There’s no need to travel out of town if you’re looking for a venue to host an important event such as a wedding, engagement party or birthday. Here in Rockingham we have some beautiful and unique places to host your special event, whether it’s a country feel or beachside views, there’s something to suit all tastes. I was lucky enough to visit a few of these places and was very impressed not only with the surrounds but the friendliness of the staff.
Rose Social
If you haven’t heard of Rose Social, look it up immediately. Situated off Mandurah Road, opposite the salt lake, lies one of the most exquisite gardens I’ve ever seen, full of fragrant roses and other incredible flowers. Agnes (owner) started Rose Social after rediscovering her passion for roses. Agnes now tends to her amazing 7.5 acre garden with vigour and passion on a daily basis nurturing the flowers for all to enjoy. Agnes also participates in bee friendly agricultural practices selling the most delicious honey on site. If you’re a florist, you can make an appointment to come to the gardens and pick flowers by the bucket.
Rose Social has multiple stunning spaces for special events. If you’re planning a wedding, contact Rose Social to make an appointment, Agnes will be more than happy to show you around her garden and the different spaces to choose from for the ceremony, including the Love Heart Labyrinth, Magical Formal Rose Garden & the Enchanted Lawn all set among 300 year old tuart trees. For the reception, there’s a beautiful, rustic undercover barn area available which can be decorated according to your style and taste. Morning and afternoon packages and DIY options are available with options to bring your own drinks. There’s also a bridal dressing room for the bride and bridal party to get ready with onsite accommodation available, there are three houses, each house sleeps four people and are fully self-contained.
If you’re organising a hen’s party or birthday why not consider an Alice in Wonderland themed high tea? Magically decorated in the patio area with quirky cutlery and seasonal culinary, this will be a party for you and your guests to remember.
For the kiddies, on the second Thursday during the April school holidays there will be the Annual Teddy Bears Picnic. Karaoke, face painting and food boxes to share with friends.
As Agnes says “come and visit, smell the roses”.
Address: 1295 Mandurah Road, Baldivis, WA 6171
Contact: 0428 768 218
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Rose Social
Instagram: @rose_social_baldivis
Peel Estate Winery
Having lived in Rockingham most of my life, I am kicking myself that I hadn’t visited Peel Estate Winery sooner. The grounds, extending over many hectares were so luscious and green. Based on the grounds alone, Peel Estate Winery would be the perfect place to host an event, think luscious lawns, big shady Tuart trees and wine barrel tables. Just wow, what a treat! We were greeted at the door by the lovely Laura who was an amazing host and could not do enough for us.
This year, Peel Estate winery celebrates ’50 years of vines’, planted in 1973 by owner Will Nairn, and then the opening of the cellar door to the public in 1981. I was lucky enough to meet Will and have a chat with him about the winery. Will explained that Peel Estate is a mecca for local people to meet, catch up, attend special occasions like weddings and music events, especially following Covid times when connections were a bit lost. Will explained that the ancient limestone and coastal climate is the perfect storm for wine making. When asked the best things about Peel Estate, Will stated, “the wine!” He definitely isn’t wrong.
Laura took us through a tasting, in the whites we sampled Rose, Verdelho and Chenin Blanc (goes great with spicy Thai), and in the reds we tried the Shiraz Cabernet, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel, all having a strong wood influence. With each one as good as the next, I may have purchased a few to take home! After our samples, Laura took us downstairs to check out the cellar tasting room, a beautiful ambient space around a stunning chunky wooden table surrounded by barrels and racks of vintage wines. Perfect for a large group tasting.
Peel Estate Winery offers the perfect backdrop for a dream outdoor wedding. Plenty of space and photo opportunity galore. DIY by bringing in your own caterers, food trucks, hire companies and decorators. Check out the website for wedding package pricing and also note that all packages come with a certain dollar value of wine for you and your guests to enjoy. Visit the website for more information.
On the second Sunday of each month from 8-12pm, Peel Estate hosts the local produce market showcasing some of the best goods and produce made and grown in the region. Some delicious goods to look forward include cheese, fresh bread, coffee, bakery treats and loaded donuts. The next produce market is happening on 9th April 2023 which just so happens to be Easter Sunday, even more reason to treat yourself and the family. The music events, are not to be missed, occurring each month from November through to March. Last month I attended the Country Blues and Roots Festival and it was fantastic! We sat back all afternoon enjoying the sunshine, funky tunes and tasty wines. Plenty of space available so bring a chair, picnic rug, BYO food or pre-purchase a grazing box to snack on. There’s a food truck and also a bouncy castle to keep the kids entertained. All tickets include a complimentary glass of wine. The next music event is the ‘Annual Blues Special’ being held on Sunday 26th March from 12pm – 5pm. Tickets can be booked here.
It’s also worth noting that until the end of March, Peel Estate Winery is open until 7pm on Friday’s, perfect for those after work catch ups and to kick off the weekend.
Address: 290 Fletcher Road, Karnup, WA 6176
Contact: (08) 9524 1221
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Peel Estate Wines
Instagram: @peelestatewines
The Cruising Yacht Club (TCYC)
Located on Rockingham Foreshore, overlooking Cockburn Sound, The Cruising Yacht Club is the perfect place to host a special function with uninterrupted ocean views and great facilities. TCYC was established in 1957 and now has more than 800 members who enjoy the club for sailing and social purposes.
TCYC is no stranger to hosting all kinds of special occasions including weddings, birthdays, school formals, celebrations of life, work functions and sundowners. The upstairs Burgee room can comfortably host up to 150 people, this beautiful space comes with its own fully licensed bar and dance floor. The Burgee room now has lift access making it accessible for everyone. TCYC has their own secure parking lot right across the road from the venue and is conveniently located on the Rockingham Foreshore Boardwalk.
For weddings, a selection of ceremony and reception packages are available, chose from sit down or cocktail style menu, from what I’ve seen the food looks incredible! TCYC are more than happy to show you around, talk you through the various packages available and help you chose something you truly desire. Visit the website for more information.
TCYC also host a range of fun events such as trivia night every second Thursday, Jazz by the Beach, ladies lunches and more. Grab your crew and come on down. Keep an eye on the website and social media pages for dates and ticket prices.
Address: 2 Val Street Rockingham, WA, 6168
Contact: (08) 9527 5468
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: The Cruising Yacht Club of W.A. Inc
Instagram: @thecruisingyachtclub
Accommodation
If you’ve come to Rockingham to attend a special function and need somewhere to stay, there are some beautiful places to choose from.
- Rose Social – Three Fully self-contained houses in bushland setting. Min 4 night stay. Call 0428 768 218.
- Quest Apartments – Located by Rockingham Foreshore, modern rooms, includes on site swimming pool.
- Yaran Suites – self-contained units in the heart of Rockingham overlooking Rockingham City park, Less than 2km from the beach. Pet friendly.
- Rockingham Cee and See caravan park – idyllic oceanfront location. Powered sites and self-contained chalets available.
