Code of conduct around sea turtles

The Australian Government’s code of conduct for sea turtles requires that you never touch or interfere with sea turtles, their nests, or hatchlings, as they are protected under Australian law.

General conduct

  • Maintain distance: Stay at least 5 metres away from any sea turtle or hatchling.
  • No touching: Never touch, handle, or interfere with turtles, eggs, or nests.
  • No feeding: Do not feed sea turtles. Feeding can alter their natural behaviour and may cause harm.
  • No interference: Never interfere with natural events, such as helping hatchlings make their way to the water or rescuing hatchlings from predators.
  • Do not harass: Never harass, chase, block, or trap turtles – let them swim and move freely.
  • Stay quiet and still: If a turtle approaches you while swimming, remain calm and quiet, and let it swim away on its own.
  • Pets: Keep ALL pets away from sea turtles.
  • Pollution: Do not leave litter, rubbish, or other debris behind –  always take rubbish with you. 
  • Take only photos: Don’t collect shells, eggs, sand, or other “souvenirs.” Leave habitats and nesting beaches as you found them. 
  • Report concerns: If you see any activity that may be harmful, report it to the local authorities.

Nesting and hatching

Nesting and hatching periods are particularly sensitive times for sea turtles so take extra care if you are on a beach where turtles nest or hatch.

  • Do not walk over, dig up, or disturb nesting beaches or dunes where nests may be buried. Avoid walking near dunes or across suspected nest areas. 
  • Avoid driving vehicles (including 4WD) on nesting beaches. If access is permitted, drive only below the high-tide mark, on firm sand, and with care.
  • Do not light campfires or bring bright lights onto nesting beaches. Light pollution, even distant or dim lights, can disorient nesting females and hatchlings, or potentially impact the unhatched eggs via heat changes.
  • When a turtle is nesting (laying eggs), do not stand in front of her path; stay behind and out of her line of sight. Never get between her and the ocean. 
  • During hatching: Stay well clear (allow a suitable distance between you and the nest), do not shine lights toward hatchlings or the ocean, and do not handle them. Let them emerge and make their way to the sea on their own. Remember to watch your step whilst walking on a nesting beach!
  • Turn off lights: When viewing nesting or hatching turtles, turn off all lights, as they can cause disorienting behavior. Do not flash lights in a turtle’s face.
  • Be quiet: Avoid making any loud noises or sudden movements which can scare or disorient nesting turtles.

In-water, boating, and viewing conduct

  • Give turtles space: Do not swim directly above them, dive onto them or try grab/touch them. Let them swim freely and surface to breathe without interference. 
  • If you are in a boat and a turtle surfaces nearby: slow down, reduce speed, and give the turtle a clear escape route. Do not attempt to circle, trap, or pursue it. 
  • When driving a boat: Always be alert for surfacing turtles, especially in shallow reef flats, seagrass beds, or near nesting areas. Be particularly careful during breeding and nesting season (October-April in Australia) as sea turtles are present in high numbers and are frequently on the surface whilst breeding. A large number of turtles are injured or killed by boat strikes.

Legal and Permit Requirements

Marine turtles are protected under Australian law. Certain actions are illegal unless authorised:

  • All marine turtles in Australian waters are protected under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
  • It is illegal to “take” turtles or their eggs without a permit. “Take” includes removing, gathering, killing, disturbing, or interfering with turtles, nests, or eggs. 
  • Only authorised, trained individuals, often under scientific or conservation permits, may handle turtles, nests, or hatchlings (e.g. rescue, research, or rehabilitation). 
  • If you see a turtle that is injured, sick, or stranded, contact the appropriate wildlife rescue organisation or authorities immediately.
  • Commercial operations: Tour operators must be appropriately trained and licensed by the relevant state or territory government agencies to conduct turtle specific tours on nesting beaches.
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