Swimming
Rottnest is home to many sheltered bays and beaches perfect for swimming. Popular spots include the Basin, Longreach Bay, Little Parakeet Bay, and Geordie Bay.
If you are in a hurry to get into the water, you can virtually get off the ferry and enjoy the sheltered beach of Thomson Bay, which is popular with families and includes a roped off area for swimming.
The Basin is the best known swmming spot on the Island, with shallow and clear waters, and only 10 minutes from the main settlement.
Swimmers at Longreach, Geordie and Little Parakeet Bays enjoy safe swimming areas roped off from moorings, and all within a short stroll to accommodation, cafes and shops.
Other popular swimming areas to the south of the Island include Little Salmon Bay, Salmon Bay and Nancy Cove.
Why not just hop on the Bayseeker bus and let it take you to your own secluded beach.
Surfing
Some of the best surfing conditions in Western Australia are found around Rottnest Island. Strickland Bay, Salmon Bay and Stark Bay in particular are popular breaks for surfers and bodyboarders. In fact, Strickland Bay has been ranked in the top 50 breaks in the world. Rottnest Island is a popular surfing spot for Perth locals, with various reef breaks on both sides of the Island including Radar Reef, Cathedral Rocks and Chicken Reef . Waves off Rottnest can often be two to three feet larger than those at Perth beaches.
Surfers should use designated pathways when accessing surf spots, to help protect fragile dune vegetation. Please take care with food and rubbish, and dispose of unwanted material in bins provided. A guide to the Island's surf breaks is available for purchase at the Visitor Centre. Alternatively email visitorservices@rottnestisland.com or ph: (08) 9372 9732 and ask for the Rottnest Island Surf Map.
Surfing competitions are staged at Rottnest Island (view the Calendar of Events) and the Offshore Boardriders Club holds local competitions during winter.
Wave conditions vary considerably depending on wind and swell, so check the latest weather forecast before heading over. Local waters forecast and latest swell can be found at the Bureau of Meteorology. Check out how big the waves are at Rottnest Island today.
