Beautiful weather, stunning beaches, abundant wildlife, lush wilderness, and nesting turtles - you can't miss turtle season this year! The natural beauty of Central Queensland and Bundaberg coast and islands offer perfect conditions for sea turtle nesting.
During the warmer months of November through March turtles nest on local beaches after sunset. Six to eight weeks later the flatback, green, loggerhead, and leatherback sea turtles hatch and scramble for the ocean, beginning the turtle life cycle.
There are a number of special sites to keep in mind when planning your holiday to include the turtles. Just outside Bundaberg, the mainland beach of Mon Repos is the largest loggerhead sea turtle rookery in the South Pacific. Holiday makers at neighbouring beaches also enjoy turtles nesting. The soon to open Bundaberg Turtle Centre will provide family friendly information to round out your first hand turtle experiences.
The Southern Great Barrier Reef's Lady Elliot and Lady Musgrave Islands are located off the coast of Bundaberg. On summer nights sea turtles nest on beaches backdropped by Lady Musgrave's National Park wilderness, and Lady Elliot's relaxed reef resort atmosphere.
Heron Island is a coral cay 70km off the coast of Gladstone, and is a favourite of Green Turtles. Here they nest in an environment of hyper-colour reef fish, tropical birds, white sand beaches, and crystal aqua waters.
This summer don't miss these unique natural environments and the amazing turtle nesting experience.
View the Turtle Watching Fact Sheet here >
For further information on Turtle Season, please click on the following links:
Bundaberg Region:
http://www.bundabergregion.info/turtles
Gladstone Region:
http://www.gladstoneholidays.info/things_to_see/great-barrier-reef
