Turtle Sands Holiday Park, Mon Repos
Turtle Sands Caravan Park in Mon Repos was purchased by NRMA Parks and Resorts in mid 2023. AS Design was commissioned to enter into a ‘fast tracked’ Design and Construction process to provide a World Class facility that is not only an iconic destination but it also provides a cultural experience.
Mon Repos is a globally significant site that supports the largest concentration of nesting marine turtles on the eastern Australian mainland, and the most significant loggerhead turtle nesting population in the South Pacific region. The success of the loggerhead nesting and hatching turtles at Mon Repos is critical for the survival of this endangered species.
The re-development of the existing 5.12ha Turtle Sands Caravan Park began with a short but thorough masterplanning process.
NRMA’s vision was:
“To create a nationally recognised eco-tourism accommodation and experience, featuring a diverse range of new high quality accommodation options and experiences to encourage dispersal within Bundaberg and the Great Southern Barrier Reef region.”
Turtle Sands is the only place on the mainland of Australia where you can stay, play and rest within metres of where marine turtles nest and hatch.
Surrounding Turtle Sands is Mon Repos Conservation Park and the Great Sandy Marine Park, a coastal sanctuary renowned for its ecological significance and natural beauty. The Holiday Park acts like a central hub connecting a secluded beach, modern recreational facilities and the nearby nature reserve via a network of walking tracks.
Like the park location itself, AS Design tried to create a similar approach of a ‘central hub’ or ‘heart’ connecting various experiences and opportunities to stay, enjoy and remember forever.
The re-designed Holiday Park hinged around a central ‘Turtle Shaped’ pool and communal open spaces consisting of open grassed areas complimented by luscious gardens for connection and play.
Encompassing the communal zone was a series of accommodation opportunities to cater for all walks of life consisting of villas, studios, glamping tents, accessible accommodation options and powered caravan and camp sites. All these accommodation types have associated landscape zones / types to complement their location and outlook.
Nestled within and around the site is the retention and rehabilitation of existing vegetation including large existing fig trees, one in particular of cultural heritage significance consisting of a shell midden site.
Newly design cultural experience opportunities to complement the existing shell midden site included a Yarning Circle and a gathering space and fire pit.
All of these features are joined by a successful signage palette and wayfinding techniques such as avenue tree planting with various tree species and differently lit paths signifying specific paths of travel.
Finally at the forefront of the design process was to be as sensitive to the environment as well as the conservation of the sea turtles. Design elements such as introducing sand filled reinforced plastic grid paving for all vehicular and pedestrian traffic, incorporation of specific plant species to enable unimpeded turtle travel paths and turtle friendly lighting to enhance safety and existence.
The entire Construction process took around 5 months and involved many different trades working hand in hand for the best possible outcome for the development.
The Holiday Park was officially open to the public in December 2024.
