Rocky Head (Manjimup)
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- Offshore NW winds can produce clean lines.
- Winter (especially July) is the most consistent period.
- Low crowd levels even when surf is 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.
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
Crowds are typically very low due to the difficulty of access.
Winter months from June to August see the most rainfall and stormy conditions.
By sport
What to expect for each.
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.
- 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.
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.
Other spots in the area
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
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.
- Located within D'Entrecasteaux National Park; park entry fees and rules apply.
- 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
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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
An internationally recognized walkway 40 meters above the ground through the canopy of ancient tingle trees.
Significant spiritual importance to the Noongar people, with panoramic wilderness views.
One of the world’s great long-distance walking trails that passes through the coastal forest.
A local hub for classic Australian pub meals and refreshments.
Calm water paddling suitable for families, exploring the junction of the Deep and Frankland rivers.
From riders who've been here
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.