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 via a 25-minute ferry from Fremantle, and there are no cars on the island—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.
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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
- 2.8m
- 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 tide is best at Strickland Bay?
Strickland Bay works best on a low to mid tide, ideally between 0.6m and 0.95m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Strickland Bay?
Offshore wind at Strickland Bay blows from the NE (45°). Anything in the 0° to 90° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Strickland Bay?
Strickland Bay wants SW swell (190° to 250°) between 1m and 3.5m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Strickland Bay?
The main season at Strickland Bay is May-Aug. A secondary window runs Apr, Sep. Winter is best. Consistent reef break.
How do I get to Strickland Bay?
Fly into PER, then allow about 0 minutes by road, plus a boat transfer (around $50 USD). Ferry from Perth/Fremantle. No cars on island - bike or bus.
What kind of wave is Strickland Bay?
Strickland Bay is a reef break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: May-Aug
Secondary: Apr, Sep
Winter is best. Consistent reef break.
Getting There
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