Skip to main content

Strickland Bay

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, Strickland Bay

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 Strickland Bay

Change and toilet facilities 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.

On Tour: Guided Land Activities for All

Golf Course, Rottnest Island

A guide to golfing on Rottnest Island

Samphire Rottnest island

The perfect romantic escape on Rottnest Island

Cathedral Rocks lookout

The top five lookouts on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island

Stay a Little Longer: How to make the most of your day trip

Little Parakeet Bay

Fall in love with the beaches of Rottnest Island

Segways WA

Six Rottnest Island experiences for you wish list

Cycling near Little Salmon Bay

Cycle your way around the island

Embrace the Unexpected with an Ocean Adventure this Winter

Winter wonders along the Wadjemup Bidi

Uniquely Winter Wildlife Experiences on Wadjemup

Fishing at Rottnest Island

Your guide to the best fishing spots on Rottnest Island

Parker Point

A perfect three-day escape to Rottnest Island

Mary Cove

The perfect one day adventure on Rottnest Island

Boating

Set Sail with Rottnest Island’s Ultimate Water Adventures

Lakes

Winter School Holiday Fun for Young Explorers

Eco Express Adventure Boat, Rottnest Island

Seven thrilling experiences on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island

Quokkas

Wildlife encounters at Wadjemup

40 Ways to Spend Winter on Wadjemup

Cycling Trail Adventure: Beaches, a Lighthouse and Lakes

Surfing at Rottnest Island

Your guide to surfing Rottnest Island’s surf breaks

Wind turbine

Running an island, sustainably

The best sunset locations on Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island Bike Riding

Activities the kids will love these school holidays

Pink lakes

Seven things you never knew about Rottnest Island

Your guide to Geordie Bay

Henrietta Rocks

Where to snorkel at Rottnest Island: Six of the best spots

A guide to walkable delights near the main settlement

A Djeran Day at Rottnest Island

An unforgettable group getaway to Rottnest Island

Winter island nights: where to go and what to do

The Basin

Value-packed Rottnest Island Adventures guaranteed to become priceless memories

9 ways to experience the cooler side of Wadjemup

Your guide to hiking the Wadjemup Bidi

The island ride: cycle the entire island

The Rotto Mini Loop: 4 km of easy, scenic cycling

Wrap Yourself in Wonder this winter

Cycling, Wadjemup / Rottnest Island

One day itinerary for little wanderers

Staying cool at Wadjemup in summer

Rottnest Island Beach

The perfect family escape on Rottnest Island

Reconnect in the Season of Rest

Little Salmon Bay

Your guide to snorkelling the warm waters of Wadjemup

Things to do on a Rainy Island Day

Your guide to spotting quokkas on Rottnest Island

View all guides & tips

Rocky Bay Beach, Rottnest Island

Rocky Bay is a place to get away from the crowds, explore the dunes and rocky waters.

West End Aerial, Rottnest Island

Explore the rugged natural landscape and secluded beaches of Wadjemup’s West End

Wardan Nara Bidi

The 9.8 km Wardan Nara Bidi allows hikers to bask in the stunning views of Wadjemup’s rugged southern coastline.

Little Salmon Bay

Located at one of the southernmost tips of the island, Little Salmon Bay is a popular bay on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island.