The Tiny Turtle March

Hatchlings on the move - Image credit: Qld Govt (DETSI)

As the sun dips below the horizon, the sands of Tropical North Queensland begin to stir. A quiet energy hums beneath the surface, the pulse of a journey written into the rhythm of the tides. Then, tiny flippers break through - hesitant at first, then urgent - as hatchlings rise from their sandy nests, drawn instinctively toward the shimmering sea.

This is the Tiny Turtle March, a breathtaking procession of nature’s most vulnerable travellers. Guided by the glow of the moon and the whisper of the waves, these baby green turtles embark on one of the most perilous migrations on Earth. With each determined step, they dodge the ever-present dangers of the shore, navigating an ancient path their ancestors have followed for millennia.

The month of March is truly magical as we observe these tiny voyagers scramble toward the ocean’s edge, conservationists and researchers working tirelessly to protect them, ensuring their safe passage into the great unknown.

Hatchling drawn instinctively toward the sea - Video credit: Frankland Islands

The Vital Role of Green Turtles

Among the six species found on the Great Barrier Reef, green turtles are the most abundant. These gentle herbivores play a crucial role in maintaining the health of seagrass beds, supporting the balance of marine ecosystems.

Their nesting habits also shape coastal landscapes, with 19 nesting sites recorded across the reef. Found in intertidal coral zones, rocky reefs, and seagrass meadows, they thrive on a diet of algae, seagrass, mangrove fruit, and jellyfish.

Female adult Green Turtles lay about 100 eggs per clutch - Image credit: Great Barrier Reef Foundation

Local Hatchling Hotspots

If you’re hoping to witness this breathtaking event, here are some of the best locations to observe baby turtles making their way to the sea:

🐢 Fitzroy Island

🐢 Green Island

🐢 Michaelmas Cay

🐢 Frankland Islands

Tiny turtle hatchling on Fitzroy Island - Image credit: Fitzroy Island

Responsible Turtle Watching

While it’s an incredible privilege to observe turtle hatchlings, it’s essential to do so responsibly. Keep your distance, avoid using bright lights, and never touch the hatchlings.

With nesting season reaching its peak, the Tiny Turtle March is a must-do during your stay at Bellbry Lodge this month. Witness this unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime nature encounter that will stay with you long after your footprints fade from the sand.