Rockingham - Western Australia

	Rockingham WA 6168
	Population: 108,020 Height above sea level: , Latitude: 32.2700, Longitude: 115.7300 Location: 45km south of Perth Highway: Old Coast Road Nearest Major Town: Perth Nearest Airport: Perth Touring Area: WA - Peel
Significant town and port south of Perth on the Old Coastal Hwy. Australia's largest naval fleet and submarine base, Garden Island, is connected to the mainland by an all-weather causeway from Rockingham. The Shoalwater Islands Marine Park is also off the coast. Its name comes from the sailing ship Rockingham one of the three vessels bought by Thomas Peel to carry settlers to Western Australia (with the Gilmore and Hooghly), arriving in May 1830. The Rockingham was blown ashore and eventually abandoned after failed attempts to refloat her. It eventually broke up and sank in shallow water. A replica is beside the entrance road (see photo opposite). Settlers are believed to have camped near the wreck using the name 'Rockingham Town' as their address.