Rocky Head (Manjimup)

Surfing
Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Advanced
Skill Level
Swell, Ocean
Spot Type
Quiet
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Rocky Head is a remote, exposed point break in Far South WA, known for fairly consistent winter surf. It works best with southwest groundswells, and the northwest wind component is typically offshore, helping groom cleaner lines. The spot is high-risk due to its rugged rock environment and shark presence. Heavy swells are part of the package, and as conditions build the wave can become very heavy and difficult to paddle out. Strong sweeps are also a concern, so plan your positioning and be prepared for fast changes around rocks. July is the standout month, with clean surf reported about 60% of the time there (and more often blown out the rest of the time). The wind is described as moderately gusty, with typical winter ranges roughly in the 10–25 knots band when conditions align for surfing. Access is via 4WD tracks through D'Entrecasteaux National Park, and limited parking is available near access points. There’s no indication of lifeguard coverage or dedicated on-water rescue, so bring everything you need (food/water, surf-ready gear) and operate fully self-sufficient. Winter wetsuit preparation is advised; spring-to-winter conditions can change quickly.

  • Offshore NW winds for cleaner lines
  • Best in winter with July as peak month
  • Consistently surfable point break for experienced riders
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Offshore NW winds can produce clean lines.
  • Winter (especially July) is the most consistent period.
  • Low crowd levels even when surf is up.
Heads up
  • Rocks, sharks, and strong currents make wipeouts high-risk.
  • Remote access (4WD + self-sufficiency) with no nearby assistance indicated.
  • Conditions can become very heavy on bigger swells.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
N, NW
Offshore directions
NW
Wind Range
10–25 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Frontal/system winds are common in winter for the region; offshore NW winds groom conditions at Rocky Head.
Reliability
60% clean in July
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Moderate gusts reported.
Best Months
July
Shadow Zones
The headland provides some shelter from westerly winds.

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell, Ocean
Beach
Rocks — Rocky/rock-based coastline.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Medium — Medium wave size reported; can become very heavy on larger swells.
Launch
Small — Rocky entry.
Launch Difficulty
Difficult — Rocky entry and rugged access make launch/moderation difficult.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
16–21 °C
Water Temperature
13–26 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 3/2mm or 4/3mm
Crowds by Season

Crowds are typically very low due to the difficulty of access.

Storm/Rain Season

Winter months from June to August see the most rainfall and stormy conditions.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

A remote, exposed point break in Far South WA with fairly consistent surfing in winter. Best on larger southwest groundswells; NW winds are typically offshore and help keep lines clean.

Point break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
SW, S, SSW, W
Swell Height
1.5–3.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Mid tide reported as optimal.
Shelter
Exposed — Exposed point with limited shelter; depends strongly on offshore wind direction.
Wind Effect
Northwest winds are offshore, grooming the swell into clean lines.
Bigger Swell
Can handle significant size but becomes very heavy and challenging to paddle out as it grows.
Wave Quality
Good — Wave quality reported as good when offshore winds are in.
Wave Power
Powerful — Powerful point-break waves.
Wave Shape
Peeling — Rugged exposed point break; described as a powerful right-hand wave on suitable swells.
Peel Speed
Medium — Peeling waves with a medium peel speed.
Ride Length
Medium — Medium ride length reported.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Rocky Head (Manjimup) in the full forecast view.

Rocky Head (Manjimup) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
4–15 ktsGusts 30 kts
Direction
S171°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2415 kts
Windy days
5/712 kts or more
Waves
1.4–4.5 m10s period
Temperature
11–23 °C

Over the next 7 days, Rocky Head (Manjimup) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 30 kts. The prevailing direction is S. Waves run 1.4–4.5 m with a period of about 10s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • Rocks
  • Sharks
  • Strong currents
  • Heavy swells
  • Remote location
Ability Level: Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitLeashBoots

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No lifeguard presence is indicated.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — No dedicated on-water rescue availability is indicated.
Emergency Info
No dedicated on-water rescue service is indicated; self-sufficiency required. Emergency number is 000.
Localism / Vibe
Mild — Local culture is generally mild; the main limiting factor is access rather than social friction.

Rules of the spot

Plan for a remote, self-sufficient surf: hazardous rocks/sharks and no dedicated rescue.

Restrictions
  • Located within D'Entrecasteaux National Park; park entry fees and rules apply.
Local Tips
  • Bring all water and food supplies.
  • Use a high-clearance 4WD for access via sandy tracks.
  • Watch for strong sweeps that can pull you toward the rocks.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Albany
Nearest Town
Northcliffe
Nearest Airport
Albany Regional Airport (ALH)
Parking
Limited natural parking in clearing areas near the headland access points.
Public Transport
very limited; private vehicle essential to access coastal spots
Access
Access is via 4WD tracks through D'Entrecasteaux National Park; tracks can be very soft and sandy.
Cost Level
Budget
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Accommodation
Nearby town — Remote bush camping sites are available within the national park; accommodation is concentrated in nearby towns (e.g., Walpole area per regional baseline).
Food & Drink
None; bring all water and food supplies.
Equipment Rental:
No specialized equipment rental indicated.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Best time to visit: Spring and summer (October to March) provide the best conditions for outdoor adventures and wind sports, while winter is the optimum time for surfing at Rocky Head.
Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk~20 km

An internationally recognized walkway 40 meters above the ground through the canopy of ancient tingle trees.

Mount Frankland National Park~35 km

Significant spiritual importance to the Noongar people, with panoramic wilderness views.

Bibbulmun Track~0 km

One of the world’s great long-distance walking trails that passes through the coastal forest.

Walpole Hotel-Motel~15 km

A local hub for classic Australian pub meals and refreshments.

Canoeing the Nornalup Inlet~10 km

Calm water paddling suitable for families, exploring the junction of the Deep and Frankland rivers.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Rocky Head (Manjimup)?

The best overall months at Rocky Head (Manjimup) are July, August, June, May, September, October, April. The best wind months are July.

Which wind directions work at Rocky Head (Manjimup)?

Rocky Head (Manjimup) works with N, NW winds. Offshore directions are NW.

What skill level is Rocky Head (Manjimup) suitable for?

Rocky Head (Manjimup) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced.