Cable Beach Access (North)
Cable Beach Access (North)
OPEN
UPDATE: Monday, March 18, 2024
⚠ CHANGES TO BEACH CONDITIONS
Recent rain and king tides have exposed more rock on Cable Beach in front of the vehicle ramp, which may make vehicle access to Cable Beach more difficult.
The vehicle ramp remains open, but drivers are encouraged to park their vehicles in the Cable Beach car park and visually inspect the rocks before driving down the ramp.
Drivers who enter the beach and decide not to cross the rocks must depart the beach, as parking is prohibited in front or south of the ramp.
General access
The Cable Beach vehicle access ramp is fully accessible between March 1 and September 30 when beach conditions allow. Temporary closures will sometimes be in place to cater for events on the lawn area near Zanders Restaurant.
When driving on Cable Beach, please drive to the conditions, obey the 15km/h speed limit, consider other beach users and wildlife, and ensure you're aware of local tide times and heights.
February 1 to February 28/29
If natural beach conditions allow for safe vehicle passage across the rocks, the Cable Beach vehicle access ramp will be closed to all but essential and approved vehicles between 8pm and 6am, and during the day and when high tides exceed nine metres due to the turtle breeding season.
November 1 to November 30
The Cable Beach vehicle access ramp will be closed to all but essential and approved vehicles between 8pm and 6am, and during the day around when high tides exceed nine metres due to the turtle breeding season.
December 1 to January 31
The Cable Beach vehicle access ramp will be closed 24/7 to all but essential and approved vehicles to protect turtle hatchlings.
The gate installed at the Cable Beach Amphitheatre will be locked closed during the closures times.
Penalties of up to $200 apply for anyone disregarding the beach closures under Shire of Broome Local Laws.
Turtle friendly driving
The main species nesting on Cable Beach is the Flatback Turtle, which is threatened and is protected under WA legislation.
They generally nest at the top of the beach above the high tide mark where their nests can be damaged by vehicles compacting sand and crushing nests.
Wheel ruts can also prevent hatchlings making their way to the water, and vehicle lights can disturb and confuse hatchlings, so the Shire is encouraging people to stay off the soft sand and not drive on the beach at night.
More information on vehicle access and driving techniques during turtle nesting season is available here.