Top Tips for Spotting Turtles in Shepparton & Goulburn Valley

Spotting these native reptiles can be an exciting experience, but they can be elusive critters. Here are some tips for spotting turtles in Victoria Park Lake.

• Know their Habitat
  Freshwater turtles are often found in rivers, creeks, wetlands and lakes. 
  Look for slow-moving water with plenty of vegetation and logs for basking.
• Timing is Everything
  Turtle spotting is a seasonal affair. Their love for warmth means that summer days, especially mornings and late afternoons, are prime turtle time.
• Seasonal Behaviour
  Spring and summer are the most active periods.
  In cooler months, turtles may be less visible as they become dormant or hide in mud.
• Stay Quiet and Observant
  Move slowly and avoid sudden movements. 
  Use binoculars for a closer look without disturbing them. 
• Respect Wildlife
  Never try to pick up or disturb turtles. 
  Keep a safe distance to avoid stress or harm. 

Local Turtle Species in Shepparton & Goulburn Valley

There are 3 species of freshwater turtle found in the Goulburn Valley region:

• Eastern Long-necked Turtle (sometimes called Eastern Snake-necked Turtle)
• Broad Shelled Turtle (the largest of the three)
• Murray Short-necked Turtle (with a streak of colour on side of their face)

The Broad Shelled Turtle or Bayadherra is the river protector species for the Yorta Yorta People.

Broad Shelled Turtle hatchlings are ready to emerge this time of year. If you're lucky you might see a baby turtle with a very long neck in your local lake or river.

Despite seeing them around, our turtle species are in a bit of trouble. The Broad Shelled Turtle is an endangered species in Victoria.

NESTing season

Freshwater turtles lay their eggs in the ground between October and December.

If you see a turtle laying her eggs: Mark, record and take a photo of the location and contact RiverConnect on 03 5832 9700 or riverconnect@shepparton.vic.gov.au to arrange for the nest to be protected from cats and foxes. 

Turtles can travel long distances to lay their eggs and are most active early in the mornings. Turtle nests are often very hard for humans to find, however foxes have a powerful sense of smell to locate and easily dig up the eggs. Protecting a nest immediately after the turtle has left greatly improves the babies’ chances of survival.

After nesting the turtle will be tired and susceptible to predation herself, therefore if she needs assistance you can move her to the closest suitable water body for protection.

COntribute to science 

Use the TurtleSAT website or app to record turtle sightings, their nests or evidence of predation. This helps researchers understand turtle populations and develop new projects to protect them.

_{Photo credits: 1. Photo by Shepparton & Goulburn Valley. 2. Baby Broad Shelled Turtle - Photo by Ruby Keen-Smith. 3. Murray River Turtle Nesting - Photo by Graham Stockfeld, Turtles Australia Inc. 4. Turtle nest protection - Photo by Tatura Turtles. 5. Murray Short-necked Turtle - Photo by Kirstie Fullerton.}