4WD beach driving rules during turtle season are back in Queensland and Western Australia, with night limits and seasonal closures on several beaches from 1 November. In Queensland, entering the K'gari, Cooloola or Bribie Island recreation areas without a vehicle access permit brings a $518 fine, according to Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS). In Broome, ignoring Cable Beach ramp closures can bring a penalty of up to $200 under Shire of Broome local laws.
Rules differ by beach and land manager, so there is no single national fine for beach driving. Below is what applies at the main turtle beaches, the permit costs, and what to check before you let your tyres down.
Turtle season rules start on 1 November at these beaches
Turtles nest on Queensland and WA beaches over summer. Land managers say vehicles can crush nests in the upper beach, wheel ruts can trap hatchlings, and lights at night can confuse them. That is why most rules focus on night driving and the soft sand above the high tide mark.
Beach | Rule | Dates | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|
K'gari, Cooloola, Inskip (Qld) | QPWS advice to avoid night driving, drive near low tide, stop for turtles. Vehicle access permit needed for K'gari and Cooloola | Turtle nesting season | |
Moore Park Beach, Bundaberg (Qld) | Vehicles allowed in daylight hours only | 1 November to 31 March each year | |
Cable Beach north ramp, Broome (WA) | Closed to all but essential and approved vehicles 8pm to 6am, and around tides above 9 metres | 1 to 30 November | |
Cable Beach north ramp, Broome (WA) | Closed 24 hours to all but essential and approved vehicles | 1 December to 28 February | |
Cootenbrand Creek Beach, Cape Keraudren (WA) | Closed to all vehicles | 1 November to 31 March in the 2025/26 notice |
Two points need checking before you travel. The Shire of Broome says the Cable Beach ramp is closed for Stage 2 of the Walmanyjun Cable Beach Foreshore Redevelopment until mid to late 2026, so confirm whether it has reopened. The latest Cootenbrand Creek notice we found covers the 2025/26 season. A similar 2026/27 closure is expected but we have not seen the new notice.
Beach driving fines depend on the beach and the offence
Where | Offence | Penalty | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|
K'gari, Cooloola, Bribie Island (Qld) | Entering the recreation area without a valid vehicle access permit | $518 infringement notice, rises each 1 July | |
Cable Beach, Broome (WA) | Disregarding seasonal beach closures | Up to $200 under Shire of Broome local laws |
QPWS says number plate cameras record vehicles entering and leaving its recreation areas, and plates are checked against the booking system before an infringement is issued. More serious offences in Queensland recreation areas, such as driving in a prohibited area, can go to court with higher maximum penalties set in penalty units. Queensland's penalty unit is $172.70 from 1 July 2026. Normal road rules, including licence, registration, seatbelts and speed limits, also apply on the sand.
Queensland vehicle access permits are required on the main 4WD beaches
A vehicle access permit is needed for K'gari, Cooloola, Bribie Island, Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) and Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island). Inskip Peninsula does not need one. Permits no longer have to be displayed, but you must be able to show a digital or printed copy if asked. Current QPWS fees are below.
Area | Permit period | Fee |
|---|---|---|
Cooloola | 1 calendar day (online) | $15.40 |
Cooloola | 1 week or less | $39.25 |
Cooloola or K'gari | 1 month or less | $61.80 |
Cooloola or K'gari | More than 1 month, up to 1 year | $311.00 |
K'gari and Cooloola combined | 1 month or less | $99.25 |
Bribie Island | 1 week or less | $59.30 |
Bribie Island | More than 1 week, up to 1 year | $185.20 |
Check these things before you drive on the beach
Park alerts and council notices on the day you travel, through QPWS, the Shire of Broome or the Shire of East Pilbara.
Your permit and number plate. Buy the permit before you arrive and make sure the plate on it is correct.
Tide times. Drive around low tide on firm, wet sand, away from dunes and nesting areas.
Night plans. Avoid driving on turtle beaches after dark, and stop and wait if turtles are crossing.
Tyres and recovery gear. Lower pressures for sand, carry recovery gear, and re-inflate before returning to the road.
Popular 4WDs for Australian beach trips
Most beach trips are done in a dual-cab ute or a body-on-frame SUV with low-range four-wheel drive, such as the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, Ford Everest and Toyota LandCruiser Prado. Whatever you drive, tyre pressure, tide timing and staying off the soft upper beach matter more than the badge.
Fines and fees are as published by the relevant authorities at the time of writing (7 November 2026). Amounts can change each financial year, so check the land manager's website before you travel. Featured image: AI-generated illustration, not a photograph of a specific beach or incident.