A widespread issue for threatened species that rely on coastal environments is the loss or alteration of habitats, either from anthropogenic or natural events. Marine turtles are likely to be particularly vulnerable because they rely on both marine and terrestrial habitats. To examine the influence of short and long-term changes to habitats we explore a large satellite-tracking dataset and existing literature for green and loggerhead turtles in Queensland. We use the data to examine patterns of short and long-term site fidelity to foraging habitats, use of altered habitats and influence of short-term perturbations on their behaviour and habitat use. Collectively, our results plus those from previous literature indicate long-term (decades) of fidelity to habitat, spatial tolerance of short-term perturbations such as military activity, cyclones, water quality, and tolerance of long-term, more pervasive habitat alterations. Our results have implications for habitat-based management such as establishment of limited use areas, and future monitoring to examine the potential impact of future developments.