Mon Repos Beach Bundaberg
Mon Repos Beach
Mon Repos Beach is a gorgeous stretch of coastline situated just 20 minutes from the Bundaberg City Centre. It is most famous for being the largest loggerhead turtle rockery in the South Pacific.
From November to March each year you can witness one of nature’s most fascinating spectacles — the annual pilgrimage of sea turtles. Adult turtles come ashore to lay eggs on Mon Repos beach. About eight weeks later young sea turtles hatch and race to the sea. Bundaberg has fast become known as the turtle town of Queensland and during turtle season a Mon Repos turtle experience is definitely one of our must-see-activities.
Mon Repos main attractions
Beach
This beach is great for sand play, games and is fabulous for kite flying. It is not patrolled and can be quite a rough place to swim especially in windy weather. If you have small children we suggest you try the tidal lagoon or you head to one of the close by Bargara beaches for a more protected swim area.
The beach is closed from 6pm to 6am from October to April during turtle nesting season. Our Wide Bay Kids love to try and spot turtle tracks during the day, we have even been lucky enough to see baby turtles in the water while swimming, so keep your eyes peeled!
Paths and Walking Tracks
Mon Repos has a host of walking tracks. You can walk from Bargara beach to Mon Repos via the Turtle Trail track, perfect for prams, bikes, scooters and only takes about 20 minutes. There are several other walking tracks within and around Mon Repos one even stretches all the way of Burnett Heads the next beach north along our coastline.
The Turtle Centre
The Turtle Centre comes to life at night during Turtle season when guided tours are hosted. These tours include a viewing of the turtle centre, talks by rangers in the amphitheatre and a trip down to the beach to witness mummy turtles laying eggs or baby turtles making a run for the ocean. In the off season the Turtle Centre is open to view the exhibits and there are two nice board walks either side of the centre which lead directly out to the beach.
Please be aware the centre does not display any captive, live turtles.
Daytime opening hours: 9am to 2pm, 7 days a week (closed 25 December and 25 April). Milbi Cafe and gift shop is open 9am to 2pm. Daytime access to the Turtle Centre (includes entrance hall area, Milbi Cafe and gift shop) is free and does not require a booking.
Turtle Tales Immersive Experience
Daytime access to Turtle Tales Immersive Experience within the Turtle Centre (includes interactive displays and theatre) must be booked online and an admission fee applies (closed 25 December and 25 April). All visitors, including children and babies, must have a ticket booked in their name.
Book a Turtle Tales Immersive ExperienceAdults: $13.75Child: $9.55Family: 34.95(Prices as at May 2023)
Daytime Turtle Tracks and Tales Ranger-guided walks leave from the Turtle Centre. Explore the conservation park with a Ranger guide and learn about turtle conservation and research, turtle tracks and nesting sites. This experience is offered during turtle tour season from November to late March (closed 24, 25 and 31 December). Tickets must be booked online and ticket fees apply. Children under 15 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
Book a Turtle Tracks and Tales Ranger-guided walk
If you are booking a primary or secondary school group visit, please email monrepos@des.qld.gov.au to discuss educational experiences available for your group.
Milbi Cafe and Gift Shop
Visitors to the newly renovated Mon Repos Visitor Centre are in for a treat to traditional inspired cuisine as the on-site Milbi Café opens its doors. The Café is opens all year round, not just during turtle season, offering native foods and bush tucker.
Visit the Cafe and Gift Shop 9am-2pm, 7 days. Located within the Mon Repos Turtle Centre. Entry into the centre, cafe & gift store is free.
Accommodation
Right on the beach at Mon Repos is Turtle Sands Accommodation and Camping Park now owned and operated by NRMA Parks. They provide camping and caravan sites with plans to develop the grounds in 2024.
