The Big Turtle
Height
1.5 metres tall, 4 metres wide
Year Built
2004
Address
Lyons, Darwin, NT 0810
The Lowdown
The Big Turtle in Lyons, a suburb of Darwin, is a delightful sculpture celebrating the marine turtles that nest on the Northern Territory's coastline. Built in 2004, this oversized turtle measures 1.5 metres tall and 4 metres wide, capturing the gentle nature of these ancient marine reptiles. Darwin and its surrounding waters are home to flatback, olive ridley, and green turtles, which nest on the Territory's beaches each year. The Big Turtle serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting these magnificent creatures and their habitats. Located in suburban Darwin, it's an accessible attraction for families and wildlife enthusiasts exploring Australia's Top End.
Did you know?
"The flatback turtle is found only in Australian waters"
History
The Big Turtle was installed in 2004 in the Darwin suburb of Lyons to celebrate the Northern Territory's marine turtle populations. The Top End is an important nesting area for several turtle species, including the flatback turtle which is found only in Australian waters. Marine turtles have been swimming in these waters for over 100 million years, and Aboriginal Australians have long held cultural connections to these creatures. The sculpture raises awareness of turtle conservation in a region where these animals are both culturally significant and increasingly threatened.
More Fun Facts
- •The sculpture measures 1.5 metres tall and 4 metres wide
- •Marine turtles have existed for over 100 million years
- •The flatback turtle is found only in Australian waters
- •Darwin's Bare Sand Island is a major turtle nesting site
- •Female turtles return to the beach where they were born to lay eggs
Visiting Tips
- 💡Visit during the dry season to avoid Darwin's wet season humidity
- 💡The Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin has turtle exhibits
- 💡Bare Sand Island turtle tours operate during nesting season
- 💡Mindil Beach markets are a Darwin must-do (dry season)
Opening Hours
Outdoor sculpture accessible at all times.
More Big Things Nearby
Anmatjere Woman and Child
Anmatjere Woman and Child in Aileron is a giant 7-metre tall sculpture of an Aboriginal woman and child at Aileron, Northern Territory, standing alongside the Big Anmatjere Man.
Big Barramundi
A 6-metre long fibreglass barramundi celebrating Normanton's status as the 'Barramundi Capital of Australia'.
Big Cow
A large cow sculpture located in Highfields, Queensland, celebrating the region's dairy farming heritage.