See The Turtles Hatching On Heron Island

Vulnerable, brave and adorable, the hatchlings are coming out of their shells on Heron Island.

From October each year, Heron Island becomes a breeding ground for Green Turtles and Loggerhead Turtles. After around 60 days buried beneath the golden sands of this beautiful coral cay off the coast of Queensland, the hatchlings make their way to the surface, ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime.

One of the few places in the world where you can witness the hatchlings make their first journey into the ocean, you are welcome to watch them from a distance, but to prevent frightening them, there are guidelines to follow. The hatchlings use the natural light on the horizon to navigate out to the ocean, so torches are to be turned off so as to not confuse the turtles and cause them to head away from the ocean. They are so small, they need all the energy they can muster to find their way.

An adult female turtle can lay a clutch of eggs three to five times on the beach during the breeding season, and with 120 eggs in each clutch, there are great opportunities to see the nesting and hatching experience.

Being situated on the Great Barrier Reef, Heron Island is the perfect holiday for keen divers, swimmers and snorkellers as well as those who want to get away from it all for a few days. Heron Island operate a strictly no day-trippers rule, meaning you can avoid hordes of tourists and really appreciate the unfathomable beauty of the island and its surrounds.

To be a part of one of nature’s greatest journeys, experience this turtle season on a 3 or more night Turtle Season Holiday, which includes: accommodation, daily breakfast, 2 snorkel trips, 24 hours free
Wi-Fi for 1 device, a special turtle gift (an ornament per room or a t-shirt/turtle backpack for kids). Available from $160 per person, twin share, book a suite and receive return transfers for 2 adults.

So if you’re looking for the perfect summer getaway, book your trip to paradise on Heron Island.

Find out more about the turtles at www.heronisland.com/turtles 

Phone: 1300 863 248