How Nature Drives Bundaberg’s Visitor Economy
When the turtles arrive at Mon Repos, the benefits travel well beyond the beach. Around 30,000 visitors are forecast to attend the coming Mon Repos turtle season, which runs from 7 November 2026 to 21 March 2027. Guided night tours allow visitors to observe marine turtles nesting and, later in the season, hatchlings making their way towards the ocean. Mon Repos is recognised as one of the most important loggerhead turtle nesting sites in the South Pacific. The Queensland Government expects the season to contribute more than $13.6 million to the Bundaberg economy. More than 90 per cent of visitors currently come from within Queensland, while visitation from New South Wales has increased by almost 38 per cent compared with the previous year. Ministerial Media Statements A visit to see the turtles at Mon Repos can become a longer stay in the Bundaberg region, with visitors booking accommodation, dining at local cafés and restaurants, and exploring nearby attractions before or after their tour. For local businesses, the opportunity extends well beyond the beach, giving visitors more reasons to stay, explore and spend. Bundaberg Tourism chief executive Duncan Little said: “Few places offer visitors the opportunity to witness one of nature’s most remarkable events while also contributing to conservation outcomes.” For local hospitality businesses, the season provides a defined period around which to prepare. That may mean reviewing opening hours, confirming staffing, making bookings easier and ensuring employees can recommend other regional experiences.There is also an opportunity to connect menus and customer service with the destination. Local produce, thoughtful visitor information and collaboration between operators can help turn a single evening tour into a longer regional stay. The principle applies well beyond Bundaberg. A powerful attraction brings people into a region, but the wider visitor economy grows when surrounding businesses give them reasons to stay, spend and explore.
