The annual turtle nesting season is set to begin on Queenslands Heron and Wilson Islands, with an abundance of green turtles coming ashore to nest on these two Great Barrier Reef coral cays. Its a spectacular sight watching turtles coming out of the ocean and laboriously pulling themselves up the beach to lay their eggs, all under cover of darkness at night and in the early hours of the morning.
From November through to March every year, a breeding population of turtles comes ashore on Heron and Wilson Islands to nest, approximately three to seven times during a season. The turtles lay their eggs at the same location where they were born, laying on average 120 eggs in one clutch. With careful guidelines for viewing, families can immerse themselves in all the action on a casual walk around the islands beaches.
Turtles migrate to Heron and Wilson Islands from as far afield as the Solomon Islands, Cape York and Harvey Bay, returning after an absence of 35 to 40 years since their birth here. By Easter, both Heron and Wilson Islands offer the captivating opportunity to see one of lifes natural wonders close up as thousands of baby turtles emerge from their nests to make the annual scurry to the safety of the sea.
True coral cays that sit right on the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, Heron and Wilson Islands boast some of the most amazing snorkelling and diving year round, just minutes from the beach. Heron Island is also home to one of Australias most important reef Research Stations. Administered by the University of Queensland, it provides accommodation, boats, diving gear, laboratories and a seawater aquarium system for researchers and student groups. Guests at Heron Island Resort are actively encouraged to learn more about the Research Station and its work to get a better understanding of the delicate underwater world that surrounds them.
Most recently Heron Island reinforced its position as one of the most spectacular underwater environments when it was linked to the launch of the Catlin Seaview Survey. This critically important series of expeditions, which run from September through until the end of December 2012, will take in 20 specially selected coral reef locations in northern Queensland and will be the first comprehensive study to benchmark the health of the Great Barrier Reef and assist in understanding changes to these critical marine environments.
Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Telegraph.
Did you enjoy this article?
Receive similar content direct to your inbox.
Subscribe!
Subscribe today to get our weekly newsletter! You don’t want to miss out!
From November through to March every year, a breeding population of turtles comes ashore on Heron and Wilson Islands to nest, approximately three to seven times during a season. The turtles lay their eggs at the same location where they were born, laying on average 120 eggs in one clutch. With careful guidelines for viewing, families can immerse themselves in all the action on a casual walk around the islands beaches.
Turtles migrate to Heron and Wilson Islands from as far afield as the Solomon Islands, Cape York and Harvey Bay, returning after an absence of 35 to 40 years since their birth here. By Easter, both Heron and Wilson Islands offer the captivating opportunity to see one of lifes natural wonders close up as thousands of baby turtles emerge from their nests to make the annual scurry to the safety of the sea.
From November through to March every year, a breeding population of turtles comes ashore on Heron and Wilson Islands to nest, approximately three to seven times during a season. The turtles lay their eggs at the same location where they were born, laying on average 120 eggs in one clutch. With careful guidelines for viewing, families can immerse themselves in all the action on a casual walk around the islands beaches.
Turtles migrate to Heron and Wilson Islands from as far afield as the Solomon Islands, Cape York and Harvey Bay, returning after an absence of 35 to 40 years since their birth here. By Easter, both Heron and Wilson Islands offer the captivating opportunity to see one of lifes natural wonders close up as thousands of baby turtles emerge from their nests to make the annual scurry to the safety of the sea.
True coral cays that sit right on the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, Heron and Wilson Islands boast some of the most amazing snorkelling and diving year round, just minutes from the beach. Heron Island is also home to one of Australias most important reef Research Stations. Administered by the University of Queensland, it provides accommodation, boats, diving gear, laboratories and a seawater aquarium system for researchers and student groups. Guests at Heron Island Resort are actively encouraged to learn more about the Research Station and its work to get a better understanding of the delicate underwater world that surrounds them.
Most recently Heron Island reinforced its position as one of the most spectacular underwater environments when it was linked to the launch of the Catlin Seaview Survey. This critically important series of expeditions, which run from September through until the end of December 2012, will take in 20 specially selected coral reef locations in northern Queensland and will be the first comprehensive study to benchmark the health of the Great Barrier Reef and assist in understanding changes to these critical marine environments.
