The first tracks and eggs onshore at Mon Repos have marked the start of the 2025 turtle nesting season.
It comes off the back of a record breaking season last year that saw more than 500 nesting turtles at Mon Repos, the highest turnout in half a century.
The annual ringing of the bells took place at Bargara on Wednesday to celebrate the start of the season.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett says he hopes it will be another successful season for turtle conservation.
“The bell-ringing event is a fantastic tradition that Bundaberg locals and tourists look forward to each year with great anticipation,” he says.
“This celebratory event is also about recognising the role Mon Repos plays in protecting these incredible creatures.
“Mon Repos offers one of the most unique experiences in Queensland – watching these majestic turtles nest and their hatchlings make their first journey to the sea is truly unforgettable.
“Through Destination 2045 we are positioning Queensland as world leader in ecotourism, and Mon Repos is a shining example of the exceptional experiences our state offers.”
Rangers first discovered tracks and eggs in a nest on the evening of October 11, believed to belong to a long-time nesting Flatback Turtle affectionately known as ‘Old Girl’.
Another Flatback Turtle came ashore the following weekend on October 18, with volunteers thrilled to witness her track up the beach to lay 71 eggs.
Mon Repos Ranger in Charge Cathy Gately says the first turtle was a little bit early but not unusual.
“So for our Flatback Turtles, they usually start the season off for us in mid to late October.
“We’re yet to see our first Loggerhead, which is the main turtles that we get nesting here, but they usually start a little bit later.
“Our Flatback Turtle that nested on Saturday night, she was first here nesting, amazingly, in 1977.
“So she is over 70 years of age and she’s in her 19th breeding season.”
Mon Repos is a massive drawcard for the region, generating around $21 million in visitor spending each year, and drawing up to 30,000 visitors to the region.
