Marine life

Loggerhead Turtle Diving in Australia

Caretta caretta

Heavier-headed and less common than the green turtle, with a nationally significant nesting population near Bundaberg.

A green sea turtle encounter, represented by an AI-generated editorial image.

Loggerheads are chunkier than green turtles, with a noticeably larger head and powerful jaws built for crushing molluscs, crustaceans and urchins.

The beaches around Bundaberg and the southern Great Barrier Reef support one of the most significant loggerhead nesting populations in the South Pacific, and the species is a regular sighting at Julian Rocks and Lady Elliot.

They are generally less tolerant of close approach than green turtles, so encounters tend to be shorter.

Scientific name	Caretta caretta
Typical size	Shell commonly 80–110 cm
Conservation status	Endangered
Peak months	November, December
Documented sites	4
States	New South Wales, Queensland

Best Months to See Loggerhead Turtle in Australia

possible good peak

Present year-round. The Bundaberg-area nesting season runs roughly November to March.

Where to Dive with Loggerhead Turtle in Australia

Documented sites for Loggerhead Turtle. Hover a marker for the site name.

Loggerhead Turtle Identification

two pairs of scales between the eyes
large, broad head with heavy jaws
reddish-brown, often thickly encrusted with barnacles
shell tapers noticeably toward the rear

Loggerhead Turtle Behaviour

Feeds on molluscs, crustaceans and urchins.
Migrates long distances between feeding and nesting grounds.
Less tolerant of close approach than green turtles.

In-water etiquette

Loggerhead Turtle is endangered. How divers behave around it genuinely matters.

Never block the route to the surface.
Do not touch or pursue.
Respect nesting beach restrictions in season.

Dive Sites for Loggerhead Turtle Encounters

Sites where this species is documented as a reliable encounter.

Julian Rocks (Nguthungulli)Where tropical and temperate waters meet — more than 20 shark and ray species recorded.Lady Elliot IslandA coral cay at the reef's southern tip, with some of Australia's most reliable manta encounters.Heron IslandA research-station coral cay with the Heron Bommie a few minutes from the jetty.Cook IslandAn aquatic reserve off Tweed Heads with a resident turtle population and seasonal grey nurse sharks.

Ranked guide: the best places to dive with loggerhead turtle in Australia →

Where to Dive with Loggerhead Turtle: Operators

Businesses documented as diving the sites above. Confirm seasonality and requirements directly.

Sundive Byron BayByron BayPADIByron Bay's PADI 5 Star dive centre, running three daily departures to Nguthungulli Julian Rocks with training from Try Scuba to Divemaster.BoatCoursesAdvancedProNitroxPoolSource-backed profile Byron Bay Dive CentreByron BayPADISSIByron Bay's original dive centre, running daily Julian Rocks dive and snorkel trips from The Pass with PADI and SSI training and an onsite pool.BoatCoursesAdvancedPoolHireSource-backed profile

Blue Bay DiversBrunswick HeadsA Brunswick Heads charter running the 8.5-metre catamaran Bay Warrior to Julian Rocks and less-visited Byron sites such as Windarra Banks and the Cape Pinnacle.BoatSource-backed profile Lady Elliot Island Eco ResortPADIAn eco-resort on a no-take coral cay reached only by air, with beach and boat diving and a resident manta ray population of about 40.BoatCoursesAdvancedNitroxHireStaySource-backed profile

Heron Island ResortPADIA resort on a no-day-tripper coral cay off Gladstone whose PADI Marine Centre runs three boat dives a day plus night dives to around 20 nearby sites.BoatCoursesAdvancedHireStaySource-backed profile Gold Coast Dive AdventuresRunaway BayPADIA Gold Coast operation focused on guided local diving and charter access to offshore sites.BoatCoursesHireSource-backed profile Gold Coast Dive CentreA Gold Coast training and service business serving local divers and visitors.CoursesAdvancedHireDirectory listing

Marine Life Seen with Loggerhead Turtle

Green TurtleThe most commonly encountered turtle on Australian reefs, and a reliable sight at Cook Island and the southern Great Barrier Reef.Grey Nurse SharkAustralia's most recognisable dive shark — ragged teeth, entirely harmless, and critically endangered on the east coast.Humpback WhaleHeard far more often than seen — the soundtrack to winter diving on both Australian coasts.Leopard Shark (Zebra Shark)A docile, spotted bottom-resting shark that arrives on the east coast with summer's warm water.Manta RayReef mantas at cleaning stations — Lady Elliot and Ningaloo are the most reliable encounters in Australia.Spotted Eagle RayA spotted, long-tailed ray that flies rather than flaps — often seen in small squadrons over sand.

Last researched: September 2026. Dive businesses change frequently — confirm current services, prices and requirements directly with the operator before booking.