All Cambridge beaches to reopen following further water testing

Published on 06 October 2026

All Town of Cambridge beaches will reopen to swimmers and other water users from tomorrow morning (7 October) after follow-up water testing confirmed that bacterial levels are within safe limits.

The Town received laboratory results today for ocean water samples collected on 5 October. Testing for E. coli and enterococci returned acceptable results at all three sampling locations.

The results were provided to the Department of Health for review. The Department has confirmed that the water quality is acceptable and that members of the public can resume swimming and other recreational water activities.

Shark advice continues to be monitored separately. Beach users should check the SharkSmart website or app for current shark activity and alerts. Shark sightings should be reported to Water Police on (08) 9442 8600.

Statement attributable to a Town of Cambridge spokesperson

"We know how much our community values its beaches, and we thank everyone for their patience and cooperation while the precautionary closure was in place."

"The Town undertook further water sampling yesterday and provided results to the Department of Health for review as soon as they became available. We are pleased that the results are within acceptable limits and that our beaches can reopen.”

“The whale carcass has been removed and the affected beach area cleaned and remediated. Based on the latest laboratory results and advice from the Department of Health, recreational water activities can now safely resume.”

“Beachgoers should continue to remain mindful of the SharkSmart advice and follow all beach signs and directions from Rangers and lifeguards.”

Fact file

• All Town beaches will reopen for recreational activities on the morning of 7 October 2026, following advice from the Department of Health.
• Initial water testing was undertaken on 2 October following the removal of the whale carcass from South City Beach on 30 September.
• The initial testing identified elevated levels of E. coli at the three locations sampled, and the beaches were closed on the advice of the Department of Health.
• Follow-up samples were collected on 5 October and tested for E. coli and enterococci.
• The follow-up results were within acceptable limits at all three sampling locations.
• The Department of Health reviewed the results and confirmed that members of the public can resume recreational water activities.
• The 31-tonne whale carcass has been removed, and the affected beach area has been cleaned and remediated.
• Surf Life Saving WA and other relevant government agencies, stakeholders and neighbouring local governments have been advised of the results and the reopening. Closure signs will be removed now that bacterial levels are back within safe limits.
• Shark advice is managed separately. For current alerts, check the SharkSmart website or app, and report sightings to Water Police on (08) 9442 8600.

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Media contact:
Matt Lau
Senior Media & Communications Advisor – Town of Cambridge
Communications@cambridge.wa.gov.au
(08) 9347 6059