[4] It is mostly a river turtle, generally inhabiting permanent streams [2] but is also found in oxbows, ponds in floodplains, backwaters, and swamps [4] across its distributed region.

The broad-shelled river turtle will tend to inhabit environments that are undisturbed and have moderate vegetation cover for nest construction.

The turtle has shown a preference of aquatic habitats in structured environments, where submerged logs, root systems and dead trees occur.

[4] The turtle has a rich brown to blackish-brown carapace above, typically displaying fine dark flecks or reticulations, and a whitish or cream-colored belly.

[4] The broad-shelled river turtle is mostly active from Austral spring season (October) through to early autumn (April).

The turtle may also bury itself into mud and enter extended periods of aestivation until rain occurs and water levels increase.

Although the female broad-shelled river turtle will travel up to one kilometre away from the bank to lay her eggs, it is more common for them to nest within 100 m of the water's edge.

[9] Incubation is exceptionally long due to inherently slow embryonic development,[7] averaging between 324 and 360 days.

[7] Upon hatching, the young remain in the egg chamber awaiting heavy rain to trigger their release.

Predation of nests by foxes along the Murray River is in excess of 93% which means there is little recruitment of young turtles into an ageing population.

As turtles are long-lived animals and adults are still commonly seen in the wild, this can lead people to falsely believe that the population is still healthy.

Many young turtles also die from dehydration if they fail to reach the water in time, and some are killed whilst trying to cross roads.