Turtle nesting season begins on the Capricorn Coast
Published on 22 October 2026
Livingstone Shire Council is reminding residents and visitors to help protect vulnerable sea turtles as nesting season kicks off, with up to 100 mother turtles expected to nest along the Capricorn Coast over the coming months.
Running through to March, turtle nesting season sees turtles come ashore to lay their eggs in the sand dunes, with most eggs laid by December and hatchlings emerging in the new year.
Acting Mayor Cr Pat Eastwood said the community had an important role to play in protecting these vulnerable marine animals and ensuring hatchlings had the best possible chance of reaching the ocean.
“Our Capricorn Coast beaches are an important nesting ground for sea turtles, and it’s up to all of us to help protect them during this critical time,” Cr Eastwood said.
“Farnborough Beach is particularly important, with turtles returning to its 17-kilometre stretch of coastline each year. As the only beach in the shire where vehicles are permitted, it’s especially important that drivers take care and avoid damaging nests hidden in the sand.
“We’re asking four-wheel-drive users to stay off the dry sand near the dunes, where turtles typically lay their eggs, and drive on the wet sand where it is safe to do so. Drivers should also avoid the beach around high tide, when there is less room to pass without encroaching on nesting areas.
“Last year, Council’s turtle protection signs helped achieve a fantastic result, with no vehicles reported driving on the dunes over a five-month period. We want to build on that success this season and encourage everyone to do their part.”
Council’s Natural Resource Management team has again partnered with local Darumbal rangers to install seven turtle nesting protection signs along Farnborough Beach, helping raise awareness and reduce the risk of nests being damaged by vehicles.
Council’s Natural Resource Management Officer John Wyland said turtles typically nest in the dry sand just before the dunes begin to rise, making these areas particularly vulnerable to vehicle traffic.
“Protecting turtle nests is a team effort, with Council, Darumbal rangers and local volunteers working together to monitor nesting activity and identify threats,” Mr Wyland said.
Darumbal ranger Lionel Mann said the signs were an important way to educate beach users about the impact vehicles can have on turtle nests.
“It’s about awareness, education and compliance, so we can give more hatchlings the chance to make it safely into the ocean,” Mr Mann said.
The signs are part of ongoing efforts to protect local turtle populations, supported by daily beach monitoring undertaken by Darumbal rangers and volunteer group Team Turtle throughout the nesting season. Monitoring also helps identify predators affecting nests so they can be managed through Council’s pest management program.
The importance of these efforts was highlighted recently when a young male turtle, was rescued from Farnborough Beach during the installation of the protection signs on 6 October.
The turtle was found in poor condition, at around 35 per cent below his ideal body weight, with other health concerns including a possible lung tear. The team acted quickly to cool him down and arrange his transfer to Quoin Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, where he is recovering and, hopefully, will be returned to Farnborough Beach once fully recovered.
Cr Eastwood said the rescue was a timely reminder that turtle protection extended beyond nesting sites.
“Every turtle matters, and this rescue highlights the importance of having people on the ground who can respond when marine wildlife needs help,” Cr Eastwood said.
“We all have a part to play, whether that’s driving responsibly on the beach, respecting nesting areas or reporting an injured turtle.”
Residents and visitors who encounter an injured turtle are encouraged to contact the appropriate local wildlife rescue service and avoid handling the animal unless directed by trained responders.
Find our more here: Turtles | Livingstone Shire Council