NRMA Parks and Resorts is delighted to share the news that Turtle Sands Nature Resort at Mon Repos in Bundaberg, Queensland has taken out the prestigious New Tourism Business Award in the Queensland Tourism Awards 2025 announced at the gala event on Friday night.
Held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, this year’s event marked the 40th annual tourism awards program delivered by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), celebrating excellence and innovation across the state’s $34.7 billion visitor economy.
Some five years in the planning, Turtle Sands Nature Resort opened in 2024 and sits adjacent to the ocean beach at Mon Repos, home to the largest mainland population of endangered marine turtles.
The careful planning, sustainable design and ongoing operations of the resort with regards to the continued protection of the turtle population was an essential part of the Turtle Sands proposition and official Government environmental approvals. Guests at the resort commit to a ‘Turtle Protection Promise’ that eliminates noise and light pollution every evening during the turtle nesting and hatching season.
In April 2025, the team at Turtle Sands was pleased to partner with Bundaberg’s own First Nations owned and operated Taribelang Bunda Cultural Tours to present guests at the resort an exclusive Sunrise Cultural Tour. Led by a local Indigenous guide, guests join an unforgettable journey of discovery of the precious ecosystem and Aboriginal cultural heritage at Mon Repos.
NRMA Parks and Resorts Chief Executive Officer Paul Davies said that on behalf of the member organisation, the team was very proud to win this year’s Queensland Tourism Award for New Tourism Business, and in turn paid tribute to the incredible efforts and dedication of the entire Turtle Sands team.
“Strong local and state partnerships have been central to our sustained success at Turtle Sands, where we have worked closely with Bundaberg Tourism, Queensland Government, Queensland Parks and Wildlife, the First Nations Taribelang Bunda community, and a range of local operators who help us deliver exceptional guest experiences in the region,” Mr Davies said.
“We are especially grateful to our wonderful members and guests, whose enthusiasm, support, and willingness to join us in protecting the turtles – along with their overwhelmingly positive feedback – has been truly inspiring,” he said.
“Our class-leading facilities onsite, including premium villas, studios, glamping tents, and absolute beachfront caravan and camping sites, supported by an exceptional camp kitchen and amenities have all been designed with both sustainability and accessibility in mind, giving us an amazing platform from which to deliver unforgettable stays for our guests.”
Turtle Sands General Manager Melissa Floyd said the recognition in the awards was a real celebration for the hard work on behalf of the resort’s entire team.
“We have a wonderful team here at Turtle Sands who have all worked together since opening in time for Turtle Season last year to make the resort such a special holiday destination,” Ms Floyd said.
“The award is also a recognition of our conservation-first approach, including our low-impact design, solar and battery-powered infrastructure, and our deep connection and protection of the turtle experience, especially the seamless guest access to the highlight Mon Repos Turtle Encounter Tours,” she said.
