we moved, because I know there was a spike of families with school-age kids who moved out of Rockingham, and a lot of them have moved interstate even (like us!). I would recommend conducting a quick survey to confirm this. All the best!
Very difficult to come up with conclusion whether Rocky is the right place to invest or not. .
Hi sals1, I feel you... we have rented out our Rocky property since we left for ML. We have been thinking about selling it but the average selling price has not outperformed the price we bought it. While the Foreshore rehabilitation will improve tourism, I don't think it will improve the long-term rental market. So it all depends on what kind of investment you're looking for - short-term accommodation vs. long-term accommodation vs. buy&sell properties. All the best!
Thanks Liza. Actually am planning to buy a house now since the houses values have dramatically dropped in Perth, unlike other parts of Aus like Brisbane. rent it out and leave it for ten years or so then i will decide what to do. The problem is that i have not chosen the right suburb yet. I am looking for a decent suburb where problems are minimal. A suburb where the rent is on demand and the tenants are hassle free. I think Rocky is a good suburb in terms of finding the right house with a good price (200 to 300K). However, some comments make me patient as sometimes i hear that Rocky is full of bogans!
What suburb around Rocky are good? Leda? Medina, Hillman, parmelia etc. Thanks
Hi Sals1, I would personally recommend that you stay close to the foreshore or the CBD if your budget allows it when looking for properties in Perth... if you are targeting a particular demographic (if you know what I mean). Within Rockingham City, your best bet would be Rockingham (near the foreshore), Shoalwater, etc. Best to consult a property agent. Having lived in Rockingham for 4 years, I found that the demographics have changed through the years with the influx of migrants who can afford WA prices (relatively higher than other states) and people who benefited from the mining boom. All the best with your property hunting!
Can you advise me if ellenbrook is a nice place to live. Im looking for somewhere for my family to live and Im wanting a community vibe and a low crime rate. Thanks Melissa x
Hi Sals1 I'm an interstate investor having bought in Wellard 15mins drive from Rockingham, no issues.
"7.8/10 too much water"
There is too much water there. I am afraid of non-drinking water. However, the food is really good. Only indoor food though. Because outdoor food is likely near water.
"Great town"
Rockingham is like any suburb you got the good and the bad but the good is far more than the bad plenty of open spaces and trees great shopping Centres,a lot of medical centres,parks and surrounded by beautiful beaches also a variety off eateries
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
"One of the best suburbs to invest under 500k"
Based on multiple data, Rockingham, Waikiki and Port Kennedy have great potential to invest. I expect price would rise next a few years.
Besides investment potential it is a beautiful place with good lifestyle.
Who lives here?
- Families with kids
"Rockingham WA"
With untouched beaches on your doorstep makes Rockingham a family paradise with great value for money . This location is highly desired by families looking for that our door , stand together type community. Rockingham has both private and government schools to choose from as well as many sporting clubs to keep your family active.
Rockingham also has a cafe strip right on the foreshore with lively cafes hosting local music bands and or karaoke evenings .
The City council often arranges family events around the community ,eg symphony under the stars , out door cinemas , food truck nights where family and friends can experience a fun ,safe night out together without breaking the bank.
The beautiful sunrises attracts the early morning walkers,runners and cyclists making the foreshore a hive of activity in the morning and if you are more of a sleep in kind of person the the sunset walks or picnics make for a perfect romantic getaway.
With HMAS Stirling known as Garden Island by the locals being across the way, Rockingham is ideal for naval personnel looking to live close to work .Last but not least Rockingham also has a selection of parks where a day out can mean footy or cricket in the park .
Andrea White Professionals Rockingham
Who lives here?
- Families with kids
Rentals in Rockingham
Find real estate agents in Rockingham
"ROCKINGHAM - HOME OF MARK MCGOWAN"
Well Rockingham has certainly has some TV coverage since Mark McGowan has become premier but even more so since COVID-19 updates started. Its great t see that it is being portrayed for its beauty and positive attributes. We live on the Rockingham Foreshore and I honestly wouldnt want to live anywhere else.
Its s great spot, beautiful calm protected beaches, lovely forshore with well kept bar be que areas, it is known as an aquatic playground and it is. we walk along the foreshore every day and often see poeple out there in there kyaks, swimmers doing the morning routine, sail boats moored and kids swimmin whilst their parents relax with a coffee or an ice cream from one of the many local cafes.
The schools in Rockingham have agreat reputation, there is a pool and so many gyms,, the basket ball club at the Mike barnett centre boasts the Flames .. if you kids are into sport there are plenty of options to choose from.
For the older set the Rockingham Bowling club is extreemly welcoming and runs corporate bowls on a wednesday night -except during covid-19 and welcomes everyone.
the Rocky shops have everything you need theres no need to go to the city.
I love living in Rockingham!
