Secret Harbour
- Wakestyle, Shortboard
- Best for
- Chop, Small waves
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- Crowd Level
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Range
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Secret Harbour is an exposed sandy beach break south of Perth that typically has waves, though summer can be mostly flat. Surf conditions are described as most reliable when a west to west-southwest swell combines with offshore winds—east-northeast winds are specifically highlighted as the best wind direction. The break is commonly described as a sandbar beach-break where sandbar configuration can strongly affect wave shape and ride length. For surfing, the spot is associated with a consistent swell-catching role for the Perth metro area, and wave conditions are described as good overall with a mushy wave shape. Preferred swell direction is west to south-west, and ride length can vary based on the sandbars; rides of roughly 50 to 150 meters are described depending on the bank. Conditions can also close out when swell is strong (reported as closing out when swell exceeds about 2.5 meters). The best tide is reported as high tide, with general suitability described across all tides in some guidance. Wind sports can be very attractive in summer due to a strong afternoon sea breeze (locally known as the Fremantle Doctor), typically developing in the window around 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. East to north-east winds are described as offshore/cleaner for surf, while south-west sector winds are described as making conditions choppy and more onshore. Typical summer wind is reported around 15–25 knots, with light gustiness; this same pattern supports wave riding and freeriding for kitesurfing and bump-and-jump/wave sailing for windsurfing. Safety considerations are important: sharks are explicitly listed as a hazard, and rip currents (especially near sandbars and after heavy swells) are also reported. Rescue availability is described as limited and lifeguards are seasonal. Rules and local guidance emphasize patrolled swimming zones, and kitesurfing/windsurfing are usually restricted in those areas.
- Exposed sandbar beach break that usually holds surf
- Offshore wind from the east-northeast sector can improve surf conditions
- Summer afternoon sea breeze supports kitesurfing and wingfoiling
- Wide sandy beach with easy launch access
- Usually has waves, with summer conditions sometimes flatter
- Strong offshore option with east-northeast winds
- Summer sea-breeze supports kiteboarding and wingfoiling
- Wide sandy beach and generally sand-bottom conditions
- Exposed beach break with potential shore break risk
- Occasional strong rip currents near sandbars, especially after heavy swells
- Shark presence reported
- Kite/wind sports may be restricted in patrolled swimming zones
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, ESE
- Offshore directions
- ENE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Summer often features a strong afternoon sea breeze locally known as the 'Fremantle Doctor' (South/South-West sector). Winter wind is reported as less consistent.
- Reliability
- High during summer afternoons; less consistent in winter.
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Gusts described as light; reliability is higher in summer afternoons.
- Best Months
- June, July, August
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach composition.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Medium — Wave size described as medium; optimal swell height for surfing is reported as 0.5–2.0 meters.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Wind-direction-dependent chop: south-west sector winds can create choppy, onshore conditions; water type reported as chop in one reference.
- Launch
- Big — Very wide sandy beach offering ample space for surfers and kiters.
Through the year
Highest during summer school holidays and weekends with good surf.
June to August typically sees the most rainfall and winter storms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Summer sea-breeze conditions make it suitable for wave riding and freeriding.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Suitable for wave sailing and bump-and-jump conditions when the summer sea breeze kicks in.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.7–5.7 m²
Open ocean conditions and consistent swell make it suitable for wingfoiling in waves.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly.
- Min Depth
- 1.2m
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
An exposed beach break that usually has waves, although summer can be mostly flat. It picks up swell that misses some beaches further north.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, WSW
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- High, All tides — Best tide reported as high tide; other guidance describes conditions as working across all tides for general sailing surf suitability.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed beach break setting.
- Wind Effect
- East winds provide cleaner, more offshore conditions; South-West winds tend to make conditions choppy and more onshore.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out when swell exceeds 2.5 meters.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Wave quality described as good overall.
- Wave Power
- Soft — Wave power described as soft (overall).
- Wave Shape
- Mushy — Wave shape described as mushy.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Rides described with a medium peel speed.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Ride length described as medium; sandbar configuration affects results.
- Typical Ride Length
- 80 m
- Ride Length Details
- Waves can offer rides between 50 and 150 meters depending on sandbar configuration.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Secret Harbour in the full forecast view.
Secret Harbour wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–15 ktsGusts 28 kts
- Direction
- SSW194°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2415 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.4–2.2 m10s period
- Temperature
- 8–25 °C
Over the next 7 days, Secret Harbour is forecast for daytime winds of 4–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 28 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 0.4–2.2 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
- Rip currents
- Sharks
- Shore break
- Strong winds
- Crowds
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards reported as seasonal; patrolled swimming zones apply.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability reported as limited.
- Emergency Info
- Rockingham General Hospital is the nearest major medical facility; dial 000 for emergency services.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Localism described as none in one reference; another reference characterizes localism as mild.
Rules of the spot
Standard surf etiquette applies; swimming is recommended between the flags patrolled by the Surf Life Saving Club.
- Kitesurfing and windsurfing are usually restricted in the patrolled swimming zones.
- Check the sandbars after winter storms as the banks shift frequently.
- Early mornings are best for cleaner surf before the sea breeze arrives.
- Use the patrolled swimming area when swimming.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Perth, Western Australia
- Nearest Town
- Rockingham
- Nearest Airport
- Perth Airport (PER), approximately 55 kilometers away.
- Parking
- Large dedicated parking area at the Secret Harbour Surf Life Saving Club.
- Public Transport
- Accessible via Transperth Mandurah rail line and connecting bus services from Rockingham Station.
- Access
- Turn off the main road and head straight for the beach, approximately 40 minutes south of Perth. Easy access via Kwinana Freeway and local roads; several paved paths lead directly to the beach.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Local holiday rentals and hotels in nearby Rockingham or Mandurah.
- Food & Drink
- A cafe and surf club bistro are located directly at the beach, with more options in the local shopping precinct.
- Equipment Rental:
- Available through local surf schools at the beach; regional guidance also indicates full range equipment available through schools/specialty shops.
- Gear Storage
- Limited public storage; most schools provide storage options for students or as part of rental packages.
- Gear Repair
- Gear repair available in nearby Rockingham.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Rockingham is a recreational hub south of Perth with access to coastal nature experiences and family-friendly activities along the coastline (regional baseline).
A small island reachable by ferry, home to the largest colony of Little Penguins in Western Australia.
World-class snorkeling, diving, and wildlife encounters including dolphins and sea lions.
A vibrant strip of cafes, bars, and restaurants overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Guided tours to swim with wild dolphins in their natural environment.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Secret Harbour?
The best overall months at Secret Harbour are June, July, August.
Which wind directions work at Secret Harbour?
Secret Harbour works with E, ESE winds. Offshore directions are ENE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Secret Harbour?
Recommended equipment sizes at Secret Harbour: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.7–5.7 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Secret Harbour suitable for?
Secret Harbour suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.