Meet the Coral Coast turtles

Australia’s Coral Coast is home to some of the world’s most important turtle breeding grounds and from late-October through to early April the region transforms into a hub of turtle activity as mating, nesting and hatching seasons occur. 

Ningaloo is recognised as one of the world’s most important nesting grounds for both green and loggerhead turtles. Key locations include Point Quobba (Carnarvon), Maud’s Landing (Coral Bay) and the Jurabi Coastal Reserves (Exmouth).  

Exmouth’s Jurabi Turtle Centre is one of the best places for a turtle experience, with dedicated night-time turtle eco-education tours run by Park Rangers between December and March. 

Located off the northern coast of Exmouth, the Mackerel Islands are a gazetted nature reserve and another turtle hotspot. Flatback, hawksbill, loggerhead and green turtles can all be seen nesting and hatching on Thevenard Island, one of the 10 island atolls, between December and March. 

Dik Hartog Island is home to Australia’s largest breeding colony of loggerhead turtles – the world’s most endangered turtle species. They can be seen nesting from the Island’s aptly named Turtle Bay to Dampier’s Landing, and Turtle Bay is the species’ main nesting area.  

It’s important when planning a trip to visit the turtles of the Coral Coast, particularly during breeding season, to educate yourself on the ethical practices around turtle watching.  

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