Discover the Sea Turtle Species
Australia’s Aussie waters are home to six marine turtle species, all of which frequent the reef’s pristine waters. Some pop in for a clean at a marked turtle cleaning station, others arrive in droves during breeding season to lay eggs in sandy nests on our nesting beaches.
Whether you’re floating in calm water off Fitzroy Island, diving Saxon Reef, or watching a mother turtle lay her eggs under the stars at Raine Island, it’s a spectacle of nature’s circle of life — and one that deserves to be protected for future generations.
Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
The green sea turtles are true icons of the reef — herbivorous, gentle giants that glide through seagrass beds and shallow coral bays. They’re a common sight at Green Island, Heron Island, and the Frankland Islands.
- Shell colour: Often olive green or brown shells with light brown under-shell
- Diet: Seagrass and algae (helps create that famous green fat!)
- Lifespan: Up to 80 years
- Key nesting site: Raine Island – the world’s largest green turtle rookery
Fun Fact: A baby green turtle uses the Earth’s magnetic fields to return to the same beach it hatched on — even if it means swimming thousands of kilometres.
Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
This turtle’s turned-up edges and vividly patterned shell make it one of the most beautiful sea creatures in the reef.
- Diet: Sponges and soft corals
- Threats: Illegal shell trade, habitat degradation
- Spot for turtles: Rocky reefs near islands and drop-offs
Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta)
Known for their massive heads and strong jaws, these adult turtles snack on shellfish and crustaceans — they can crack a crab like a nut.
- Common nesting ground: Mon Repos, where adult loggerhead turtles haul ashore in the nesting season
- Colour: Reddish-brown shell with white margins
Flatback Turtle (Natator depressus)
This amazing turtle species is exclusive to Australian waters and prefers shallow water and coastal habitats.
- Distinguishing features: Flat carapace with upturned edges
- Unique trait: Only found on the continental shelf around Australia
Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)
Less common, but occasionally seen around the northern reefs. These beautiful animals are the smallest of the sea turtles.
- Colour: Pale, beautiful olive
- Traits: Nest en masse, sometimes in what’s called an “arribada” (not common in the GBR, but worth knowing!)
Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
This is the largest marine turtle — and it looks like it’s wearing a leather jacket. Rarely seen in the reef these days.
- Diet: Jellyfish
- Nesting: Occasionally on northern Queensland beaches
A Glimpse into Their Lives
Ever wonder what a turtle does all day? Spoiler alert: it’s a mix of cruising through azure waters, munching, and dodging the odd reef shark. These ancient mariners can live for 50+ years, spending most of their time underwater — except when adult females haul up on nesting beaches to dig sandy nests.
Green turtles, with their olive green shells and light brown under-shells, can hold their breath for hours. Flatbacks love shallow water habitats near the continental shelf. Hawksbills? They prefer crevices, sponge snacks, and pristine waters.
They navigate thousands of kilometres between feeding areas and critical nesting sites. Some female turtles return to the exact patch of white sand where they hatched decades ago — guided by magnetic fields and instinct.But life’s no day spa. From habitat degradation and human activity to plastic, ambient light, and fishing nets, these majestic creatures face numerous threats.
Quick Turtle Facts
- Marine turtles have been roaming the ocean for over 100 million years.
- They don’t have teeth — just powerful beaks.
- Baby turtles, including adorable turtle hatchlings, use Earth’s magnetic fields to navigate.
- Only 1 in 1,000 baby turtles makes it to adulthood.
- Sand temperatures determine gender — warmer nests mean more females.
- They “cry” salt through their eyes.
Turtle Nesting Season: When Life Begins
What to Expect
- Female turtles haul themselves up white sand beaches, often laying over 100 eggs in a single go.
- Sand temperatures determine the gender of the hatchlings (warmer nests tend to produce more females).
- Ambient light, especially artificial lights, can confuse hatching turtles. That’s why beach conservation efforts matter.
Perfect opportunity: Book a ranger-led night tour at Heron Island or Mon Repos for an excellent opportunity to witness nesting turtles without disturbing them.
Turtle Hotspots
- Lady Elliot Island
A snorkeller’s dream. You’ll likely bump into green and loggerhead turtles right off the beach. Plus, it’s a certified eco-resort. - Heron Island
Known for turtle nesting, and located smack-bang on the southern reef. You can witness hatchlings just metres from your room. - Fitzroy Island
Easily reached from Cairns, with calm waters and coral close to shore. Also home to the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre — worth a visit. - Green Island
Another quick trip from Cairns, popular for families and day-trippers. Turtles often hang around the jetty area. - Bundaberg & Mon Repos
Mon Repos is the largest loggerhead turtle rookery in the South Pacific. Ranger-guided night tours run during nesting and hatching season. - Low Isles (near Port Douglas)
Ideal for calm, beginner-friendly snorkelling. Turtles often glide past the moored boats.
Diving with Turtles
Diving with marine creatures like turtles is one for the books. These beautiful animals drift like feathers in the water, especially green sea turtles and hawksbills with their turned-up edges and white margins. Best experience tip? Don’t chase them. Let the majestic creatures cruise past while you float nearby. Scuba diving with turtles feels like swimming with history. Visibility is top-notch during the dry season, and water quality is consistently high. The reef’s calm water offers the perfect opportunity to admire the animal kingdom in action.
Ready to share reef space with some fascinating creatures? Turtles tend to hang around:
- Seagrass meadows for a snack
- Rocky reefs for a scrub-down at cleaning stations
- Calm water bays during the heat of the day
Planning Your Turtle Trip: When and How
Best Times
- Nesting turtles: November to March
- Hatching turtles: January to April
- Snorkelling with turtles: Year-round (better visibility in the dry season — May to October)
Where to Base Yourself
- Cairns: Gateway to the northern reef and islands like Green and Fitzroy
- Bundaberg: Access to Mon Repos and the southern reef
- Airlie Beach: Jump-off point for reef sites and outer reef adventures
Packing Essentials
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Snorkel/mask or water snorkel guides
- Camera for those distinct splash moments
- A good torch (red beam) for night walks
- Respect for the reef, the culture, and the creatures
What’s Being Done for Turtle Conservation?
Turtles face numerous threats — human activity has taken a toll. But there’s hope, thanks to efforts from the Queensland Government, Queensland Parks, and initiatives like Reef Guardian Schools.
Major Focus Areas
- Reducing capture in fishing nets using turtle-friendly fishing gear
- Tackling habitat loss and beach profile changes
- Minimising ambient night-time light around nesting beaches
- Protecting water quality via beach cleanups and reef management
- Supporting sustainable fishing practices
- Public education on marine turtle populations, green turtle stock, and the impact of climate change
Organisations like the Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Research and the CRC Reef Research Centre provide data to guide protection efforts.
Cultural Connections and Local Voices
Turtles aren’t just marine animals. They’re part of stories, totems, and cultural identity for many Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal communities.
Tread with care. Learn from Traditional Owners. And remember: these incredible creatures are more than wildlife — they’re woven into the lore and law of Australian ecosystems.
