Teewah Turtles

Green Turtle (Photo Claire Davidson)
Green Turtle hatchling Photo (Claire Davidson)
Hatchlings on way to the ocean (Photo Claire Davidson)
Loggerhead (Photo Claire Davidson)

Summertime is breeding time for turtles on Teewah Beach. When ready to lay after mating, the females wait just offshore until evening and then drag themselves up the beach to the dunes to lay.

Turtle returning to the sea after laying, Boxing Day 2023. 
(Photo Craig Thorne)
Nest marked by Craig, protected by Council (Photo Jo Brown)
Eggs hatch after 65 days, Feb 29
(Photo Jo Brown)
Col from Coastcare finds one remaining baby after excavating nest
(Photo Jo Brown)
That baby makes it safely to the water
(Photo Jo Brown)
Noosa Council spreading the word. Jan 18 2024 (Photo Jo Brown)

Nest relocation

Sometimes nests are located where they are vulnerable to high tides and vehicular traffic. Then the eggs need to be relocated, a specialised job for QPWS park rangers, Noosa Council and volunteers from the turtle rescue programs of Coolum and Cooloola Coast Care groups.

Below is the story of one relocation in 2021. Photos below by Claire Davidson.

Nest protected until Coast Care arrives
Coolum Coast Care volunteers relocate eggs
Eggs ready for covering in new nest
Protecting the nest from predators
Job complete
That’s a long way for little turtles. Photos Cary Mclean
Loggerhead Turtle
(Photo Claire Davidson)
Injured Green Turtle
Loggerhead Turtle departs after laying 98 eggs, which were relocated
(Photo Karen and Peter Trist)

Manta ray followed by a Remora (Photo Claire Davidson)