Strickland Bay, Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island's premier surf break. Known locally as Stricko's, Strickland Bay delivers some of the most consistent and powerful waves in Western Australia, set against a dramatic backdrop of ancient limestone cliffs and rolling sand dunes. A world-class destination that hosted the 2021 WSL Championship Tour.
Rottnest Island's World-Class Surf Break
Strickland Bay, known locally as Stricko's, is the most famous surf break on Rottnest Island and one of the most consistent reef breaks in Western Australia. Curving along the southern side of the island's narrow isthmus, the bay is fully exposed to the Southern Ocean's swell energy, producing powerful A-frame waves that break over a shallow reef with both left and right options.
Surfers have been making the pilgrimage to Rottnest Island since the mid-1950s, but Strickland Bay's now-famous break wasn't discovered until the early 1970s. Since then it has grown into one of the state's most celebrated surf spots, hosting state, national, and international competitions, including the 2021 Rip Curl Rottnest Search, the inaugural World Surf League Championship Tour event held on the island.
Even for non-surfers, Strickland Bay is worth the ride out. The dramatic landscape of ancient limestone cliffs rising above rolling sand dunes, with powerful ocean swells marching in from the horizon, is one of the most spectacular natural scenes on the island. It is an outstanding viewpoint, a rewarding destination on a bike loop of the island's west, and a spot that feels genuinely remote despite being accessible by bike or bus.
Book Your Ferry to RottnestThe Wave at Strickland Bay
Everything you need to know about surfing Strickland Bay, from swell direction to the best tide for riding the break.
The Break
Strickland Bay is an exposed reef break that produces heavy A-frame waves with both left and right options. The left is generally considered the better and more consistent ride, holding up well on larger swells, while the right tends to work across all sizes. The wave breaks over a shallow reef and can produce powerful barrels when conditions align.
Conditions
Strickland Bay is best on a south or south-southwest swell with offshore winds from the north or northeast. Winter produces the most consistent quality surf, with June typically the peak month. The bay faces south, giving it excellent swell exposure from the Southern Ocean, and it can be working when the swell is too small for other breaks on the island.
Tide and Safety
Always surf Strickland Bay at high tide. At low tide the reef becomes dangerously shallow and the risk of hitting the reef is very real. The break is best suited to experienced and advanced surfers due to the powerful, heavy nature of the wave, the shallow reef underneath, and the remote location. Beginners should seek softer breaks elsewhere on the island such as Mary Cove.
Important Safety Information
Experienced surfers only. Strickland Bay is not suitable for beginners or intermediate surfers. The heavy reef break, shallow reef, and isolated location present serious risks for those without sufficient experience.
Surf at high tide only. At low tide the reef is dangerously exposed. Never paddle out when the tide is running low, even if the waves look inviting from the shore.
Check conditions before you go. Wave heights, wind, and swell direction change quickly at Strickland Bay. Always check a surf forecast and understand the current conditions before paddling out.
No lifeguard patrol. Strickland Bay has no lifeguard presence. In an emergency, help is a significant distance away. Never surf alone, and ensure someone on shore knows you are in the water.
No surfboard hire on the island. There are no surf shops or board hire facilities on Rottnest Island. Bring your own board and wetsuit from the mainland. A wetsuit is recommended in winter months.
Beware of sharks and rocks. As with all Western Australian reefs, shark awareness is important. The rocky reef edges also present a hazard for swimmers and surfers coming off their boards.
The 2021 Rip Curl Rottnest Search
In April 2021, Strickland Bay made international headlines when it hosted the Rip Curl Rottnest Search, the fourth and final stop of the Australian leg of the World Surf League Championship Tour. It was the first time a world-level surfing event had been held on Rottnest Island, putting Stricko's on the global surfing map.
The event drew the world's best professional surfers to the island, with the powerful, consistent conditions at Strickland Bay providing a spectacular backdrop for competition. The event was widely regarded as one of the highlights of the WSL season, and cemented the bay's reputation as one of the finest reef breaks in Australia.
