Looking for a pet turtle for sale in Sydney? As a dedicated reptile store servicing the Eastern Suburbs and Inner South Sydney, Birdsville stocks a range of captive-bred native freshwater turtles, all sourced legally and backed by a health guarantee. If you’re not sure which species suits you, that’s exactly what this page is for, our two available turtles have quite different personalities, sizes and care needs, so browse both below before deciding.
What to Know Before Choosing a Pet Turtle
All native Australian turtles are a genuine long-term commitment. Most species live 20 years or more, and some, like the Murray River Turtle, can live 50 to 60 years, so it’s worth thinking this through properly before bringing one home. A valid Native Animal Keeper Licence from Service NSW is required to own any native turtle in NSW, and every turtle we sell is captive-bred and legally sourced rather than wild-caught.
Our Turtles for Sale in Sydney
Eastern Long Neck Turtle
Known for its long, snake-like neck and calm, observational temperament, the Eastern Long Neck Turtle (Chelodina longicollis) is a great option for keepers after a lower-maintenance personality and a more manageable adult size. Suits apartment and unit living well.
View Eastern Long Neck Turtle For Sale Sydney | Read the full Care Guide
Murray River Turtle
A larger, more food-driven species with a broader diet as it matures, the Murray River Turtle (Emydura macquarii) suits keepers wanting a more interactive turtle and who can accommodate its larger adult size.
View Murray River Turtle For Sale | Read the full Care Guide
Choosing the Right Turtle for You
Eastern Long Neck Turtles and Murray River Turtles suit quite different keepers. If you want a calmer, lower-maintenance turtle that stays a more manageable size, the Eastern Long Neck Turtle is usually the better fit, especially in an apartment or unit. If you’d prefer a larger, more food-motivated turtle that’s genuinely interactive around feeding time, and you can accommodate its bigger adult enclosure, the Murray River Turtle is worth considering instead. Each species page above breaks down diet, housing and behaviour in detail to help you compare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of pet turtles can I buy in Sydney? Birdsville currently stocks two native freshwater turtle species, the Eastern Long Neck Turtle and the Murray River Turtle, both captive-bred and legally sourced. They differ noticeably in temperament, neck length and adult size, so it’s worth reading both species pages before deciding which suits your home and experience level.
Do I need a licence to own a pet turtle in NSW? Yes, a Native Animal Keeper Licence from Service NSW is required to own any native turtle in NSW, regardless of species. Applications are lodged online through the Service NSW website, and Birdsville must see proof of a valid licence before any turtle sale can proceed.
Which pet turtle is easier to look after, Eastern Long Neck or Murray River? The Eastern Long Neck Turtle generally suits a lower-maintenance, apartment-friendly setup thanks to its calmer temperament and smaller adult size. The Murray River Turtle is more food-driven and interactive but grows considerably larger, needing significantly more space and a bigger long-term commitment.
How long do pet turtles live? Native Australian turtles are a genuine long-term commitment, most species live 20 years or more, and some, like the Murray River Turtle, can live 50 to 60 years. It’s worth planning for a pet that may outlive the household it starts in before bringing one home.
Can I keep a pet turtle in an apartment in Sydney? It depends on the species and available space. The Eastern Long Neck Turtle’s smaller adult size makes it a better fit for apartment or unit living, while the Murray River Turtle’s much larger adult enclosure needs are harder to accommodate in a smaller home.
Whichever species you choose, Birdsville stocks everything needed for a proper turtle setup, tanks, filtration, heating, UVB lighting and more, in-store, along with hands-on advice putting it all together.
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Eastern Long Neck Turtle
Known for its long, snake-like neck and calm, observational temperament — a lower-maintenance choice that suits apartment and unit living well.
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Murray River Turtle
A larger, more food-driven species with a broader diet as it matures — suits keepers wanting a more interactive turtle who can accommodate its bigger adult size.
Visit Us
Visit Us: 684 Botany Road, Alexandria NSW 2015
Phone: (02) 9669 1766
Email: info@birdsville.net.au
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30am-5:30pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm