Mary River turtle Elusor macrurus
One of Australia’s largest and most unique turtles that is listed as Critically Endangered to Extinction. The turtle’s population decline is due to extensive egg harvesting and high nest predation rates, mainly by the European red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Other factors include riparian and in-stream habitat loss and modification, reduced water quality and climate change.
Mary River turtles are endemic to the Mary River.
In the urban reach of the river, Mary River turtle nesting is concentrated on a small number of sand banks including at The Sands on the Mary River. The sand bank marked in yellow is a known Mary River turtle nesting bank, however Mary River turtles may nest elsewhere. Protecting this bank from disturbance between 1 October 2026 and 31 January 2027 aims to provide undisturbed suitable habitat for Mary River turtles to nest in.
Please do not enter or disturb this area, or let domestic dogs enter the area.
Please report any disturbance to MRCCC on (07) 5482 4766
Thank you for your cooperation