Sea Turtles on the Central Coast: Ancient Mariners of the Ocean
Sea turtles are some of the most beloved and fascinating creatures in the ocean – and yes, they do visit the waters around the Central Coast! While they’re not as commonly seen as dolphins or pelicans, turtles do cruise along our coastline, and every now and then, one even turns up in a bay, estuary, or on a local beach.
With their gentle nature and ancient history, spotting a sea turtle is a real treat – and a great reminder of just how special our coastline really is.
What kind of turtles live here?
There are seven species of sea turtles in the world, and a few of them are known to visit New South Wales, including:
Green Sea Turtle – the most commonly seen in our area. They’re large, with a smooth shell and a calm nature.
Loggerhead Turtle – known for their big heads and strong jaws.
Hawksbill Turtle – smaller, with a more pointed beak and a beautifully patterned shell.
These turtles live most of their lives out at sea, but they sometimes come closer to shore to feed, rest, or when they’re sick or injured.
Where can you see them?
While sea turtle sightings on the Central Coast are rare, they do happen. Turtles may turn up in:
Brisbane Water – places like Woy Woy and Blackwall have had occasional sightings.
Tuggerah Lake and Ourimbah Creek – when ocean turtles accidentally end up in estuaries.
Terrigal Haven, Norah Head, and Catherine Hill Bay – offshore areas where they may feed.
Beaches – sometimes turtles wash up if they’re sick, injured, or tangled in rubbish.
Most turtles are spotted by boaties, kayakers, divers, or lucky beachgoers. If you do see one, it’s a special moment – enjoy it quietly and don’t get too close.
What do sea turtles eat?
It depends on the species:
Green turtles mostly eat seagrass and algae.
Loggerheads like crabs, shellfish, and jellyfish.
Hawksbills feed on sponges and small reef creatures.
Turtles play an important role in keeping our oceans healthy – for example, green turtles help control seagrass growth, which supports other marine life.
What if you find a turtle on the beach?
If you come across a turtle on land, especially one that looks sick, injured, or tangled, it’s important to:
Don’t try to move it.
Keep pets and people back.
Call a local wildlife rescue group – like Marine Wildlife Rescue Central Coast.
Turtles often end up in trouble from plastic pollution, boat strikes, or getting caught in fishing gear. Quick action can help save them.
How can we help protect turtles?
Keep beaches clean – pick up rubbish and avoid single-use plastics.
Fish responsibly – never leave behind lines, hooks or nets, discarded line will blow into the water and settle into seagrass and can be eaten by turtles.
Support Marine Wildlife Rescue Central Coast – they do amazing work helping stranded or sick turtles.
Sea turtles are gentle, peaceful creatures that have been swimming the oceans for over 100 million years. When one visits the Central Coast, it’s a rare and special gift – and a reminder of how important it is to look after our oceans.