Turtle Nesting - Lady Musgrave Island

Lady Musgrave Island, part of the Southern Great Barrier Reef, is one of Queensland’s most important turtle nesting sites and a sanctuary for endangered species like green and loggerhead turtles. From October to January, female turtles return to the very beaches where they were born decades earlier—a remarkable act of instinct and navigation. Under the cover of darkness, they haul their heavy bodies ashore, dig deep nests in the sand with their back flippers, and lay around 100 leathery eggs per clutch. This process can take several hours and is an emotional and unforgettable sight for those lucky enough to witness it. Each turtle may nest multiple times during the season, spaced about two weeks apart.

The incubation period lasts roughly 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the temperature of the sand, which even determines the sex of the hatchlings—warmer sand typically produces more females. From January to April, tiny hatchlings emerge and instinctively scramble towards the moonlit horizon of the ocean, facing dangers from predators and obstacles along the way. It’s estimated that only one in 1,000 hatchlings will survive to adulthood, making every nesting and hatching season critical for the survival of these ancient mariners.

In addition to this natural wonder, Lady Musgrave’s sheltered lagoon provides year-round opportunities to observe adult turtles swimming peacefully over vibrant coral gardens. The island’s protected status and limited visitor access ensure that turtle nesting is undisturbed, helping support ongoing conservation efforts. Whether witnessing a nesting mother or the dramatic dash of hatchlings to the sea, Lady Musgrave Island offers an intimate connection to one of nature’s most remarkable life cycles.