The Wetlands Conservation Society (WCS) and Walliabup Wildlife Warriors (WWW), together with the City of Melville, Friends of Booragoon & Blue Gum Lake (FoBBL), Wirambi, and SERCUL, are delighted to announce the 2026 Turtle Festival, taking place on Saturday, 8 August at Blue Gum Lake.
This community celebration highlights the unique wildlife of the Beeliar Wetlands and showcases the growing grassroots movement dedicated to protecting the Southwestern Snake‑necked Turtle, one of Western Australia’s most threatened species.
The festival will feature interactive activities, citizen‑science demonstrations, guided talks, children’s nature experiences, and opportunities for the community to learn how they can support turtle conservation throughout the nesting season.
Partner organisations will host stalls and presentations exploring wetland ecology, predator‑monitoring initiatives, and community‑led conservation programs.
“WWW is proud to be supporting grassroots local community efforts to celebrate the amazing achievements at Blue Gum Lake and help local residents and community groups take the next steps in protecting their local turtles from local extinction. This is what it’s all about.”
The event is proudly sponsored by National Science Week, recognising the importance of science‑based conservation and community engagement in protecting local biodiversity.
WCS, WWW, FoBBL, Wirambi, SERCUL and the City of Melville look forward to welcoming residents, families, volunteers and nature enthusiasts to Blue Gum Lake for a day of learning, connection and celebration of our wetlands.
For more information or event updates, visit our Turtle Festival page.
Image credit: Paul Markendale.