Marine turtles forage and breed in the waters of our bay, and our beach is a nesting area for a small population of Green, Loggerhead and Flatback turtles.
Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) – critically endangered
Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) – vulnerable
Flatback turtle (Natator depressus) – vulnerable
All six species of marine turtles found in waters along the Queensland coast are protected under the Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992 and other legislation.
Protecting turtles
The most effective way you can contribute to protecting marine and coastal habitats and wildlife is to be mindful of the choices you make at home.
- Reduce use of plastics.
- Reuse, recycle, repurpose.
- Dispose of rubbish appropriately.
View our info sheet about simple things you can change to reduce waste.
On the beach, pick up all of your rubbish and don’t park or drive on sand dunes.
Out on the water, go slow for those below. Check for Go Slow zones within in the Great Sandy Marine Park.
Cut the Glow
During turtle nesting season (November – April), residents and visitors in homes along the Esplanade can help turtles nest and hatch safely by limiting the impact of artificial light. Lights from houses can disorientate nesting turtles and hatchlings.
- Turn off outside lights after 7:30 pm.
- Close curtains and blinds.
- Use sensor lights, directed away from the beach.
Read more about how to Cut the Glow at your home to help turtles go!
Volunteer
A small group of volunteers monitor and care for turtles on our local beaches. If you’d like to volunteer, contact us!
- Sea Turtle Alliance – a volunteer based organisation dedicated to the protection of our sea turtles. Volunteers respond to turtle stranding reports.
- Woongarra Coast Turtle Volunteers Inc. (includes Woodgate) – volunteers patrol local beaches during nesting season to collect data about nesting turtles and monitor and protect nests.
Turtle FAQs
What do I do if I see a turtle on the beach?
Sea turtles come up on to the beach to nest, rest, escape or due to illness/injury. It is important that whatever the case, that the turtle is left alone – keep your distance.
- Keep your distance and keep pets away.
- You do not need to put them back into the water or pour water over them. Injured or unwell turtles should not be forced back in the water.
- Not all turtles on the beach are unwell. Turtles rest on the sand to help regulate body temperature and conserve energy.
How to help? Phone the Marine Animal Strandings Hotline for advice 1300 130 372 or report via the QWildlife app. Trained volunteers will be tasked to assess the animal.
Download app: QWildlfe Apple Store | QWildlife Google Play
Who do I report a dead turtle to?
Report deceased turtles to the Marine Animal Strandings Hotline – 1300 130 372 – or log the sighting via the QWildlfe app in the first instance, not the local Council.
Volunteers will be tasked to process the turtle and, if the carcass is located along the bathing reserve, will arrange for it to be buried or removed. In other areas, the animal may be left in-situ for nature to take its course. An “x” will painted across the carapace to indicate the animal has been reported.
Download app: QWildlfe Apple Store | QWildlife Google Play
How do I safely watch a turtle nesting?
Turtles nest mainly at night from November to March. Female turtles use an enormous amount of energy to crawl up the beach and nest. Turtles can take a long time to dig a nest, lay and return to the water and are vulnerable on land. If feeling threatened, she will abort the nesting attempt.
Observe the following so the turtle can lay undisturbed.
- Keep your distance, stay at least 5m quietly behind the turtle.
- Turn off all lights, including phone lights and flash.
- Keep dogs away.
- Do not disturb the nesting site.
The best way to see turtles nesting is to book a turtle encounter tour at nearby Mon Repos beach. Mon Repos is the largest marine turtle rookery along the eastern mainland and the largest Loggerhead nesting site in the South Pacific.