Things to do
Looking northward to Waddy Point from Champagne Pools on Fraser Island.
Photo credit: Queensland Government
Camping and accommodation
Camping
Camping is available in these nearby Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service's parks:
- K'Gari (Fraser Island), Great Sandy National Park
- Cooloola Recreation Area, Great Sandy National Park
- Burrum Coast National Park
- Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area
- Mouth of Kolan River Conservation Park
- Tuan State Forest
- Woody Island, Great Sandy National Park
Book your camp site online.
If you cannot book online, see camping bookings for other options.
Other accommodation
There is a range of holiday accommodation in and around Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, the townships of the Great Sandy Strait, Tin Can Bay and Rainbow Beach. For more information see the tourism information links.
Boating and fishing
Read more about boating safely and measures to take when boating to look after the park.
Fishing activities are allowed in the marine park, but some restrictions apply to encourage sustainable use. Read more about marine park zones and how to fish for the future.
A new zoning plan for the marine park will come into effect on 21 May 2024.
Find out more information about the new zoning plan.
A nesting loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta).
Photo credit: Queensland Government
Viewing wildlife
Turtle watching
Mon Repos Conservation Park supports the most significant nesting population of the endangered loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta in the South Pacific Ocean.
- Designated areas in the marine park protect a nesting population of about 300–400 female loggerheads.
- Green and flatback turtles also nest here.
- You can only see this annual event by booking in to a night-time, ranger-guided tour.
- Tours take place from November to late-March.
- Small groups of visitors are guided to the beach by rangers, researchers or trained volunteers.
- You will see female turtles laying their eggs or, later in the season, watch the hatchlings emerge from the nests and race to the sea.
- As of 21 May 2024 (when the new zoning plan commences), all other public access to the beach at night (6pm–6am) in the Mon Repos designated area will be prohibited between 15 October each year and 31 May the following year.
Keeping the turtles safe
The guided tours help to protect nesting turtles and hatchlings.
- Marine turtles are easily disturbed by people who don't act properly around them.
- Guided tours help people understand correct turtle-watching guidelines.
- Read more about turtle watching in Mon Repos Conservation Park.
Whale watching
Whale watching in Hervey Bay is a must-do activity, if you're there between July and November.
- Commercial tour operators offer a range of whale watching tours.
- For details, see the tourism information links.
Some operators offer immersive whale interactions, where you can get into the water with whales. The operators put their passengers on a boom net, or a duckboard—a submerged platform at the rear of the vessel—or swimmers can hold onto a mermaid line, which has floats.
Be aware: Operators are required to abide by specific safety rules as a condition of their permit in order to minimise these risks, as these activities carry an element of danger.
Keep your distance for safety and conservation
All boaties, including any recreational boating activity must abide by the National Standard for approach distances for whales and dolphins.
- Read more about whale watching.
- Read about swimming with humpback whales—potential risks from sharks .
- Read more about Great Sandy Marine Park's diverse habitats and wildlife.
Other things to do
Several areas within the marine park are popular for diving and snorkelling, such as the Ex-HMAS Tobruk area, but prior permission is required to enter the area. Enjoy the experience and leave only bubbles.
- There are currently no park alerts for this park.
Get the app (coming soon!)
Zone and designated area information for the Great Sandy Marine Park and Moreton Bay Marine Park.
