[1][6] The specific name, albagula, is derived from the Latin adjective alba meaning white and the noun gula for throat, both of which are feminine.

Hence, the name means "white-throated" and refers to the white or cream throat commonly seen in adult females of this species.

[1] The plastron is heavily stained in adults, appearing black over the true base color of yellow to cream.

[1] The head is typically dark brown to grey above and, in females, is usually blotched with cream to white in the throat region.

[8][9] It also affects the remodeling of sand banks during flood events, eventually leading to unusable nesting sites.

A head start program is being supported by the Queensland government where eggs are incubated at a hatchery with the young then released and monitored.