For surfers visiting today, the knowledge that world-class professionals have charged these same waves adds a certain electricity to the experience of paddling out at Strickland Bay. Even for spectators watching from the clifftops and dunes, the sheer power and quality of the surf on a good day is genuinely impressive.
What to Do at Strickland Bay
Not a surfer? Strickland Bay still delivers one of the island's most rewarding and dramatic experiences.
Clifftop Views
The limestone cliffs and dunes above Strickland Bay offer some of the most dramatic coastal views on the island. Watch the swell rolling in from the Southern Ocean, see surfers threading through the barrels below, and take in the wild, rugged character of Rottnest Island's southern coastline. An outstanding photography location at any time of day.
Wadjemup Bidi Walking Trail
Strickland Bay is a key stop on the Wardan Nara Bidi section of the Wadjemup Bidi, the island's 10km coastal walking trail. The trail runs along the coast from Salmon Bay, past WWII guns and tunnels, up to the Wadjemup Lighthouse with panoramic views, and continues west to Strickland Bay. An outstanding half-day walk combining history, wildlife, and coastal scenery.
West Island Bike Loop
The ride out to Strickland Bay from Thomson Bay takes around 20 to 25 minutes and passes through some of the most scenic parts of the island, including the inland salt lakes, the Wadjemup Lighthouse, and the rugged southern coastline. Combine it with stops at nearby Salmon Bay and Rocky Bay for a rewarding half-day loop of the island's west.
Bodyboarding
While Strickland Bay is primarily a surfer's wave, bodyboarders also enjoy the break, particularly on smaller, cleaner days when the wave is more forgiving. As with surfing, bodyboarding here requires a solid level of ocean experience due to the shallow reef and powerful conditions. Always assess the conditions carefully before entering the water.
Surf Photography
The cliffs and dunes above Strickland Bay provide elevated vantage points that are ideal for surf photography. On a good swell day, the combination of powerful waves, limestone cliffs, and the open Southern Ocean creates genuinely dramatic images. Early morning light from the east catches the faces of waves particularly well from the clifftops.
Nearby Snorkelling
While Strickland Bay itself is not a snorkelling spot, the nearby coves of Salmon Bay and Rocky Bay, both a short ride away, offer excellent snorkelling in calmer conditions. Rocky Bay in particular has clear blue lagoons and rocky reef formations home to colourful fish, and is well worth visiting as part of a west island day trip.
Facilities at Strickland Bay
Strickland Bay has basic facilities on site. Come prepared with food, water, and all your own surf equipment.
Toilets and Change Rooms
Public toilets and change room facilities are available at Strickland Bay, making it practical for surfers to rinse off and change after a session.
No Food or Cafes
There are no cafes, kiosks, or food outlets at Strickland Bay. Bring your own food and water from the Thomson Bay settlement before heading out.
No Surfboard Hire
There are no surf shops or board hire facilities on Rottnest Island. Bring your own surfboard, wetsuit, and leash from the mainland. The ferry can accommodate boards as excess luggage.
Bus Access
The Quokka Hopper island bus stops at nearby Narrow Neck and Rocky Bay, a short walk across the isthmus to Strickland Bay. Check timetables at the Thomson Bay Visitor Centre.
Bike Access
Strickland Bay is a 20 to 25-minute cycle from Thomson Bay. Note that carrying a surfboard on a hire bike is not practical. Most surfers bring boards on the ferry and cycle out with a board rack or walk.
No Lifeguard Patrol
Strickland Bay has no lifeguard patrol at any time. Never surf alone and always ensure someone on shore is aware you are in the water.
Limited Mobile Coverage
Mobile coverage can be patchy on the western side of the island. Download surf forecasts and maps before leaving Thomson Bay, and let someone know your plans before heading out.
Walking Trail Access
Strickland Bay is part of the Wadjemup Bidi walking trail network. The Wardan Nara Bidi section connects the bay to the Wadjemup Lighthouse, WWII sites, and Salmon Bay.
