Strickland Bay
Strickland Bay is Rottnest Island's premier wave—a quality left-hander that breaks along a limestone reef shelf off Western Australia's quokka-inhabited island paradise. The wave offers long walls with occasional barrel sections, working through a wide range of swell sizes. Access is by ferry from Fremantle, and there are no private cars on the island, so you bike, walk, or catch the bus. The isolation from the mainland, clear water, and lack of crowds (by Perth standards) make Strickland a special escape. Watch for sharks and quokkas.
Strickland Bay surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (215°)
- Direction range
- 190° - 250°
- Size range
- 1m - 3.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.1m - 2.9m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (45°)
- Offshore range
- 0° - 90°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
- Optimal range
- 0.6m - 0.95m
Water temp
19°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
6/10
Access: Ferry from Perth/Fremantle. No cars on island - bike or bus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Strickland Bay?
Strickland Bay is a reef break in Rottnest Island, Australia, that mostly breaks left. It's on our list of the world's 100 best waves.
What's the story behind Strickland Bay?
Surfers have been making the trip to Rottnest since the mid-1950s, but Strickland Bay doesn't seem to have been surfed until the late 60s or early 70s.
What swell works best at Strickland Bay?
Strickland Bay picks up swell from the S round to the WSW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SW. It starts working at around 1m and handles up to about 3.5m, with the sweet spot around 2.1 to 2.9m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 12s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Strickland Bay?
A NE wind is dead offshore at Strickland Bay, and anything from the N round to the E keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Strickland Bay?
Strickland Bay is at its best around the low to mid tide, roughly 0.6m to 0.95m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Strickland Bay?
The most reliable run of swell at Strickland Bay comes May to Aug. There's a second window in Apr and Sep too. Winter is best. Consistent reef break.
How cold is the water at Strickland Bay?
The water at Strickland Bay averages around 19°C, so you'll want a 3/2mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Strickland Bay good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 6/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. Expect a moderate crowd (6/10) when it's on. High shark activity. No cars - bike or bus access only.
How do I get to Strickland Bay?
The nearest airport on our list is PER. From there you need a boat to reach the break (we estimate around $50 USD, but confirm with an operator). Ferry from Perth/Fremantle. No cars on island - bike or bus.
What other surf spots are near Strickland Bay?
The closest breaks we track are Cottesloe Beach (25 km), Scarborough Beach (29 km) and Trigg Point (29 km), handy when Strickland Bay isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: May-Aug
Secondary: Apr, Sep
Winter is best. Consistent reef break.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Cottesloe Beach
🏛️ Perth icon • Mellow beach break • Beginner friendly
Scarborough Beach
🏖️ Perth's surf hub • Consistent beach break • Always crowded
Trigg Point
🏙️ Perth's best break • Sand-dependent right • Urban lineup
Mandurah Wedge
Perth-side wedge | Breakwater ramps | Bodyboard focus
Three Bears
🐻 Yallingup left • Barrel reef • Consistent
Yallingup
🏖️ Protected Cape Naturaliste • Friendly reef right • Noongar country
Plan a trip around Strickland Bay
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