Turnbull was a member of the Australian squad at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, and played in two FIFA World Youth Championships.

After leaving Belgium he signed with Bristol City for three years in England but had to return to Australia due to work visa issues.

On 24 April 2015, Melbourne Victory announced that they had signed Michael Turnbull leading into the A-League finals series.

[5] His stint ended without playing a game after the Victory went on to win the league's Premiership and Championship.

[6] Turnbull was a member of the Australian team at the 2000 Summer Olympics where he was an unused substitute in Australia's three games.