Bundaberg gets a tourism boost after record turtle numbers

Bundaberg is experiencing it’s most prolific turtle turnout in more than 50 years, with visitors far and wide showing up for the event of the season. MORE

Turtles 2025 season

Bundaberg is celebrating a remarkable year for both turtles and tourism, with the biggest turtle nesting turnout in more than 50 years.

As the region experiences its most prolific nesting season yet, local tourism operators are weighing in on the development of a new 20-year tourism plan to further boost the industry.

An online survey, regional roadshows and industry consultations are gathering valuable feedback to shape the future of Queensland’s tourism sector.

The State Government has recognised the extraordinary conservation efforts at Mon Repos, where more than 500 turtles have been recorded this season — the highest number in 50 years.

A total of 519 turtles, including 505 loggerheads, 12 flatbacks, and two green turtles, have been counted, far surpassing the usual seasonal average of about 350 marine turtles along the Woongarra Coast.

Bundaberg is abuzz after record turtle turnout for 2025, visitors across the state have travelled to experience the once in a lifetime event.

Rangers believe the impressive results of 2025 are largely due to favourable conditions in the foraging grounds, providing ideal nesting habitats.

A spokesman for the state government said the bumper turtle season brought in $21 million annually in visitor spending and attracted up to 30,000 visitors to the region, showcasing the importance of the event to local tourism.

In light of the booming turtle numbers this year, Mon Repos has reminded residents living near nests to dim their lights.

“Hatchlings find their way from their nest on the beach to the sea by moving towards the lightest horizon they see,” the public advisory said.

Mon Repo advises residents to switch off unnecessary lights, close curtains and blinds, use motion sensor lights outdoors, position lights away from beaches, plant vegetation

Creating a light buffer is essential to giving hatchlings the best chance of survival and avoiding major population losses like the one reported at Woodgate last week. WATCH.

As the turtle boom benefits businesses across Wide Bay, the State Government is focused on enhancing Queensland’s tourism potential through the launch of Destination 2045: Queensland’s Tourism Future.

The project envisions the next 20-years of Queensland tourism, in the hope of putting the state in the top destinations once again.

The public is invited to contribute to the development of this plan through an online survey, industry consultations, and the ongoing Destination 2045 Regional Roadshow. Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell welcomed more than 50 industry and community stakeholders to Bundaberg for the seventh stop of the roadshow, where locals shared ideas to shape the tourism industry’s future.

Destination 2045 aims to elevate Queensland’s global appeal, unlock new cultural and lifestyle opportunities, attract investment, create jobs, and improve infrastructure and experiences.

Minister Powell sees the success of the turtle season as a powerful example of Queensland’s natural wonders and eco-tourism potential, further reinforcing the vision outlined in the 20-year plan.

Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell spoke to the media at Mon Repo on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

“We are on the threshold of an unprecedented opportunity, with the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games spotlighting Queensland to the world,” Minister Powell said.

“This is our moment to capitalise, to innovate, and to lay down the tracks for a legacy that will benefit not just today’s Queenslanders but generations to follow.”

Member for Burnett, Stephen Bennett, encouraged both the tourism industry and local communities to work together to shape a shared vision for the future.

“We need to plan ahead to ensure we have the experiences, accommodation and people ready for our visitors – from Australia’s grey nomads to international bucket-list adventurers,” Mr Bennett said.

With consultation closing on 28 February 2025, Mr Bennett urged Queenslanders to contribute their ideas and help chart the path forward.

“Together, we can craft a vision for Queensland that reflects the aspirations and spirit of future generations,” he said.