Get on our waitlist NOW, so you aren’t disappointed!

Although the official turtle season starts in November and runs through to late March, you can book tickets from September 1st. And we do encourage pre-booking so that you can claim your Turtle Encounter adventure at Mon Repos. In the past, guests have tried to book in November, and as tickets were sold out, you can imagine their dismay. So we can’t stress enough to set the alarm for September 1 to secure your tickets. Another option is to join our waitlist at Kelly’s.

Simply book your accommodation with us, including your prefered date for the Mon Repos Turtle Encounter Adventure, and we will add you to our list. Once we have your turtle booking confirmed, we will let you know! It can be that easy!

Enjoy this one-minute video that will have you keen as mustard to stay at Kelly’s and book your tickets to see the turtles!

What will you see?

Mon Repos is a brief 10-12 minute drive from Kelly’s Beach Resort to share in a beautiful experience for all generations. Throughout the season, Mumma adult turtles approach the Mon Repos shoreline eager to nest and lay eggs. The cutest baby hatchlings then emerge approximately eight weeks later. With that in mind, if you want to experience both the laying of the eggs and then watch the baby turtles break through the sand and take their first journey into the ocean, we recommend making two bookings, one at the start of the season and another mid-way through the season. Check out our previous blog to see just how cute the baby turtle hatchlings are!

The Turtle Encounter Tour at Mon Repos and things to know

• The arrival of the turtles and numbers cannot be predetermined, so you may have to wait for nature to show up.
• As your tour will be at dusk or into the night, visibility will be via moonlight and torches, with torches limited due to conservation.
• You may be walking up and down the coast, so moderate fitness is required.
• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for walking along the beach. A jumper may be required, and a water bottle.
• Minimal light exposure is allowed to protect the turtles and ensure that they feel safe to nest. But don’t worry, there will be optimal times to use flash photography, and mobile phones are asked to be placed on silent and dimmed.
• Before your encounter, you will be fully briefed with all the guidelines so you can enjoy your experience.

If you’d like more convincing that the Turtle Encounter at Mon Repos is worth it, read our past blog for more information, then contact us for updated tour dates. And remember, when you book your stay at Kelly’s, we can reserve and book your turtle tickets. We can’t wait to see you soon and hear about your extraordinary Turtle Encounter at Mon Repos, here in beautiful Bundaberg.

Images courtesy of Bundaberg Tourism

It’s a bird; it’s a plane; no, it’s a manta ray flying and leaping out of the water. Wouldn’t it be something else to see the mantas take flight over the June/July school holidays? Can you imagine being lucky enough to see 40+ mantas cruising the open ocean? But, I hear you…it’s winter, right, time to hibernate and stay indoors? Well, that’s not the case here in our stunning Bundaberg Greater Region. Lady Elliot Island is ripe with mantas majestically thriving in their gorgeous habitat throughout the winter season, and Kelly’s Beach Resort is your perfect home base to stay while you play.

Is the water warm?
The ocean temperature is a refreshing 23 degrees at Lady Elliot Island and just so happens to be the perfect time to snorkel with the rays. The crystal clear waters are also abundant with other marine life, such as turtles, whales and more!

Here’s a brief video from February 2022 that Lady Elliot posted on their Facebook page titled; Rare sighting! Ornate eagle ray. #eyeonthereef

School Holidays Book now!
The Qld school holidays are from the 25th of June to the 10th of July. And with flights departing from the Bundaberg airport to Lady Elliot Island, you can take a day trip that will have you soaring both in the air and under the water with the manta rays.

So, why do you need to add diving and snorkelling with the mantas to your bucket list?
Why not!
But here are some fun and exciting facts about WHY you need to see the manta firsthand;

1. Mantas are among the largest animals in the ocean, with their wings spanning up to seven metres and weighing up to two tonnes. To put that into perspective, that’s as big as a rhino.
2. They baffle Scientists as to why they can fly. It is suggested that mantas fly as part of a mating ritual, or a form of communication, and the removal of parasites.
3. Manta give birth only every two years. That’s why you need to see them!
4. Their spots on their belly are akin to fingerprints, distinguishing them apart.
5. They are smart, having a decent-sized brain compared to their body. Dolphins are put to shame in that retrospect.
6. They have to keep moving to live.
7. Manta means cloak or blanket in Spanish, and I bet you can tell why…
8. They are harmless to humans having 300 tiny teeth to feed on plankton and small fish. And their tail spine is non-functioning, so you’re safe to bask in their magnificence.

Can kids experience the mantas also?
The manta ray experience is a totally wild encounter. If the child can swim, then they can join in. Lady Elliot Island also offers a glass-bottom boat tour, a snorkel safari, and kayaks that seat 2 with clear bottoms. Kids are all the buzz at Lady Elliot Island, where they have Junior Reef Ranger Club, which is eco-focused.

Where can I stay?
Kelly’s Beach Resort Bargara is the ultimate eco-village for family-friendly accommodation. Check out our facilities where the friendly and knowledgeable tour desk team can arrange any day tours or tourist attractions. Also, check our Stay and Pay deals.