The NRMA and Queensland Government have announced a partnership to transform Turtle Sands Holiday Park at Mon Repos into a year-round ecotourism attraction.
NRMA Parks and Resorts acquired the property in 2022 and has announced a $28 million revamp to this iconic holiday destination.
Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the project was estimated to attract over 90,000 visitors and generate more than $13 million in overnight visitor expenditure a year.
“This is a terrific partnership with NRMA Parks and Resorts who see the value in delivering more quality-based tourism infrastructure, to give visitors that extra level of comfort when they come to immerse themselves in this very unique holiday experience,” Minister Hinchliffe said.
“Tourism operators tell me there’s a strong global desire for more meaningful ecotourism experiences and Turtle Sands Holiday Park ticks all the boxes, while creating over 70 good construction and operational jobs,” he said.
Mon Repos is home to the largest colony of nesting marine turtles on the eastern Australian mainland, including the most significant nesting population of the endangered loggerhead turtle in the South Pacific region.
The overarching vision is to create a tourism experience that is both a great year-round holiday destination and a unique nature and cultural experience. NRMA is already working closely with Gidarjil Development Corporation to plan a program of cultural experiences and considered nature encounters.
NRMA Parks and Resorts CEO Paul Davies said the preservation of this unique natural location, a critical nesting ground for one of Australia’s most important marine animals, was key to its operation. “The new Turtle Sands will offer an immersive accommodation tourism experience celebrating and supporting the conservation of marine turtles in their natural environment,” Mr Davies said.
“The NRMA recognises the responsibility in working adjacent to the environmentally sensitive Mon Repos Conservation Park and a comprehensive set of Federal, State and Local Government environmental and design approvals guidelines are in place for the development.
“The design and operation of the Turtle Sands Holiday Park will adopt best practice environmental standards to protect this unique location, especially during the nesting season for turtles, including night-time light controls and restricted beach access.”
Included in the plan is an interactive education program and guest activities that encourage participation in hands-on conservation initiatives. Essential to the plan for the destination to have year-round appeal for guests is the consistent protection of the dunes and rookeries where the turtles nest.
About NRMA Parks and Resorts: Renowned as one of the most trusted brands in Australia, NRMA Parks and Resorts 55 holiday parks and resorts are located in some of the country’s most incredible natural destinations spanning Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania and each offering unforgettable experiences for guests. NRMA Parks and Resorts is a wholly owned subsidiary of the NRMA, Australia’s largest member-owned organisation, delivering motoring, mobility and tourism services.
For more information and bookings call 1800 766 133 or visit www.nrmaparksandresorts.com.au.
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