Visiting Mon Repos safely

Boardwalks provide access to the beach. Photo: Robert Ashdown, Queensland Government.

Beach view, Mon Repos Conservation Park. Photo: Robert Ashdown, Queensland Government.

There are wheelchair accessible parking bays close to the Turtle Centre and sealed access paths. Photo: Queensland Government.

Getting there and getting around

• Mon Repos Conservation Park map (PDF, 173.5KB)

Mon Repos is about 4hr 30min drive north from Brisbane; 15min east of Bundaberg; and 10min from Bargara. Train, bus and plane transport is available to Bundaberg.

Car parks are provided at the end of Mon Repos Road (southern park entrance) and at the end of Moores Road (northern park entrance).

Visitors can walk or bike to Mon Repos on the Turtle Trail. This trail provides access from Kellys Beach in Bargara, through the conservation park and on to Burnett Heads Harbour.

Night access during turtle nesting season

To protect nesting and hatching turtles, from 15 October to 30 April access to some areas of the park is not permitted between 6pm and 6am. This affects public access to the beach, the Mon Repos coastal track and the Turtle Trail (within Mon Repos Conservation Park).

Mon Repos turtle watching tours Turtle Encounters operate from the Mon Repos Turtle Centre, 7 nights-a-week during turtle tour season from November to late March (closed 24, 25 and 31 December). Bookings are essential and fees apply.

Arriving by car for Turtle Encounters: Follow the signs to the car park at the end of Mon Repos Road, just south of the park. From here shuttle buses will take you to the Mon Repos Turtle Centre to begin your Turtle Encounter tour experience.

• From Bundaberg: Follow the signs to Bargara along Bargara Road. At Bargara Primary School turn left into Potters Road. At the end of Potters Road, turn right at the T-intersection into Grange Road. Continue straight ahead onto Mon Repos Road and follow the signs to the car park.
• From Bargara: Travel along Bargara Road, following the signs to Bundaberg. At Bargara Primary School turn right into Potters Road. At the end of Potters Road, turn right at the T-intersection into Grange Road. Continue straight ahead onto Mon Repos Road and follow the signs to the car park.

Evening bus services during turtle nesting season

A small number of companies provide bus transport to Mon Repos Turtle Encounters in the evening during turtle nesting season. Contact Bundaberg Visitor Information Centre for details.

Wheelchair accessibility

Wheelchair accessible parking (day or night) is available close to the Mon Repos Turtle Centre.

Mon Repos Turtle Centre and activities within it have wheelchair access. The Turtle Trail is suitable for assisted wheelchair access.

Due to the sandy beach, wheelchair access is not possible for Mon Repos Turtle Encounters tours. When booking Turtle Encounter tours please let the booking agent know if you or anyone in your group needs wheelchair access just to the Turtle Centre and Turtle Tales.

Plan ahead to get the best options for your Mon Repos experience. For further information about access for people with disabilities contact the Mon Repos Turtle Centre.

Staying safe

• Never walk alone; always walk with a group or in sight of another group.
• Carry a mobile phone.
• Wear suitable footwear and clothing for the activities you choose.
• Stay on the walking track and shared trail.
• Swimming is not recommended at Mon Repos Beach as it is not patrolled by Queensland surf lifesavers. Swim at nearby patrolled beaches—visit the Bundaberg Regional Council’s website for information about other patrolled beaches in this region.
• Thieves use Mon Repos Conservation Park too! While visiting the park, please ensure that you lock your vehicle and remove all valuables. Do not leave valuables unattended.

For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.

To enjoy your walk make sure you wear suitable clothing and carry drinking water. Photo: Robert Ashdown, Queensland Government.

The Mon Repos beach includes rock and shell areas. Protect your feet by wearing shoes suitable for walking in a sandy environment. Photo: Queensland Government.

Visit the Mon Repos Turtle Centre gift shop for lots of great turtle themed gifts. Photo: Queensland Government.

Before you visit

Essentials to bring

• footwear suitable for wearing in a sandy beach environment
• sunscreen, a hat and long-sleeved shirt
• adequate drinking water (a water bottle refill station is provided at the Turtle Centre) and snack food
• insect repellent and a first-aid kit

For Turtle Encounters tours:

• Wear footwear suitable for walking along a sandy beach.
• Pack rain jackets as shelter is limited and umbrellas are not allowed on the beach.
• Bring a jumper or a wind cheater as it can be cold.
• Bring your own drinking water (a water bottle refill station is provided at the Turtle Centre), snacks and insect repellent.

Opening hours, permits and fees

• View the opening hours and fee information.

Pets

Domestic animals are not permitted in Mon Repos Conservation Park. Penalties apply to people who bring domestic animals into the park.

Climate and weather

Mon Repos Conservation Park has a mild subtropical climate. In summer, evenings can be humid. Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.

Fuel and supplies

Fuel and supplies are available at Bargara, Burnett Heads and Bundaberg. For more information see tourism information links.