Where to see turtles on the Southern Great Barrier Reef

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Jess	 Pridmore

By Jess Pridmore

When: Turtle nesting season occurs between November and March each year, with hatchlings beginning to emerge in early January.

There's no doubt about it, the Southern Great Barrier Reef is home to some of the most spectacular marine life in the world. Part of the largest living ecosystem on earth, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches almost the entire length of the Queensland coast. It’s also one of the best places in the world to see (and swim with) turtles in their natural habitat.

Visiting the Southern Great Barrier Reef to see turtles is an incredible way to experience more of this vast and diverse ecosystem. And with the help of some award-winning eco-friendly options, you can ensure your visit doesn’t impact this delicate environment.

A trip here is not complete without at least one turtle sighting, so here are the best places to catch a glimpse of Australia’s unofficial marine mascot. BYO snorkels and a sense of eco-adventure.

Mon Repos, Bundaberg

Located just fifteen minutes drive east of Bundaberg, the small coastal hamlet of Mon Repos has made a name for itself as a nature haven—especially for turtles. The Conservation Park, made famous by its 6km stretch of pristine sandy beach, is also home to the world-renowned turtle sanctuary, The Mon Repos Turtle Centre.

More than 50% of the Southern Hemisphere’s nesting Loggerhead turtles come to Mon Repos to lay their eggs every year. Their tireless work is undertaken by the centre and local volunteers ensures the survival of these endangered animals.

Their work also goes beyond the centre. They encourage visitors to participate in beach clean-ups, conservation work in the field, and even to join the team during hatchling season to watch newborn turtles make their way down to the shorefront under moonlight.

Where to see turtles on Great Keppel Island

Snorkeling off the back of a boat near Great Keppel Island

Great Keppel Island, Southern Great Barrier Reef

Part of the Capricorn Region, Great Keppel Island is an idyllic island getaway., featuring no less than 17 immaculate beaches all boasting gentle breezes and calm waters, snorkelling, swimming and general beachside bliss.

Great Keppel is part of a chain of sheltered islands along the Southern Great Barrier Reef considered some of the most important breeding rookeries for Flatback turtles in the region. Frequently sighted above and below the waters of Monkey Beach, grab your snorkel gear and keep your eyes peeled for these local superstars.

Daily cruises to the island depart across the Capricorn Coast which includes the chance to snorkel the fringing reefs—make it your mission to tick off some of those 17 beaches…

Where to see turtles on Heron Island

Snorkeling with a sea turtle near Heron Island

Heron Island, Southern Great Barrier Reef

Boasting 20 world-famous dive locations all frequented by Australia’s Great 8, Heron Island is one of the only places to see turtles on the Southern Great Barrier Reef where you can walk straight from the beach to the coral cay.

Both Green and Loggerhead turtle species call Heron Island home. If you’re visiting in November-March you’ll be lucky enough to see female Loggerheads return to the ocean after laying their eggs.

Heron Island’s magic forces you to connect with the surrounding landscape, where guests are encouraged to spend time at the island’s award-winning research centre to learn about the important conservation work being undertaken on the Great Barrier Reef.

Get to Heron Island on the Heron Islander just off the coast of Gladstone, where you can opt for a day trip or spend a few nights on the island. Get a taste of island life, or totally immerse yourself; the choice is yours.

Where to see turtles on Lady Musgrave Island

Visitors watching the turtle hatching at Lady Musgrave Island

Lady Musgrave Island, Southern Great Barrier Reef

The largest coral cay in the Southern Great Barrier Reef, Lady Musgrave Island has some of the clearest waters, and whitest sand and, with over 1,000 hectares of fringing reef, the local Green and Loggerhead turtle contingency think it’s pretty great, too. Frequenting the island’s sandy beaches and calm seas during mating and hatching season, snorkelling alongside a laid-back turtle is just another day here.

Lady Musgrave Island’s sheer size makes the island largely untouched. With limited but highly sought-after camping areas available (with a permit) you can live out your very own desert island fantasy.

Thinking of taking a day trip to Lady Musgrave? Jump on the Lady Musgrave Experience, one of the region’s highest-awarded eco tour guides. You’ll have the opportunity to snorkel and dive amongst incredible coral bommies teaming with tropical life.

Where to see turtles on Lady Elliot Island

A gentleman is wearing blue togs and swimming close to a sea turtle at Lady Elliot Island.  The sea bed is scattered with lots of coral.

Lady Elliot Island, Southern Great Barrier Reef

Remote, rugged, and totally off the grid: if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind turtle encounter, Lady Elliot Island is the place for a little face-to-face.

Lying 80kms off the coast of Bundaberg, Lady Elliot Island is one of the leading locations in the world for conservation governance, featuring an award-winning, 100% sustainable eco-resort and research centre focused on ensuring the entire island, and its guests, do not negatively impact the delicate surrounding ecosystem.

The island is located in a Marine National Park and boasts some of the highest-ranking diving sites in the world, so you’ll have plenty of chances to get up close with turtles, mantas, and the rest of the Great 8.

Wilson Island

Turtle sitting outside the accommodation on Wilson Island

Wilson Island, Southern Great Barrier Reef

Wilson Island combines seclusion with unparalleled access to nature on this adults-only coral cay that is capped to 18 guests at one time. 

Located near Heron Island (with a short stop at Heron on your way across via helicopter or boat), Wilson Island is a place where you will be completely immersed in nature. 

The nine permanent safari tents have views directly onto the Great Barrier Reef, with nesting turtles and baby hatchlings nightly visitors to the island from November to March. 

Under the water, the turtle encounters continue, with eagle rays, anemone fish, reef sharks and a host of the Great Barrier Reef's famous creatures inhabiting the pristine waters around the island. 

Ready to go? Here's the ultimate Southern Great Barrier Reef visitor's guide to help plan your trip.

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