Turtle Nesting - Port Hedland

Cemetery Beach, Port Hedland, 6721

Port Hedland's Cemetery Beach and Eighty Mile Beach are two areas renowned for turtle nesting in the Pilbara.

Of the six species of marine turtle that are found in Australian waters, five are found along the Pilbara coast, including the green, loggerhead and hawksbill turtles. There are only a few large nesting areas for these species in the world and the Dampier Archipelago is home to one of the largest. 

Discarded fishing nets and other debris are a significant threat to turtle populations, as well as other marine species such as dolphins and whales. Please take care when using our beaches and waterways and remember to take your rubbish with you.

Large turtle rookeries are found along the Dampier Archipelago and Eighty Mile Beach. All marine turtles are protected, so never approach a nesting turtle or disturb the nest if you are lucky enough to see one.

In Port Hedland, local environmental group Care for Hedland Association is responsible for the nationally recognised Turtle Monitoring Program. The program is one of the highlights of Port Hedland, providing training to environmental studies students as well as giving locals and visitors the rare opportunity to watch the laying and hatching of eggs during the nesting season (October to March).