Mon Repos Conservation Park

Mon Repos Conservation Park is a national park located in Queensland, Australia.

It is home to a significant turtle rookery and the largest count of nesting marine turtles on the eastern Australian mainland. The park plays a crucial role in the conservation of the endangered loggerhead turtle population in the South Pacific Ocean.

During the turtle nesting season from November to March, adult turtles visit Mon Repos beach to lay their eggs. Guided tours conducted by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers allow visitors to observe this incredible sight in a safe and controlled manner. The best time to witness nesting is after dark, while hatchlings typically leave their nests at night between mid-January and late March.

To minimize the impact of humans on nesting sea turtles, beach access is closely managed during the breeding season. These measures are essential for maintaining the delicate balance between humans and the fragile ecosystem that supports these creatures.

Mon Repos has a rich history, with the name meaning "My Rest" in French. The area was once owned by the French government, who laid the first telegraph cable under the sea from Australia to New Caledonia. Interestingly, a turtle conservation movie used at the park was filmed in Ballina, New South Wales, around seven hours drive from Bundaberg.

As a popular tourist attraction, Mon Repos Conservation Park welcomes around 25,000 visitors each season. It is easily accessible by car, with parking available on-site. The park offers well-maintained trails for hiking and viewing platforms for observing the turtles nesting. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes, bring water and insect repellent, and follow the prescribed guidelines to minimize their impact on the protected wildlife.