Turtle time at Lady Musgrave Island

It’s that magical time of year again on the Southern Great Barrier Reef, the first turtle tracks of the season have been spotted on Lady Musgrave Island! These early signs mark the beginning of one of nature’s most extraordinary cycles, as female turtles return to nest.

When to Visit

Turtle nesting season begins around October and continues through late January, with hatchlings emerging from January to April. The early months bring the nesting mothers ashore under the stars to lay around 120 eggs at a time, while the new year ushers in the next generation of tiny hatchlings making their dash to the sea.

Where It Happens

Lady Musgrave Island, a coral cay surrounded by a stunning turquoise lagoon, is one of the best and most accessible places in Queensland to witness this incredible natural event. The soft sandy beaches offer ideal nesting grounds for Green and Loggerhead Turtles.

What You Might See

Nesting Turtles: Watch as these ancient mariners come ashore to dig their nests and lay eggs.
Hatchlings: From early in the new year, you might see baby turtles breaking through the sand and making their way to the ocean. A sight that never loses its magic.
Turtles in the Lagoon: Even outside nesting season, turtles can be seen year-round in the calm waters of Lady Musgrave Lagoon.

Join a Guided Experience

Our experienced guides will share insights into turtle behaviour, the island’s ecology, and how our team helps protect these threatened species. While we’re already seeing early nesting activity, tours will officially begin once nesting becomes more consistent to ensure minimal disturbance to the turtles.

Come experience the wonder of life beginning again, right here on the reef. Whether you visit for the day or stay overnight on our Lady Musgrave HQ pontoon, this is your chance to witness one of the most moving natural events on the Great Barrier Reef.

Turtle time at Lady Musgrave Island