Strickland Bay

One of Wadjemup / Rottnest Island’s best surf spots

With beautiful ocean views, rolling, lazy sand dunes, and some of Wadjemup / Rottnest Island’s best surfing conditions, Strickland Bay, also known as Stricko’s, is proud to be home to one of Western Australia’s most consistent surf breaks. Curving along the southern side of the isthmus, this bay delivers almost-perfect water conditions.

Surfers and bodyboarders flock to the area to take advantage of the heavy A-frame waves that break over the shallow reef, providing good opportunities for frequent barrels.

It’s a gripping surf spot — but with its known challenges, it’s best suited to more advanced surfers. But be sure to go when the water’s at high tide, too, otherwise you run the risk of ending up on the dry reef.

Look out for

Stunning views of the Indian Ocean

Lazy barrels breaking over the coral reef

A key stop on the Wardan Nara Bidi

The gateway to Wadjemup’s west end

Where to find Strickland Bay

Located on the southern side of the island, Strickland Bay is the gateway to Wadjemup’s West End. While there’s no bus stop at the bay itself, the Quokka Coaches Island Explorer stops nearby at Narrow Neck and Rocky Bay, just a short walk across the isthmus to Strickland Bay.

You can get there by bike, just follow the roads around the island to get expansive views all along the bay. Strickland Bay is also a key stop on the Wardan Nara Bidi trail — either the starting point or endpoint, depending on which way you walk.

Surfing

A piece of WA’s surfing history

Surfers have been making the pilgrimage to Wadjemup / Rottnest Island since the mid-1950s. But surprisingly, Strickland Bay’s now-famous break wasn’t surfed until the early 1970s — and since then it’s made a name for itself.

Strickland Bay played host to the 2021 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour. The inaugural RipCurl Rottnest Search was the fourth and final stop of the Australia Championship Tour, and the first time a World Surfing event was held on Wadjemup, putting the island on the map as a world-class surfing destination.

Strickland Bay

Frequently Asked Questions

Change and toilet facilities are available at Strickland Bay, but there are no barbecue or picnic facilities — so be sure to bring your own food and drink.

Strickland Bay is a bit further away, so it’s best to jump on the Quokka Coaches Island Explorer and hop off at Stop 13.

No accessible facilities are available.

Strickland Bay is known for heavy A-frame waves that break over shallow reef, so high tide is the safest time to consider paddling out. The island’s peak surf season is usually autumn and winter, when larger swells roll through and mornings can bring lighter winds.

Strickland Bay is not recommended for beginners or those learning to surf. Its reef break, shallow sections and more isolated location make it better suited to experienced surfers, so check the guide to surfing breaks on Rottnest Island before choosing where to paddle out.

One of Wadjemup / Rottnest Island’s best surf spots

Look out for

Where to find Strickland Bay

A piece of WA’s surfing history

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for a time well spent

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