Turtle Mating & Nesting Season

Every year between October and March, the pristine beaches of Ningaloo Marine Park near Yardie Creek Homestead in Exmouth, Western Australia, come alive with one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles — the turtle mating and nesting season. Green, loggerhead and hawksbill turtles return to these sandy shores to mate, dig their nests and lay eggs under the moonlight. Later in the season, hatchlings break free and scramble toward the ocean in a race for survival.

This is one of Australia’s most unforgettable wildlife encounters, combining dramatic coastal scenery, turquoise waters and the chance to witness turtles in their natural environment — all within easy reach of the iconic Cape Range National Park and the Ningaloo Reef.

Best Time to Visit

• Mating Season: October – December (turtles pair and mate in shallow waters near the reef).
• Nesting Season: November – February (females lay eggs on beaches under cover of darkness).
• Hatchling Season: January – March (tiny turtles emerge and dash to the ocean).

For the most dramatic viewing, plan to visit during warm summer nights from December to February when both nesting and early hatchling activity overlap.

Key Experience Highlights

• Watch female turtles emerge from the sea to lay eggs at night.
• See mating pairs in shallow coastal waters at dusk.
• Witness baby turtles hatching and making their first journey to the ocean (late summer).
• Enjoy pristine, low-light beaches with minimal crowds for a truly wild experience.
• Combine turtle encounters with snorkelling Ningaloo Reef, Yardie Creek Gorge walks, and Cape Range National Park wildlife spotting.

Accessibility

Parking: Available at Yardie Creek Homestead and nearby beach access points.

Accommodation:

• Yardie Creek Homestead (caravan park & cabins close to the action).
• Nearby Exmouth resorts & holiday parks for more comfort.

Tours: Eco-certified night turtle tours available from Exmouth during nesting season.

Visitor Tips

• Red Torch Only: Use red-light torches to avoid disturbing turtles.
• Keep Your Distance: Stay at least 10 m away from nesting females; avoid standing in front of them.
• Stay Quiet: Sudden movement or light can scare turtles back to sea.
• Wear Insect Protection: Mosquitoes and sandflies can be active at night.
• Book Tours: Guided tours provide ethical viewing and expert insights while supporting conservation.

Activities

• Photography
• Camping
• Swimming