It’s that glorious time of year when Queensland beaches come alive with mama turtles making popping out their eggs. Nesting season has begun, and will turn ito hatching season from around January to March.
Turtles are very obviously the superior creatures of the sea. They’re adorable, for starters. Those doe eyes get me every time They’re also gloriously odd looking. And yes, that’s really all I’m basing my statement on and I stand by it.
They’re not just popping up willy nilly though. Turtles prefer secluded, sandy beaches for their wee babes to hatch on. If you’re keen for some turtle action – and obviously promise to be respectful and keep your distance once you get there – these are the spots to get yourself over the next few months.
1. Mon Repos, Bundaberg
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As home to the largest population of nesting marine loggerhead turtles in the South Pacific, Mon Repos is a whole turtle experience, especially with their Turtle Centre. Do the thing right (for you and the turtles) and book one of the viewing tours, led by expert rangers.
2. Green Island, Cairns
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If you head out from the Cairns coast you’ll hit Green Island. It’s popular for all the best Great Barrier Reef creatures, but come nesting season Sea Turtles hit up the beaches to lay their eggs.
3. Fitzroy Island, Cairns
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An even shorter boat ride from Cairns lies Fitzroy Island, which is a beaut day trip even without the turtles, but they have a Turtle Rehabilitation centre where you can go visit the recovering turtles up-close. Also, a good stop to get tips on spotting nesting turtles around the island.
4. Lady Elliot Island, Bundaberg
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This southernmost island on the Great Barrier Reef is home to nesting Green and Loggerhead turtles. There aren’t many places in the world where you can walk a mere 100m from your hotel door and onto a beach for a little turtle spotting.
If that’s not enough for you, you can also get along the Capricorn Coast and Gladstone Region to Lady Musgrave Island, Heron Island, and Great Keppel Island.
