From luxurious beachfront stays and captivating encounters to unique local attractions and tasty treats, we've rounded up a dozen delightful experiences that highlight why Bundaberg is the town the turtles call home, and how you can get your turtle fix!
The new kid on the block when it comes to accommodation in Bundaberg, and it doesn’t get much cooler than this! Let us introduce you to Turtle Sands, Australia’s newest nature resort, nestled behind the banks of the world-renowned Mon Repos. Spend your days exploring the Southern Great Barrier Reef, and your evenings cooling off with a dip in the turtle shaped swimming pool and drift off into sweet dreams in your beachfront glamping tent.
Of course, as the town the turtles call home we’d be mistaken to not mention the reason why. Mon Repos is a globally-significant site, with the largest concentration of loggerhead turtles in the South Pacific nesting along that sandy shore. Tours are hosted nightly throughout Turtle Season, under the expert guidance of Queensland Park and Wildlife Service Rangers (absolute rockstars in our eyes!). Experience the magic for yourself – book here.
Nestled on Archie’s Beach, sits one of the quirkiest, most spectacular loo blocks you may ever lay eyes on. Connecting the passionate people who call the region home, the diverse eco-system, and rich Indigenous culture, the blocks’ colourful walls are filled with mosaics created by the Bundaberg community and beyond.
MilBi Magic is all about connection to people, to environment and to culture. The Welcome Wall sharing powerful stories of our connection to Country, weaving turtles and sunrises between songlines of First Nations people, and the Fish Tales Wall shares a splash of the Southern Great Barrier Reef, dotted with over 220 individual mosaic marine creatures.
Slip into the crystal-clear waters of the Southern Great Barrier Reef, and just a few strokes from the shore, you’ll find yourself surrounded by vibrant coral gardens and the graceful presence of green and loggerhead turtles. Whether you’re an experienced snorkeler or a first-timer, swimming alongside these gentle creatures is a surreal experience that brings you up close to their serene world. Watch as they glide effortlessly through the water, munching on seagrass or simply drifting in the current. The encounter is as humbling as it is exhilarating, offering a profound connection to the marine life that makes Lady Elliot Island so special.
Lacing from Bargara to Burnett Heads this picturesque path is sure to get your feel-good vibes pumping. Aptly named as it guides you through Mon Repos Conservation Park, soak up the sea breeze as you cruise along the coastline, with the ocean glistening on one side, and shaded bushland on the other.
Just a little something for the sweet tooths. Let us introduce you to our very own Wonkaland, nestled in the middle of Bourbong Street – Cha Cha Chocolate. A magical emporium chock-a-block with novelty sweets, local products, gourmet gift hampers and handmade fudge and chocolates. So what has this got to do with turtles I hear you ask? Well, you can’t go past their Caramel Turtles, a decadent treat of smooth milk chocolate and creamy caramel goodness!
For those who’d like to stay dry whilst still getting up close and personal with the reef’s most beloved residents, a glass bottom boat tour with Lady Musgrave Experience ticks all the boxes. A journey over the intricate coral gardens of Lady Musgrave Lagoon, offering a crystal-clear view of the underwater world below. As you peer through the glass, you’ll spot turtles gracefully swimming among the coral, their ancient shells gliding over the reef like a living relic of the deep. This tour is perfect for all ages, allowing everyone to experience the wonder of the Great Barrier Reef and its turtle inhabitants without getting wet. Discover the island after sunset, and see the awe-inspiring miracles of Turtle Nesting & Hatching Tours, exclusive to overnight guests onboard Lady Musgrave HQ, between October - March.
10 days turtle-y packed with captivating events, illuminating experiences and native feasts, all to welcome our glorious mumma turtles home to nest, as Turtle Season begins on the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Check out the program here.
Not only is Kellys Beach Resort the perfect place to stay for a sustainable family getaway, but their helping you do your bit for to protect the turtles too! Kellys Beach Resort have partnered with the local volunteer organisation, Sea Turtle Alliance, to install Containers for Change bins, providing guests with an easy way to support sea turtle conservation. Instead of sending unwanted containers to landfill, guests can deposit them in specially marked bins, with 100% of the proceeds directly funding habitat protection through improved vegetation management for the sea turtles. How rad?!
Wander across the boardwalks lacing through native rainforests, and play I-spy as freshwater turtles (Broad Shelled and Krefft’s to be specific) pop their heads above the waterline. Take inspo from the Eastern Water Dragon and bask in the under the suns rays or look up to the tallest Heliconia in the world! Over 27 hectares of magnificent lakes, tranquil gardens and diverse wildlife. Oh and the best part? It’s all free!
Beachside play dates don’t get much better than this! Grab a coffee and croissant from one of the local eateries (our pick? The Beach Mill at Nielsons), and let the little ones run wild at this giant testudines shaped adventure space.
- Mon Repos Turtle Centre & Milbi Cafe
Even when Turtle Season has come and gone, the Mon Repos Turtle Centre remains a hub of education and conservation. Open year-round, the centre offers interactive displays and exhibits that bring the turtle’s journey to life. Learn about the lifecycle of these incredible creatures, from hatchling to adulthood, and the critical conservation efforts that are helping to protect them. Plus, Milbi Café is the perfect spot to grab a coffee, take in the serene surroundings, and plan your next turtle adventure! (Our pick? The Lemon Myrtle Iced Tea)