#1
Geoff Latta
2009-02-10
This is a unique opportuntiy to see nature in action. It was fun to see the babies emerge and crawl to the ocean.
View turtles hatching at Mon Repos Turtle Rookery
It’s well after 7pm and the children are clinging to their pillows. They don’t know how long they have to wait, but that’s half the adventure. Turtles don’t wear watches.
Each year from November to late March, Mon Repos beach comes alive after dark with an annual pilgrimage of sea turtles. Under the moonlight guided groups of spectators are led to the shoreline to witness this fascinating event.
It’s like being in a David Attenborough documentary, watching these prehistoric creatures haul themselves ashore and start the long and tedious process of digging a nest, then ultimately laying a clutch of eggs. Arrive later in the season and you may also see tiny hatchlings emerge from the sand and scurry back to the sea.
Public beach access is restricted from 6pm and 6am from November to March to protect nesting turtles and hatchlings. Ranger-guided turtle viewing tours operate from the information centre from 7pm nightly. Bookings are essential as numbers are limited.
Getting there:
Mon Repos Beach and information centre is about 4.5 hours drive north from Brisbane and 15 mins (14km) east of Bundaberg. Bundaberg can be easily accessed by Tilt Train.
By train:
Catch the The Sunlander, Tilt Train or Spirit of the Outback to Bundaberg. Mon Repos is located 20 minutes drive from Bundaberg. To book your rail adventure call Traveltrain Holidays on 1800 627 655.
Further information:
Mon Repos information centre is open 24 hours. Turtle viewing tours run in season from 7pm, 7days a week, entry through information centre.
For bookings contact Bundaberg City Visitor Information Centre (07) 4153 8888
QPWS Mon Repos Ph 07 4159 1652
Environmental Protection Agency
Voters Comments
Geoff Latta
#2
Shane McNamara
2009-02-03
I remember going to Mon Repos when I was a kid. Hopefully the turtles will still be there for our grandchildren.
#3
Ian Bates
2009-02-02
Missed going this season but the stories our two oldest grandsons tell about their visits mean we are planning to take our third youngest next year. It truly is a wonderful experience, no matter how many times you go. If you have kids, grand kids or just love to be alive, go and see the turtles.
#4
Sharyn McNab
2009-02-02
Our Mon Repo experience was fantastic! To be able to get so close and touch these amazing wild animals, under the watchful eyes of the rangers leading us was an unforgetable experience. Our 4 children were so excited and thrilled with it they wanted to do it again and again.
#5
Ellen Murray
2009-02-02
superb. if you're lucky you get the opportunity to not only watch the turtles laying eggs, but also see them hatching....or even help relocate eggs that are laid too close to the water line. everyone should go and see these amazing creatures
#6
Mick Ryan
2009-02-02
A truly amazing experience that you will talk about for days after.
#7
debbie herring
2009-02-02
A true back to nature experience, you can't describe the feeling unless you go there yoourself.
#8
Helen Gray
2009-02-02
This has to be the most wonderful experience of a lifetime. We saw a mother laying her eggs, and baby turtle hatching- you are watching a section of sand and all of a sudden it starts to stir and a little flipper appears then a baby turtle head and then the sand stirs some more and there are all these baby turtle appearing and then heading for the sea- we watched them all the way to the waters edge. A definite must do.
#9
Helen Davis
2009-02-02
My kids were so AWESTRUCK by the whole experience it left them totally speechless for the whole night....I've never seen them so captived before...definately a MUST-DO
#10
Peter Murphy
2009-02-03
This is on my list of must do's with the whole family, looking forward to being there one day.