Turtle Sands review: camping with hatchlings at Mon Repos

If you’re looking for a caravan park where the neighbours shuffle rather than rev their engines, NRMA Turtle Sands at Mon Repos is the spot. I recently rolled in with my husband, kids, and high expectations – and left with sand in my crocs, a newfound respect for tiny reptiles, and a cracking holiday memory.

Location: Beachfront bliss meets turtle territory

Perched right on the beachfront, Turtle Sands isn’t just a name – it’s exactly what you get. The park backs onto Mon Repos Conservation Park near Bundaberg in Queensland, which just so happens to be Australia’s prime turtle nesting site. Step out of your van, take a short walk to the Mon Repos Turtle Centre, and you’re right where the magic happens – mother turtles laying or baby turtles hatching and making a dash for the ocean under the moonlight. You don’t get that at your average caravan park!

Facilities: The essentials, plus a lot extra

This is a new park, and it shows in the best ways. The amenities block is fresh and modern, and while it might not be a deal breaker, let’s be honest. A brand-spankin’ new shower and toilet block feels like luxury when you’re travelling in an RV and it does make a difference to your enjoyment level. As does the fact that all the sites are powered and level.

There’s a large, modern camp kitchen with a verandah that makes cooking easy, even if you’re just burning snags, and it also serves as a nice rec-room to escape the weather, watch some footy, or have a chat with other campers.

We also checked out the cabins and glamping tents, which, as expected, were ridiculously lovely. Some of the cabins have up to three bedrooms and two bathrooms, so if you have family and friends that are yet to embrace the RV lifestyle, you can point them in that direction.

The Mon Repos Turtle Encounter: Nature at its best

The main event here isn’t just Turtle Sands Nature Resort – it’s the Mon Repos Turtle Encounter, which runs from November to March. I’m not ashamed to say this is the third time I’ve done this tour!

If you visit from October to December, you will most likely see turtles laying. December to January is when the turtle hatchlings emerge. However, if you want to near guarantee seeing hatchlings, it’s best to book as late in the season as possible. Which is better? They’re both really amazing and humbling experiences. If you’re RVing with kids, be prepared for ALL the questions about turtles, life, and the universe.

On our most recent experience, we saw not one, not two, but three clutches of hatchlings dig their way out of the sand and make their way down to the ocean where they began their new life.

Pro tip: The tours can book out fast, so reserve your spot in advance unless you want to explain to a disappointed kid (or partner) why they won’t be seeing baby turtles that night.

Why stay at NRMA Turtle Sands?

✔ Beachfront camping – fall asleep to the sound of waves.
✔ Easy access to the turtle rookery – no long drives back to camp after the night tours. It’s an easy five-minute walk.
✔ Spacious sites & great facilities – because a dodgy shower can ruin a good holiday.
✔ Perfect for families & nature lovers – wildlife meets comfort.

Anything to keep in mind?

• It’s a conservation area, so no dogs are allowed. If you travel with a four-legged mate, you’ll need to find alternative accommodation.
• It’s a new park, so while the facilities are top-notch, not all the caravan park sites are in the shade yet. Pack your own cover if you’re setting up for a long stay.
• Book early: Whether it’s a campsite or a turtle tour, demand is high in peak season.
• The pledge: You’ll need to promise to switch off unnecessary lights after 7:30 pm. This is because nesting turtles and hatchlings follow the glow on the horizon to find their way back to the ocean, or find the ocean for the first time. Any light pollution confuses them, and they can go the wrong way!

Final thoughts

NRMA Turtle Sands is a gem for anyone travelling by caravan or motorhome who wants to mix beachside camping with a truly special wildlife experience. Whether you’re there for a few days or a longer stay, waking up to the sound of the ocean and spending your evenings watching baby turtles find their way is the kind of holiday you won’t forget.

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