Little miracles begin their dash for survival
Sunshine Coast hatchlings are here!
Critically endangered loggerhead turtle nests up and down Sunshine Coast beaches have begun hatching.
It will be 30 years before the baby turtles mature and return to our shores to nest as an adult.
Sunshine Coast Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Tim Burns said Council was thrilled to share hatchlings had begun emerging from a busy nesting season along our coastline.
Cr Burns thanked the Sunshine Coast community for its support during this sensitive time.
“So far there have been 121 nests across Buddina, Warana, Bokarina, Wurtulla, Currimundi, Dicky Beach, Shelly Beach, and North Bribie Island.
“Our dedicated TurtleCare volunteers have worked tirelessly to help give these little creatures their best chance for survival.
“With only 1 in 1000 hatchlings making it to adulthood, every hatchling matters.
“We thank our turtle-friendly community for playing your part by keeping our beaches clean, staying off the dunes and switching off your outside lights from 8pm - because turtles dig the dark!”
Critically endangered loggerhead turtle hatchlings on Shelly Beach
TurtleCare volunteers checking a turtle nest after it has hatched to collect scientific data on Shelly Beach
Critically endangered loggerhead turtle hatchlings on Shelly Beach
Division 2 Councillor Terry Landsberg was excited to share nests had been laid on the dunes at the southern end of the coast.
“With 22 nests laid on Shelly, Currimundi, North Bribie Island/Happy Valley and Dicky beaches, and 69 nests laid on Bribie Island National Park, we expect roughly around 11,500 hatchlings to emerge.
“While this is an incredibly exciting time, we would like to share that the exact timing of hatchlings emerging from their nests is unpredictable.
“As the critically endangered Loggerhead and vulnerable green turtles are protected species, Council and local turtle groups cannot offer ecotourism for turtle watching.
“For those eager to witness this magical moment, we recommend visiting Mon Repos Turtle Centre in Bundaberg for an immersive turtle encounter.
“Thank you for your continued support as a turtle-friendly community.”
Critically endangered loggerhead turtle on Shelly Beach
TurtleCare volunteers checking a nest on Dicky Beach after the hatchlings have emerged to collect scientific data.
How you can help
Report turtle tracks, new nests and emerging hatchlings to our Turtle Care hotline or Coolum and North Shore Coast Care.
For sightings on the southern end of the coast call 0437 559 067 and for sightings from Maroochydore north call Coolum and North Shore Coast Care on 0478 435 377.
Switch off your outside lights from 8pm as light pollution is disorientating for turtles and hatchlings.
Make sure you take your rubbish with you from the beach, so the turtles have a clean environment to lay their eggs in.
Our TurtleCare volunteers are highly trained citizen scientists who are making an incredible contribution to the ongoing survival of critically endangered turtles by monitoring nesting mothers, relocating nests if necessary for hatchling survival, and providing essential data to support the protection of these majestic animals.
All TurtleCare activities are conducted under Queensland Turtle Conservation Project permits.
The TurtleCare program in 2025 is proudly sponsored by Caloundra City Realty.