November to February - Turtle Nesting: Three of the world’s sea turtle species are commonly seen at Lady Elliot: Green, Hawksbill, and Loggerhead Turtles. The Green turtles are the most common and, as with most turtles, come ashore at night to nest. They will nest anywhere they can find a dune area. The times of new moon and full moon with high tides between 8:00pm and midnight are the most suitable. If walking on the beach at these times, move quietly and slowly and avoid using a flashlight.
February to April - Turtle Hatching: Hatchlings usually emerge onto the surface in a rush, mostly at night. Keep clear of the nest as sand is easily compacted restricting the progress of those still not hatched. From the nest, hatchlings scurry towards the ocean as fast as possible, heading for the lowest point on the horizon. Avoid crossing their path. They can become disoriented by light, so if you are taking a flash camera, do so at the water’s edge facing towards the island.
June to October - Whale Watching: Humpback whales migrate between their feeding grounds of Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef where they mate and breed. Females spend 3 to 5 days resting and feeding their new born calves before commencing their long trek down South. These whales must give birth in warm water because the calves are born without blubber to protect them from the icy waters of Antarctica. Along with the whales come hundreds of Bottlenose Dolphins leaping in all directions or riding on the bow wave of charter vessels. If you take a whale watching charter during this time, you are almost guaranteed to view these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.
October to May - Bird Nesting: There are more than 30 species of birds on Lady Elliot, some are resident birds, living on the Island year-round and other are breeders or migrant. Part of the natural area of the island called the Bird Rookery is inhabited by thousands of Noody Birds, in particular the Black Noody also known as the White Capped Noody. Some are permanent residents and some visit the Island during the breeding season. Parts of the Rookery resemble a primordial forest, a spooky, densely overgrown area of low hanging tree branches, covered with the Noody Birds.