Going to rottnest this weekend and am keen to do a mission from the Barracks/ Bickley Bay to Salmon Bay and then perhaps to Strickos. (and back again - if we make it ! )
It looks like the first tack could be a bit up wind and tricky but from Porpoise Bay and onwards looks like it will be a nice reach.
The wind direction should be southerly , hopefully at least 15knots but perhaps up to 20.
Has anyoned done this tour before - any advice - the tide is going to be going lower in the arvo so we will have to watch out for nigger heads and other.
I will be doing this on either the Sunday or Monday arvo - 26th and 27th of April - if anyone is keen to join me give us a call on 0418 213 854
Goodluck, but I don't really like your chances this weekend, unless its more SSE than S or SW
You will have to make your way upwind quite a long way from Bickley to get around Parker Point and there is normally a current running against you when out deep.
Be careful that you don't head out to far in Bickley bay because if you have any trouble and can't relaunch you will miss the island and it's a long way to self rescue back to the mainland. 
Take your time to check out conditions and possible consequences before you head off, or just play it safe and catch the Bayseeker bus out to Salmon Bay.
I think my biggest problem could be lack of wind.
I have spoken to people that have done this before so it is definatley do able, given the right conditions.
As long as we don't hit a summersed rock, or as long as the wind does not drop off we should be right.
And in these situations if something did happen I think you have to know when to discard your gear and either paddle or swim in - and hey -if you miss the island don't panic and it will probarly end up being alright.
Hey Ioz,
take care- tightlines knows what he's talking about, having lived and worked on the island for years, and worked in the rotto sea rescue crew as well, rescuing water users who made poor decisions.
Dont become a kitemare statistic- "if you miss the island don't panic and it will probarly end up being alright" is not quite the right attitude IMHO, hope you have your own support boat 
