No barrier to having a great holiday
WHILE it’s possible with unlimited budget to experience the Southern Great Barrier Reef in less than a week, it’s better to take your time.
Check out these hot spots while you’re there:
Mon Repos
Mon Repos (a French phrase meaning “my rest”) technically isn’t a Southern Great Barrier Reef island, but it is to loggerhead turtles who return there, 30 years after being born, to give birth to their own young.
Part of the Australian mainland, along the Bundaberg coast, it’s easy to get to after leaving the Lady Musgrave Experience at Bundaberg Port.
At night, tourists can join a turtle-spotting tour supervised by National Parks employees and volunteers. November to January, the mother turtles nest at Mon Repos and January to March the hatchlings make their way to the ocean. Stay overnight at nearby Bargara, where Bargara Coastal Accommodation has beachfront experiences to choose from.
Lady Elliot Island
Just when you thought this lady couldn’t become any grander, Lady Elliot Island has introduced two sustainable eco tents to its accommodation. Catch Seair Pacific from Bundaberg and in 40 minutes you can be dipping your toes into the wonderful waters off this 45ha island.
There are more than 1200 species of marine life here, and it can be enjoyed in a day trip.
Take an island tour, dine in the Beachfront Dining Room and, if you’re tempted, stay the night in one of 41 rooms or, better still, sample the new eco tents from where you can watch turtles nesting from your deck.