Wedge Island Beach Run - access restrictions

Prior to the new Indian Ocean Drive, the quickest route between Lancelin and Cervantes was via a 4WD track through the sand dunes, known by locals as the Wedge Island beach run. Whilst this offroad track passed through the Lancelin Defence Training Area, and was at times subject to closure during long-range firing tests, the Department of Defence had previously permitted transit on the basis that it was the fastest, most direct route for people wishing to access Wedge and Cervantes. Now that the Indian Ocean Drive has been built, this requirement no longer exists and the DOD have issued advice that recreational access to Lancelin Defence Training Area is no longer permited.

This means that the route shown in the map and in the driving directions of this trek note is NOT PERMITTED. This news is accurate as at 15th November however we have not been able to obtain the GPS plot file of the acceptable route for those that choose to traverse the beach below the high water mark, and thus avoid driving through the Defence Area.

In the coming months, the Training Area boundary will be reinforced to prevent unauthorised access. Additional signage directing people to the Indian Ocean Drive for North South transit will also be erected.

Recreational access through Lancelin Defence Training area is not granted. There is no restriction if you choose to traverse the beach below the high water mark except during live fire activities.

This closure has resulted due to the opening of the Indian Ocean Drive, which now provides a sealed, high speed alternative route between Lancelin and Cervantes.