The species is endemic to Australia, originating from the lower region of the Burdekin River area in northern Queensland, and was named after conservationist and television personality Steve Irwin.

[6] The pale colour present in the female of this species is due to a lack of multiple pigments which affect essentially all parts of the body.

[citation needed] The cloaca is a cavity at the end of the digestive tract containing a chamber with gill-like structures which allow for the diffusion of oxygen.

If the water has low oxygen levels or is filled with contaminants, the turtle has a lower chance of survival.

It had not been observed in the Lower Burdekin River in the 20 years preceding May 2022, until its presence was officially confirmed by researchers from James Cook University led by Cecilia Villacorta Rath.