Adult Mary River turtles have an elongated, streamlined carapace that can be plain in colour or intricately patterned.

The Mary River turtle uses bimodal respiration, and so is capable of absorbing oxygen via the cloaca whilst underwater.

[4] A unique feature of the Mary River turtle is the very large tail of males, which can measure almost two-thirds of the carapace length.

Proportionately, the Mary River turtle has the smallest head and largest hind feet of all the species within the catchment, which contributes to its distinction of being the fastest swimmer.

The land around the Mary River has been cleared many times, leading to low quality water and a build up of silt.

[1] The Mary River turtle has the ability to blend into muddy waters and wait for unsuspecting prey to pass.

It inhabits flowing and well-oxygenated sections of the Mary River basin from Gympie to Maryborough, using terrestrial nest sites.

The species is omnivorous, taking plant matter such as algae as well as bivalves and other small animal prey, such as fish, frogs, and sometimes even ducklings.

[7][8] The Mary River Turtle has also secured 30th place on the ZSL's Evolutionary Distinct and Globally Endangered list for reptiles.

This hatchery was built to install nests and it is planned to be used in the future in order to grow the Mary River Turtle population.