The Lemon Tree Passage woman recently flew to the Northern Territory for a 12-day Naturewise conservation project to mix with turtles, sharks and crocodiles around Greenhill Island.

"I heard about Naturewise conservation holidays from a relative and the idea appealed to me,"Ms Cox said.

"It is very much a hands-on holiday, literally."

The conservation work involved watching the flatback turtles at night as they laid their eggs, which were then counted.

The team of volunteers also measured the turtles and assisted in tagging them with transmitters. Ms Cox had to wear dark clothing so she didn't spook them and wore a hat with a torch to get around.

"Our ranger guides had rifles at the ready," she said.

"They told us that prior to our arrival, a crocodile and sharks had mauled and devoured one of the turtles.

"It was a great adventure."

During the day the volunteers also helped clean up the beach which was strewn with old fish nets, plastic bottles and other debris.