If you are thinking about making the move feel free to contact me Martina Berry Director Professionals Rockingham [email protected] or 0432367281 happy to help any time
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Families with kids
"Rockingham - Our Best Kept Secret"
Living in Rockingham was like living on holidays all year round... You had the crystal blue waters of Cockburn Sound on your doorstep and the additional benefits of world class eating venues across the road. Who doesn't love Rustico Tapas Bar. Ostro, Steel Tree. Incredible hosts and small business owners invested in the Rockingham region.
Donna Gordin Licensee and proud business owner at Home 2 Home Realty
"Great growing beach town"
I have lived in Rockingham now for just over a year originally lived in Sydney. Before moving to WA i had heard mixed reviews about Rockingham saying it was very bogan and high in drug use, all i can say that is far from the truth. Rockingham is a great place for any age there is a massive shopping centre with your main outlets, big outlets for all of your hardware and furniture needs, beautiful scenery with a wide spreading beach, dog parks, dog beaches and point Peron. There is plenty of places to eat and drink and less than 40 minutes on the train to the city! this is coming from a 24 year old male who still enjoys a night out. Overall definitely recommend it here, I am suprised house prices are as low as they are. you wont regret living here.
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
"Wouldn't want to live anywhere else😍"
Heaps to do, new restaurants, bars e erythromycin year as well as weekly markets, a real chilled out vibe at the foreshore and beach with plenty of places to sit out and people watch. Great price housing and quiet neighbourhoods and a responsive council who act in a timely fashion. Great schools with low class sizes as theres very little building here and its not a growth area. Couldn't imagine life elsewhere☺
Who lives here?
- Families with kids
"Rockingham - WAs best beaches"
Rockingham is a fantasic place to live, plenty of beaches and when its windy on one side you can simply go to the other side and lay out the picnic. Property values are very well priced and there are some great opportunities to take up right now.
Great for
- Friendly, Great Murdoch Uni close to Rockingham
- Beautiful beaches
- Excellent facitlities and Transport
- Excellent Childcare
- Great medical services
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- Tourists
- Students
- Country Lovers
- Beach Lovers
"Enjoyable living here"
I love living in Rockingham. We have been here for 5yrs now and the stress free life of having an adequate shopping center, within walking distance suits me fine. I enjoy the morning strolls along the Rockingham beach front. I have also, been so fortunate to be able to watch the beautiful dolphins swimming along the beach front. The people are friendly and there are lots of cafe shops. Our Town has lots of friendly people. You can join in to a friendly game of tennis Mon Wed and Fri, go to the local theater, and even get on a train which is a 40 min stress free ride to Perth. We are so pleased to have purchased a property here as houses are way to expensive North of Perth. I have also been able to visit Mandurah for a day out which is only a 30min drive South of Perth.
Prices here are reasonable at the moment, so if you see a property you like snap it up as you might not be able to afford to live in Rockingham in 5yrs time.
Great for
- Dental services
- Hairdressors
- Cycling club
- Excellent facitlities and Transport
- Friendly, Great Murdoch Uni close to Rockingham
- Beautiful beaches
- Excellent Childcare
- Great medical services
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- Tourists
- Students
- Country Lovers
- Trendy & Stylish
- Beach Lovers
"Potential"
If I had to rate rockingham in it's current position I'd probably give it a 3.5, although it's expansion of beach development and rising prices makes a great place to buy now and reap the future benefits of wealth, so I rate it a 4 stars.
Great for
- Some good tourist attractions (penguin island, seal island, safety bay windsurfing)
- Friendly, Great Murdoch Uni close to Rockingham
- Beautiful beaches
Not great for
- Some dodgy areas, but there is hope
Who lives here?
- Families with kids
- Tourists
- Beach Lovers
Hello, which areas are the " dodgy" ones as i am looking to buy a property in Perth and wouldnlile to know what area to avoid. Thanks
There are no dodgy areas , people that say that are living in the past, virtually crime free now , Rockingham is head and shoulders above any other suburb for coastal living
"Beautiful beaches, great lifestyle."
Rockingham has been transformed into a great town to live in. There are beautiful clean beaches, great eating out places 3 Chinese restaurants ,KFC, Hungry Jacks, Macdonalds, Hoggs breath, Outback Jacks, 2 movie theatres, Indian restaurants, pasta cup, fish and chip shops, excellent gyms, Japanese food and a large new shopping centre, that has a food court, cafe shops and many clothing and shoe shops along with a Coles and woolies and chemists and health food shops also a video ezy shop and 2 large Bunnings. There is also 2 butcher shops and 3 IGA shops. Childcare facilities.There are Buses and an excellent train service From Mandurah into the city of Perth. The best kept secret about Rockingham is that housing prices are not as expensive as in the North of Perth and there is also great facilities for the retirees, a new Marina is also being built in the next few years. we also have Dentists and A great super clinic with many Drs. The airport is 45mis to 1 hr depending on the route you take. The Murdoch University is 30mins by train and is one of the best in WA as they truly care about there students. The people are friendly and there are a great selection of schools.
