Turtle Nesting
The remote coastlines and islands of the Pilbara and Kimberley are among the most important turtle nesting areas in Australia. Each year, ancient sea turtles return to these beaches to nest, continuing a cycle that has taken place for thousands of years.
Six of the world’s seven sea turtle species occur in the waters of Western Australia’s North West: flatback, green, hawksbill, loggerhead, leatherback and olive ridley turtles. Of these, four species (flatback, green, hawksbill and occasionally olive ridley) are known to nest along the region’s beaches, making this one of the most significant turtle habitats in the country.
Turtles feature strongly in the stories, ceremonies and traditions of Aboriginal people and continue to hold cultural significance in coastal communities today.
When Does Turtle Nesting Occur?
While turtles can be seen in the ocean year-round, they only come ashore during the nesting season. In Western Australia’s North West, nesting and hatching generally take place between October and March, with timing varying slightly between northern and southern locations.
Nesting Season
Female turtles usually nest at night, often emerging from the water one to two hours either side of high tide. After crawling up the beach, a turtle digs a body pit and egg chamber, lays her eggs, carefully covers the nest with sand, and returns to the ocean.
Hatching Season
Eggs incubate for around seven to eight weeks. During this time, sand temperature determines the sex of the hatchlings. Hatchlings typically emerge between dusk and dawn, triggered by cooling sand temperatures, before making their way to the water. The beach they hatch on is imprinted in their memory, guiding them back decades later — often 20 to 50 years, to mate and nest.
How Visitors May Experience Turtle Nesting
Turtle nesting in the North West is a natural event rather than a scheduled attraction, and sightings can never be guaranteed. However, visitors travelling through the region during the nesting and hatching season may have opportunities to observe this remarkable phenomenon under the right conditions.
Place-Based Encounters
Turtle nesting is best observed on beaches during the season, ranging from more accessible locations, such as Cable Beach in Broome and Cemetery Beach in Port Hedland, to quieter, less developed coastal stretches. Visitors walking beaches at night or early morning may come across nesting turtles, hatchlings, or turtle tracks in the sand.
Staying Near Nesting Beaches
In some remote coastal locations, accommodation is situated close to known nesting beaches. During the season, turtles may nest directly in front of or near these properties, allowing guests to observe nesting activity without travelling elsewhere.
A turtle makes its way back to the water after nesting
Turtle hatching from its egg at Eco Beach Resort, south of Broome
Community and Conservation Programs
Seasonal turtle monitoring programs operate in locations such as Broome and Port Hedland, offering opportunities to learn about turtle behaviour and conservation. These community-led programs focus on education and protection rather than guaranteed sightings.
While turtles may also be seen swimming in coastal waters on cruises or boat tours, these sightings are different from nesting activity, which only occurs on land during the breeding season.
Turtle Code of Conduct
Sea turtles are sensitive to disturbance. When observing turtle nesting or hatching, it is essential to follow responsible wildlife viewing guidelines:
- No Glow — Avoid artificial light. Do not use flash photography; allow moonlight to guide your way.
- Move Slow — Walk slowly and quietly, staying near the water’s edge and following tracks carefully.
- Stay Low — Keep a low profile by sitting or crouching to remain out of the turtle’s line of sight.
Following these guidelines helps protect turtles and ensures others can continue to experience nesting responsibly.
Why Turtle Nesting Matters
Sea turtles are long-lived animals, and many populations are vulnerable or threatened. Successful nesting seasons are critical to their survival. By observing turtles respectfully and supporting conservation efforts, visitors play a role in protecting one of the North West’s most extraordinary natural events for generations to come.
For more information on turtle nesting and conservation in Western Australia’s North West, explore local visitor information centres and community-led programs.
Stay near turtle nesting beaches
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