Updated: 20th Sept 2024
CABLE BEACH RAMP CLOSURES DUE TO TURTLE NESTING SEASON (as advised by Shire of Broome 20th Sept 2024)
October 1 to November 30
The Cable Beach vehicle access ramp will be closed at night to vehicles from 8pm to 6am, and for 2 hours on either side of a tide exceeding 9 metres
December 1 to February 28
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 during the closures times.
The ramp will fully reopen on March 1, seasonal beach conditions permitting.
September 20, 2024 update
Council approves February closure of Cable Beach vehicle ramp to protect late-season turtle hatchlings
The Shire Council has voted to support the Yawuru Park Council recommendation to extend the annual December-January closure of the Cable Beach north vehicle ramp through February.
The Shire will close the vehicle access ramp throughout the summer from December 1 to February 28 under section 3.50(1a) of the Local Government Act 1995, to protect nesting and hatching turtles. The three-month closure will apply to all vehicles other than essential Council services, DBCA, and Yawuru Rangers, licensed businesses, emergency vehicles, and any vehicles authorised by the Shire of Broome Chief Executive Officer.
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.
The Shire of Broome appreciates the community's co-operation in assisting to protect marine turtles on Cable Beach.
GENERAL CABLE BEACH ACCESS
Parking on the sand to the left (south) of the rocks is prohibited.Drivers are reminded there may still be nesting turtles and hatchlings on Cable Beach and to drive accordingly when access is open.
When driving on Cable Beach, please drive to the conditions, obey the 15km/h speed limit, consider other beach users, dogs, camels and wildlife, and ensure you're aware of local tide times and heights.
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.
For more information about access to Cable Beach North, visit https://www.broome.wa.gov.au/cablebeachramp
- Read more about Turtle friendly beach driving techniques
Every year sea turtles nest on Walmanyjun (Cable Beach) from October - March with hatching occurring approximately 7 weeks after the eggs are laid.
The most common species to nest on Walmanyjun is the flatback turtle. Flatback turtles are endemic to Northern Australia and many important nesting sites are in the Kimberley region.
Please observe all signage as infringements may apply.
You can help protect turtles by:
• Avoiding driving on the beach. If you are please stay below the high-water mark, away from sandy areas and turtle nests which are marked with yellow signage
• Following the ‘Turtle Watching Code of Conduct’ if you see a turtle
• Refraining from touching or interacting with turtle hatchlings
• Dogs should be kept away from turtle nesting beaches.
Members of the public wishing to drive on to Cable Beach during December and January will still be able to do so at the southern end, near Gantheaume Point. Emergency vehicles and those used for essential Council and Ranger services, and relevant licenced businesses will be permitted to operate on the beach when necessary.
Flatback turtles are native to Broome and special to the Yawuru people. They are also a threatened and vulnerable species and are therefore legally protected.
More information from the Shire here.
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and Parks and Wildlife Service encourage everyone to follow the code of conduct.