Great for
- Great medical services
- Excellent Childcare
- Beautiful beaches
- Excellent facitlities and Transport
- Friendly, Great Murdoch Uni close to Rockingham
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- Tourists
- Students
- Trendy & Stylish
- Beach Lovers
"Great place to live, Affordable Housing and Units, Excellent transport facilities."
Rockingham has an excellent brand new shopping centre. There are lots of eat our places and 2 movie theatres. There are the most beautiful clean beaches and lots of different sporting groups.
Transport is a bonus as there are regular buses that leave every 15 mins. The train runs right up to Joondalup. There are state schools and private schools. The Murdoch University is only a short train ride and the best street to buy in is Ovens Place as there are no wild parties and the people in the street are friendly and only to happy to help, you with out intruding on your privacy. If you are looking for a property to buy then buy in the Meadows Estate in Rockingham. Oh and by the way i am not a real estate agent. I am a resident that lives in the Meadows Estate. There are lots of childcare facilities 2 gyms and a brand new, big Medical facility. You will save on fuel using public Transport or doing the 10min walk to the Large shopping Centre. There is an IGA, Coles, Target and Woolies and A couple of butchers. There are 4 Chemists and great clothes shops. There is also a Large Bunnings for the handy people in your family. Rockingham is more affordable to buy a unit or family home as North Perth is way to expensive with congestion problems.
Great for
- Excellent facitlities and Transport
- Friendly, Great Murdoch Uni close to Rockingham
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- Tourists
- Hipsters
- Students
- Trendy & Stylish
- Beach Lovers
"Rockingham the Aquatic Playground"
The city of Rockingham is just a 35 minute drive south of Perth and is ideal for those who want to enjoy an excellent quality of life by the seaside. Rockingham is a rapidly developing residential area, with substantial industrial and commercial areas, and a naval area on Garden Island
There are ample shops for shopping enthusiasts as well as plenty of restaurants, cafes and pubs. Some within the real estate industry still consider Rockingham to be a hidden jewel, with prices still at a moderate level and set to rise with the possible construction of two proposed marinas on the only north facing shoreline within the metroploitan area.
Rockingham's slogan is "your aquatic playground". A lifestyle most only dream about, with the best of beaches where you can go swimming, snorkelling, sailing, surfing, or try the jetties for fishing and crabbing. Many of Rockinghams beaches are safe for children.
You can go swimming with the wild dolphins or scuba dive off the many offshore reefs or take the ferry to nearby Penguin Island to see the gorgeous fairy penguins close up. Penguin Island is home to about 1200 little penguins, Penguin feeding and expert commentaries are conducted daily. The island is also a very important nesting, feeding and roosting site for over 50 species of seabirds and a rare nesting site for a rare Australian sea lion.
Consider improving your quality of life and make the move to Rockingham. If you would like any further info contact the area expert Paul Ellis on [email protected]. Paul has lived in Rockingham for over 50 years and is a great place to start to learn where to buy in Rockingham
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
"Great place with plenty to do."
Rockingham is just under 50 kms south of Perth and has a large population of around 90,000 in the Rockingham Shire. There are many industries in this area including forestry, agriculture, fishing, tourism and hospitality as well as the nickel refinery. There are also many wineries with great cellar door sales. Apart from the normal coastal activities such as swimming, snorkeling and fishing, there are numerous walks, galleries to see and the WA Water Ski Park. For those who enjoy nature and conservation the Naragebup Environmental Centre is open 6 days a week. There is a large shopping centre at Rockingham offering shops of all descriptions from supermarkets to boutiques as well as a food court. As with everywhere these days there are numerous takeaway food outlets and a good selection of restaurants of all descriptions. There is a wide variety of educational choices including state, religious and private primary and secondary schools as well as the Murdoch University Rockingham Campus and a TAFE College. There are various preschools and child care centres. Medical facilities are exceptional and real estate in varied but prices are increasing as fast as the population.
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
Hi, is it easy to get a place in primary school and child care ? We are thinking of an moving in the area but not sure about the area. We found a couple of child care centre's on the website <a href="https://www.spotachildcare.com.au/">'Spot a Childcare'</a> but not sure how easy its to get a spot.
Martins7 did you get an answer 're primary as we are looking to relocate to Perth for my partners work with our to young children from the UK. So many areas it's hard to choose, we do want a beach near by so that halves the options.
Hi Liza, Have you moved to Manor Lakes yet? I've read your comments on some of the posts here and just wanting to get some info because we're looking at moving to ML too.