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Loading ...ECO TOURISM - TURTLE WATCHING IN AUSTRALIA
Posted by Roy
For a fantastic Eco Tourism opportunity why not go Turtle watching in Australia.
You can watch these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. Turtles have been around for more than 150 million years, surviving long after the disappearance of dinosaurs.
Six of the seven better-known species inhabit the waters off the east coast of Australia – mainly around the Great Barrier Reef which in itself is a World heritage site.
During the months of November to March, turtles return to nest on the same beaches each year, build their nests and lay up to 300 eggs a week. Sadly, about 15-20% of the young turtles, although reaching the sea, will not survive to adulthood. The eggs hatch about 6 weeks after being laid and the tiny, baby turtles scramble down the beach to reach the ocean. These flatback, green, loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles will return again the following year and the cycle repeats itself. Most of the action takes place at night and you will be able to watch the females laying eggs and later in the season the young hatchlings emerging for the stampede to the water. There are strict rules of behaviour which must be observed so that the nesting and hatching are not disturbed. Nobody seems to mind being quiet as they are all too awestruck to speak anyway when they watch the little hatchlings pelting down to the water.
An additional bonus is the sight of Humpback whales, as these mighty denizens of the deep pass the Reef on their way to Hervey Bay
The Bundaberg Coral Coast, in North Queensland, is considered the best area to witness the unique activities of the turtles. The Mon Repos Beach outside of Bundaberg is probably the largest turtle rookery in the South Pacific. Turtles may also be seen resting on the beaches of the islands of Lady Elliot and Lady Musgrave, which are located in the Great Barrier Reef itself.
Bundaberg is considered the gateway to the Barrier Reef and is a city of 50,000 people on the Coral Coast. It has wonderful unspoilt beaches at Elliot Heads, Innes Park, Bargara and Burnett Heads and the area boasts 15 National Parks with an abundance of wildlife.
This must be a unique Eco Tourism and Adventure Holiday which few people will have witnessed. Well worth the trip “Down Under” for a great holiday and for some Turtle watching too.
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