Record-Breaking Turtle Season at Mon Repos: Be Part of This Historic Moment!

by | Apr 22, 2025 | Events, Families, Nature, Things to do

Visitors to Queensland’s famous Mon Repos Beach have witnessed history in the making, as the 2025 nesting season has shattered records for endangered loggerhead turtles. With over 500 females hauling themselves ashore to nest since November, they’ve laid an astonishing 265,000 eggs—the highest numbers seen since the 1970s. This phenomenal season highlights Mon Repos’ vital role as the largest loggerhead turtle rookery in the southern hemisphere.

Discover Mon Repos Turtle Centre and the Turtle Encounter Tours

Located on the Bundaberg coast, about 400 kilometres north of Brisbane, Mon Repos Conservation Park is home to the Mon Repos Turtle Centre, a hub dedicated to turtle conservation, education, and research. Visitors can explore interactive displays, learn about the turtles’ life cycle, and gain insight into the critical work being done to protect these endangered creatures.

One of the most extraordinary ways to experience Mon Repos is through the Turtle Encounter Tours. These guided tours offer a rare opportunity to witness nesting turtles and hatchlings in their natural habitat, making for an unforgettable wildlife experience.

What’s Behind the Boom?

This extraordinary nesting boom is credited to favourable environmental conditions, including abundant food supplies in the turtles’ feeding grounds. Loggerhead turtles rely on a diet of shellfish, crabs, sea urchins, and jellyfish found in coral reefs, bays, and estuaries. Adequate nutrition allows females to build up the body condition needed for a successful breeding season.

The Hatchling Spectacle Begins

The nesting season may be winding down, but the magic is far from over. January marked the beginning of hatching season, with countless tiny turtles emerging from their nests and making their way to the ocean. The sight of hatchlings scrambling across the sand under the moonlight is nothing short of enchanting. As February and March unfold, the number of hatchlings will only increase, delighting visitors on the guided Mon Repos Turtle Encounter Tours. These tours have been in high demand this season, giving visitors a rare chance to witness this natural wonder up close. Families, wildlife lovers, and conservation enthusiasts have all been captivated by the experience, calling it one of the most memorable encounters with nature.

Protecting the Future of Loggerhead Turtles

Mon Repos isn’t just a breathtaking destination—it’s a critical conservation site for loggerhead turtles. The hatchlings born on this beach will return decades later to continue the cycle of life, guided by the Earth’s magnetic field. Every visit to Mon Repos directly contributes to conservation efforts, helping to ensure these incredible creatures have a future.

At Kellys Beach Resort, we make it easy to be part of this unforgettable journey. Our exclusive 2-Night Mon Repos Turtle Package includes tickets to the Turtle Encounter Tours, so you can witness these incredible creatures and their hatchlings up close. Combine comfort, convenience, and conservation in one extraordinary experience. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for the 2025/26 turtle season dates.

Why Mon Repos Matters

Beyond its natural beauty, Mon Repos plays a crucial role in ensuring the survival of loggerhead turtles. The female hatchlings will one day return to Mon Repos to continue the cycle of life, guided by the Earth’s magnetic field. Every visit to Mon Repos Turtle Centre supports its conservation programs, helping future generations of turtles thrive.