Each year, from November to March, females return to Lady Elliot Island to lay their eggs, decades after they were born on these very same beaches. They come ashore under the cover of darkness to dig their nests, laying on average 130 eggs each time.

Then, from January to April, tiny hatchlings emerge, making their way to the sea under moonlight – beginning their own lifelong journey through the ocean.

Did You Know?

• Turtle hatchlings use the lowest, brightest light on the horizon to find their way to the ocean – that’s why it’s so important to “Cut the Glow, to Help the Turtles Go!”
• Adult sea turtles only come ashore to nest, so they can be easily disturbed. Please avoid bright lights, move quietly, and always keep a safe distance.

Last Season on Lady Elliot:

• 88 nests
• 1,741 tracks

Your Sightings Matter!

Turtle tracks are counted daily by island staff, and any nests witnessed by guests and staff are reported to the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. This important data helps monitor nesting trends across the southern Great Barrier Reef and informs decisions about how we protect these endangered species.

Seen something? Let the Activities staff know! Every turtle nest you report helps us better understand and protect the turtles of Lady Elliot Island.