Getting to Strickland Bay
Strickland Bay is on the southern side of the island, approximately 20 to 25 minutes by bike from Thomson Bay. Plan ahead and bring everything you need as facilities are limited once you leave the settlement.
Book Your Ferry from Hillarys
Rottnest Fast Ferries departs daily from Hillarys Boat Harbour, 7 days a week. The crossing takes approximately 45 minutes. Surfboards can be brought as excess luggage. View timetable
Cycle the Southern Route
From Thomson Bay, follow the southern bike path past the salt lakes and Wadjemup Lighthouse toward the west of the island. The ride to Strickland Bay takes around 20 to 25 minutes. Pre-book bike hire
Or Take the Bus to Nearby Stops
The Quokka Hopper bus stops at Narrow Neck and Rocky Bay, from where it is a short walk across the isthmus to Strickland Bay. Ask for directions at the Thomson Bay Visitor Centre before departing.
Beaches Near Strickland Bay
Strickland Bay sits on the western end of the island, with several other rewarding beaches and surf breaks within easy reach.
Salmon Bay
Just east of Strickland Bay, Salmon Bay is a quieter beach with calmer water, good snorkelling, and Chicken Reef nearby for more intermediate surfers. A great companion stop on a west island day ride.
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Rocky Bay
Rocky Bay is a short walk or ride from Strickland Bay and offers a completely different experience: clear crystal-blue lagoons, rocky reef formations, and excellent snorkelling in a sheltered, secluded setting.
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Thomson Bay
The island's main hub is the starting point for the ride to Strickland Bay. Return here after your session for food, a coffee, and the ferry home. Full facilities, cafes, and the island's main beach are all at Thomson Bay.
View Beach GuideStrickland Bay FAQ
Is Strickland Bay suitable for beginner surfers?
No. Strickland Bay is a powerful, heavy reef break best suited to experienced and advanced surfers. The shallow reef, strong swell, and remote location make it hazardous for less experienced surfers. Beginners looking for surf on Rottnest Island should consider Mary Cove, which has a more forgiving left break, or seek advice from the Thomson Bay Visitor Centre on current conditions before heading out.
What is the best time to surf Strickland Bay?
Winter, and particularly the month of June, typically produces the best and most consistent surf at Strickland Bay. The ideal conditions are a south or south-southwest swell with offshore northeast winds. Always surf at high tide, as the reef is dangerously shallow at lower tides. Check a surf forecast before heading out, as conditions can change significantly across the day.
Can I hire a surfboard on Rottnest Island?
No. There are no surf shops or surfboard hire facilities on Rottnest Island. You must bring your own board and wetsuit from the mainland. Surfboards can be transported on the ferry as excess luggage. Contact Rottnest Fast Ferries ahead of your trip to confirm current board transport arrangements and any applicable fees.
Is Strickland Bay worth visiting if I don't surf?
Absolutely. Strickland Bay offers some of the most dramatic coastal scenery on Rottnest Island. The limestone cliffs, rolling dunes, and powerful Southern Ocean swell create a spectacular natural environment. The clifftop viewpoints are outstanding for photography, and the bay is a key stop on the Wadjemup Bidi walking trail. Even on a flat day the landscape alone makes the ride out worthwhile.
Did Strickland Bay host a professional surfing event?
Yes. In April 2021, Strickland Bay hosted the Rip Curl Rottnest Search, the fourth stop of the Australian leg of the World Surf League Championship Tour. It was the first ever world-level surfing event held on Rottnest Island and was widely regarded as one of the highlights of the WSL season. The event cemented Strickland Bay's reputation as one of Australia's finest reef breaks.
How do I get to Rottnest Island from Perth?
Rottnest Fast Ferries departs daily from Hillarys Boat Harbour, just 20 minutes north of Perth CBD. The crossing takes approximately 45 minutes and runs 7 days a week. Free parking is available at Hillarys for all ferry passengers. Book your ferry here.