It’s not every day you get to watch baby turtles hatch and make their way to the ocean under a canopy of stars, but that’s exactly what we experienced at Mon Repos, just outside Bundaberg in Queensland when we stayed at Turtle Sands. If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing this natural spectacle, the turtles at Mon Repos are one of Australia’s most remarkable wildlife encounters, and it’s something every family should see at least once.
Here’s what our experience has been of the Turtle Encounter Tour (which we’ve done three times now) and our most recent stay at the newly opened Turtle Sands Holiday Park.
Let’s talk about Turtle Sands first. However, if you just want to find out what to expect on the Turtle Encounter Tour, simply scroll down a bit further.
Staying at Turtle Sands (what to expect)
Located right next door to the Mon Repos Turtle Centre, Turtle Sands Holiday Park is all about location, nature, and simplicity. It’s the kind of place that makes you kick off your shoes, slow down, and remember what a true Queensland beach holiday feels like. Most people stay here for the location because you can’t get much closer to the turtles than this.
The park sits on Mon Repos Beach, just a 20-minute drive from Bundaberg, and within a couple of minutes’ walking distance from the Mon Repos Turtle Centre through a sandy bush track. It’s peaceful, surrounded by bushland and ocean views, and far enough from Bundaberg to feel like an escape. On the other hand, it’s close enough to easily pop into town for groceries or dinner. For anyone planning to see the turtles, it’s the most convenient base imaginable.
Accommodation options
There’s something for everyone here, from campsites to glamping tents and villas for those who prefer a little more comfort. We stayed in a three-bedroom poolside villa and I honestly can’t think of one negative thing about it. The main bathroom is large enough to feature both a shower and a bath, and there is also a small ensuite attached to the main bedroom.
You’ll also find a washing machine and dryer tucked away in a hallway cupboard and a kitchen and lounge area. The verandah is a decent size, overlooking the pool and boasting a BBQ. Basically, you could easily stay here for a week in comfort.
Main bathroom – 3 bedroom villa, Turtle Sands © Jessica Palmer
Main bedroom – 3 bedroom villa, Turtle Sands © Jessica Palmer
Facilities & amenities
Facilities at Turtle Sands are brand spanking new and of a high standard. There’s an impressive camp kitchen, EV charging, E-bikes for hire and a large turtle-shaped accesible pool. There’s plenty of space and the beach is only steps away.
Family-friendliness
Turtle Sands is ideal for families who love the outdoors. Kids can safely roam, ride bikes, and explore the beach. The relaxed atmosphere makes it easy for parents to unwind, and the proximity to the Mon Repos Turtle Centre means no late-night drives or long waits with tired little ones.
If you need a resort-style holiday park with slides and playgrounds to occupy the kids, Turtle Sands probably isn’t for you. But if your kids are happy with a big pool, the beach right next door and plenty of space to run around, it’s a top choice.
Our experience
For us, Turtle Sands ticked every box: nice and new with clean amenities, close to nature, very comfortable, and conveniently close to the Mon Repos Turtle Centre. Waking up to the sound of the ocean, spending the day exploring Bundaberg’s coastline, and walking next door for our turtle encounter at night made it one of those stays that feels effortless and memorable. It’s not resort-style with playgrounds and slides (and the chaos that goes with it), but it’s not trying to be. Turtle Sands offers something far more special: a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest shows.
As a result of having the best seats in the house when it comes to turtle laying and hatching, you’ll need to sign a pledge when you arrive to minimise lights at night. Why? It confuses the turtle hatchlings who seek out the light on the horizon to find their way to the ocean.
Turtle Encounter Tour at Mon Repos (what to expect)
There’s a quiet sort of magic that happens at Mon Repos once the sun sets. The ocean hushes, and families gather by moonlight, waiting for something ancient to begin.
It all starts at the Mon Repos Turtle Centre, where you’re placed in a group and given a number. Your group is assigned a Queensland Parks and Wildlife ranger who, when turtle activity is spotted on the beach, will call your group number and lead you through the dunes onto the darkened beach. The only light comes from the moonlight and the ranger’s red torch – a reminder that this is the turtles’ world and we are only visitors.
We’ve done this experience three times now. The first two times, luck was on our side and we witnessed a mother loggerhead turtle lay over 100 ping-pong-sized eggs in a hole she had dug in the dune, covering them gently with sand afterwards. She then finally turned back toward the water, where we followed her down the beach until the waves swallowed her shape into the dark.
On one of these experiences, we even got to help the rangers move a clutch of eggs further up the dunes after they were laid to give them the best chance possible at surviving.
Turtles laying vs turtle hatchlings
It’s not always the same scene. Early in the season (November to January), you might see turtles nesting like we did. Later (January to March), you could witness tiny hatchlings bursting from the sand and flip-flopping their way down to the ocean. This is what we experienced on our third visit and is my personal favourite time to experience the Mon Repos Turtle Encounter.
Either way, it’s an unforgettable glimpse of a life cycle that’s been repeating for more than a hundred million years.
When it comes to the turtle hatchlings, you will gather around while they dig their way out of the sand. Depending on where they are located, the rangers may assist by taking them part way to the ocean in a bucket. Once they are down off the dunes, the humans will form a tunnel for the turtles to safely pass through and much like their mothers a couple of months earlier, the gentle waves collect them and help them on their way.
The rangers are incredible – knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely passionate. They answered every question (and there were plenty, especially from the kids) and helped us understand how each turtle encounter contributes to important conservation research.
Practical details
The Mon Repos Turtle Encounter runs from November to March, with nesting tours in early summer and hatching tours in the new year. Tours operate nightly and numbers are limited to protect the turtles, so bookings are essential.
Tickets can be booked through the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service website, and we recommend arriving early to explore the Mon Repos Turtle Centre first. It’s full of fascinating, hands-on displays about turtle conservation and migration – a great way for kids to understand what they’re about to see.
You can easily walk from your accommodation at Turtle Sands to the Mon Repos Turtle Centre and back afterwards.
Family takeaway
Watching the turtles at Mon Repos wasn’t just a highlight of our last trip – it was one of those rare travel experiences that feels deeply grounding. The kids talked about it for days, and as parents, it was rewarding to see them connect with nature in such a tangible way.
If you’re planning to visit, bring patience and an open mind. The turtles operate on their own schedule, so some nights are quiet and you might have to wait a while to see some action. Other nights are pure magic right from the get go. Either way, it’s an experience that stays with you long after you’ve left the sand behind.
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