Every year the Southern Great Barrier Reef welcomes mother turtles upon the shores of Lady Elliot Island, Lady Musgrave Island and Mon Repos Beach as they return to the place they were born to lay their eggs, drawn by a magnetic connection to the tectonic plates of the beach established upon hatching. An experience for all ages and a true miracle of nature, with only 1 in 1000 baby turtles reaching maturity to return to lay, watching these magnificent turtles in their natural habitat is a bucket list experience you don't want to miss. So, whether you're swimming with turtles among the coral-filled waters of the Southern Great Barrier Reef or witnessing a miracle on a ranger-guided Mon Repos Nightly Turtle Encounter, come experience the magic of the turtle lifecycle this Bundaberg Turtle Season.
When To Come
Bundaberg Turtle Season kicks off in November and ends in March (as it depends entirely on the turtles, it may not be for the entire of November or March). From November to January and even into February, the mother turtles make their way to the shore to dig their nests and lay their eggs. Generally, between late December or early January and into March the hatchlings will begin to emerge, scurrying down towards the water and start their journey.
There are so many great accommodation options in the Bundaberg Region to suit everyone's needs. From camping to apartments on the beach to cosy bed and breakfasts, you can explore our accommodation here. Turtle packages are available with some accommodation providers making it easier for you to book or plan your own itinerary through our website.
Make the most of your trip with a jam-packed itinerary that will leave you feeling fulfilled and the kids ready to sleep through the night! Here are our top picks:
1. Swim with the turtles:
Enjoy a trip out to Lady Musgrave Island or Lady Elliot Island and swim with the turtles directly off the beaches of these coral cays. The Southern Great Barrier Reef is an inspiring and magical place guaranteed to never leave you. Choose to extend your stay and sleep on the reef at Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort to experience nesting and hatching turtles just metres from your room at night. With experienced reef guides and turtle briefings, you can witness this natural occurrence.
2. Get in the summer groove with Bundaberg's famous drinks:
The award winning Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience including the sensational museum and behind the scenes tour will have you in awe of the sheer passion, resilience and brilliance of the history of Bundaberg and its liquid gold.
You can't come to Bundaberg without a trying everyone's favourite sweet sensation, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks. Take a tour and learn how your favourite flavour is made before enjoying a tasting that will have you bouncing off the walls.
Head to Kalki Moon Distilling and Brewing Company or Ohana Cider House & Tropical Winery, and meet award-winning artisan distillers and cider makers on a unique tasting experience.
For your very own distillery discovery tour, be sure to follow the trail here and uncover our regions drinks one cellar door at a time.
Bundaberg produces a whopping 25% of Australia's fresh produce and our roadside stalls, fruiterers, butchers, riverside seafood outlets and produce stores are the best dinner inspiration you will find!
Or if you travel to get away from the cooking, try the local produce at our local cafes and eateries, where the ingredients are delivered to the door by the farmers themselves and passionate chefs plate up meals you will remember for a long time.
4. Fly Back in Time
Discover the history of solo aviation pioneer Bert Hinkler at the delightfully interactive Hinkler Hall of Aviation, take a ride on a beautifully converted sugar train, and explore the sugar history at Fairymead House before enjoying lunch in the picturesque Botanical Gardens.
5. Or do nothing at all
Find a deserted beach and set up camp for the day – snooze off your late night at Mon Repos, catch up on reading and reconnect with yourself and your family away from the crowds in Bundaberg North Burnett.
FAQs
Have questions about your turtle experience? Click here to find the answers!