Best Beaches by Wind Direction

Follow this guide to discover the island’s best beaches and bays, whichever way the wind blows.

5 minutes

Little Armstrong Bay

It’s not hard to have a good beach day on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island. Sure, life can get windy on Wadjemup, but luckily, not all the island’s idyllic 63 beaches and 20 bays experience the breeze factor simultaneously.

If one spot is windy, there's almost always a beach with more favourable conditions to dip your toes. If the island is experiencing southerly winds, head to the north coast. And vice versa, if it’s northerly winds, head to the south coast.

While southwest winds are most prevalent on Wadjemup, if in doubt, tour the island clockwise throughout the day to avoid waves and wind.

To save you from crisscrossing the island in search of the perfect beach for the day, follow this guide to see Rottnest Island's best beaches and bays for each wind direction.

If winds are coming from the north, go to:

Henrietta Rocks

Access by bike, Island Explorer bus (stop 3), or Ngank Yira Bidi hiking trail

Southern beach Henrietta Rocks is one of Wadjemup's most frequented snorkel spots, famed for its shipwreck Shark and abundant marine life.

Parker Point

Access by bike, Island Explorer bus (stop 5), or Wardan Nara Bidi hiking trail

At the southeast tip of the island lies Parker Point, a haven for nature enthusiasts. Its rugged, porcelain-white sand, mixed ocean blues and bountiful marine life lure snorkellers with its snorkel trail, while swimmers and boaters find it an ideal spot to unwind.

Salmon Bay

Access by bike, Island Explorer bus (stop 7), or Wardan Nara Bidi hiking trail

If long stretches of sandy beaches are your calling, head south to Salmon Bay. It is a top spot for a refreshing dip, snorkel, and a coastal walk.

Green Island

Access by bike, Island Explorer bus (stop 9), or Wardan Nara Bidi hiking trail

Green Island forms part of a sanctuary zone in the island's south and is home to a small manyil / Australian sea lion population.

Wildlife Safety

If you spot a seal or sea lion, please keep a respectful distance on land and in water.

Mary Cove

Access by bike, Island Explorer bus (stop 9), or Wardan Nara Bidi hiking trail

Tucked into the island's southwest, Mary Cove's sandy shoreline appeals to those in search of seclusion — or a surf, thanks to its reliable left-hand break.

Strickland Bay

Access by bike, Island Explorer bus (stop 10), or Wardan Nara Bidi hiking trail

Surf's up at Strickland Bay, locally known as Stricko's. This expansive bay is home to one of Western Australia's most consistent surf breaks. Not a surfer? Multiple access points lead to the bay's quieter stretches of shoreline, which are also well suited to swimming.

Salmon Bay

Strickland Bay

Mary Cove

The wooden staircase down to the glossy clear waters of Parker Point Bay.

Snorkel at Parker Point

Henrietta Rocks

Green Island

Plan Ahead and Stay Safe in the Water

Check the weather forecast before deciding where to lay your towel and always check the conditions and signage before entering the water to ensure it’s safe for your ability.

If winds are coming from the south, go to:

Marjorie Bay

Access by bike, Island Explorer bus (stop 12), or Ngank Wen Bidi hiking trail

Unwind along the coast at Marjorie Bay in Rottnest Island's southwest, where a 600-metre-long beach is framed by low bluffs and lapped by calm waters.

Rocky Bay

Access by bike, Island Explorer bus (stop 13), or Karlinyah Bidi hiking trail

The saddle-like Rocky Bay connects the island's two sides towards the West End. Dunes surround the north-facing beach, which protects against strong winds.

Stark Bay

Access by bike, Island Explorer bus (stop 14), or Karlinyah Bidi hiking trail

Located in the northwest, Stark Bay is one for surfers and bodyboarders. Before you chase waves, check the swell conditions as they vary greatly.

Ricey Beach

Access by bike, Island Explorer bus (stop 15), or Karlinyah Bidi hiking trail

A winding reef shelters Ricey Beach, a secluded stretch of sand in Wadjemup's west.

City of York Bay

Access by bike, Island Explorer bus (stop 16), or Karlinyah Bidi hiking trail

The far-flung City of York Bay in the northwest is a less-frequented stretch, perfect for those seeking solitude and calm waters.

Catherine Bay

Access by bike, Island Explorer bus (stop 16), or Karlinyah Bidi hiking trail

Catherine Bay is on the island's north tip and offers ample space to unwind along its long shoreline.

Little Armstrong Bay

Access by bike, Island Explorer bus (stop 17), or Karlinyah Bidi hiking trail

One of Wadjemup's most scenic small bays is Little Armstrong Bay in the north. Popular with young families, the calm beach is protected by rocky outcrops and is a great spot for a snorkel.

Marjorie Bay

Stark Bay

Little Armstrong Bay

Ricey Beach

City of York Bay

Catherine Bay

Rocky Bay

Parakeet Bay

Access by bike, Island Explorer bus (stop 18), or Gabbi Karniny Bidi hiking trail

Parakeet Bay is one of Wadjemup's most popular beaches, located along the northern shore. It's well-protected bay and calm, shallow waters make it especially suited to families.

Little Parakeet Bay

Access by bike, Island Explorer bus (stop 18), or Gabbi Karniny Bidi hiking trail

Veiled by dunes and rocky crags, Little Parakeet Bay is a favourite with snorkellers and is often rewarded with calm conditions.

Geordie Bay

Access by bike, Island Explorer bus (stop 19), or Gabbi Karniny Bidi hiking trail

No trip to Rottnest Island is complete without a dip at Geordie Bay. One of the island's largest beaches, this northern bay offers plenty of space, excellent snorkelling, and calm waters. With a nearby cafe and seasonal ice cream caravan, as well as toilet and shower facilities, it's an easy place to settle in for the day.

Fay's Bay

Access by bike, Island Explorer bus (stop 19), or Gabbi Karniny Bidihiking trail

Tucked between looming limestone rock formations, Fay's Bay is a small cove at Wadjemup's northernmost tip, offering excellent protection from the wind and tranquil waters for swimming.

Longreach Bay

Access by bike, Island Explorer bus (stop 19), or Gabbi Karniny Bidihiking trail

A broad sweep of shoreline unfolds at Longreach Bay. Located next to The Basin on the island's northern coast, this sheltered bay is also a popular spot for mooring boats.

The Basin

Access by bike or Gabbi Karniny Bidi hiking trail

One of Wadjemup's most iconic attractions, The Basin, is just a 12-minute stroll from the main settlement. This north-eastern beach is a favourite for picnics, with barbeque, shower, and toilet facilities on hand. Feeling peckish? Stop by seasonal pop-up HAVZA for Mediterranean-inspired tapas or grab a refreshing ice cream from the Simmo's window all while overlooking the ocean.

Pinky Beach

Access by bike or Gabbi Karniny Bidi hiking trail

Do more than make a splash at the famous Pinky Beach. Pinky's Rottnest Island and Bathurst Lighthouse watch over the well-protected bay and are among the best places to capture a ngaangk ngarda / sunset.