Cable Beach limits vehicle access from 1 November 2026

Cable Beach will impose seasonal vehicle access limits in Broome from 1 November 2026, with the turtle nesting season affecting the beach ramp after dark and around high tides. The beach, also known as Walmanyjun, remains accessible on foot while the wider foreshore redevelopment continues.

Cable Beach vehicle limits begin on 1 November 2026

The Shire of Broome states that the vehicle access ramp will be closed to all but essential and approved vehicles between 1 and 30 November 2026 from 8pm to 6am. The ramp will also close during the day around tides exceeding nine metres because of the turtle breeding season.

The restriction applies to the northern vehicle access point, not to the entire shoreline. The Shire says the ramp is already closed as part of Stage 2 of the Walmanyjun Cable Beach Foreshore Redevelopment and is expected to remain closed until mid to late 2026. The Shire access notice identifies both the November dates and the affected beach entrance.

Turtle protection changes driving at Cable Beach

The seasonal rule reflects the presence of Flatback Turtles, which nest near the top of the beach above the high-tide mark. The Shire warns that vehicle tracks can damage nests, compact sand and hinder hatchlings reaching the water, while headlights can disturb turtles at night.

This makes the date significant for visitors because the restriction begins at the start of November rather than only when a particular event is announced. The Broome Visitor Centre describes the beach as a 22km stretch of sand beside the Indian Ocean and says the vehicle ramp is accessed from Cable Beach Road West. Its Broome beach guide also records pedestrian access north of the rocks and altered access during the redevelopment.

For travellers, the seasonal closure changes the way the northern section is reached without closing the beach itself. Visitors can still approach the shoreline on foot, while access to the beach, the Beach Hut and Cable Beach House is available via the Surf Club according to the visitor information.

Visiting Cable Beach: what travellers from Western Europe should know

• The vehicle restriction runs from 1 to 30 November 2026. The ramp closes from 8pm to 6am and around tides exceeding nine metres, except for essential and approved vehicles.
• The northern vehicle ramp is also closed for Stage 2 of the foreshore redevelopment. Pedestrian access remains available, while the Shire directs drivers to the Cable Beach car park and asks them to inspect the rocks before entering the beach.
• Cable Beach is reached from Broome via Cable Beach Road West. The beach guide identifies a 15km/h speed limit for vehicles on permitted parts of the beach and advises visitors to follow signs and monitor tide conditions.
• The beach is about 22km long and faces the Indian Ocean. Gantheaume Point provides an alternative area for vehicle access during the redevelopment, but it has no lifeguard patrol.
• From November, Broome beaches enter the tropical season and are not patrolled by lifeguards according to the visitor information. Swimming decisions should therefore take account of local safety advice and conditions.

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Frequently asked questions about Cable Beach

When do vehicle restrictions take place at Cable Beach?

The seasonal restriction begins on 1 November 2026 and runs through 30 November 2026. The ramp closes overnight and around tides exceeding nine metres.

What has changed at Cable Beach?

The northern vehicle ramp remains closed for the foreshore redevelopment, while seasonal turtle protection adds further restrictions from 1 November 2026. Pedestrian access to the beach remains available.

Where is Cable Beach and how do you get there?

Cable Beach is in Broome, Western Australia, and the vehicle ramp is accessed from Cable Beach Road West. Gantheaume Point offers an alternative area for vehicle access during the redevelopment.