Turtle Sands

Stayed in a 3 bedroom Villa. Advertised as air conditioned but fails to mention in Villa’s description that only the main bedroom and lounge has air conditioning. Middle of Summer and our kids sweated at night in 35 degree heat. We tried keeping their bedroom doors open so the air con would flow into their rooms but there is a stupid sensor light outside the bedrooms that lights up when some walks out to the bathroom at night. you can’t turn it off. part of the “Eco” design.How could a brand new villa be so poorly designed? Another mid description was “washer and dryer” it has only a washing machine that had a drying function on it, only if you put on a full wash.and even then clothes were only half dried. 7 day stay I spent more time washing and hanging out clothes on our veranda. Seems everyone was doing the same thing! Also pool towels was a mystery. when I rang up 2 days before my stay they told me pool towels were included. so i didn’t pack any. guest seem to have same coloured towels around the pool so I asked reception on first night but they told me no they weren’t included but gave me extra bath towel when i questioned it further. $800 a night I expected more. Park is basic. would be better off camping. also worth mentioning there really was no benefit of staying at Turtle Sands for turtles. beach access is closed 6am-6pm and most days we were pushed off the beach at 5:30pm anyway. we didn’t get to see any extra turtles by staying here. We walked up the beach daily and Mon repo Rangers don’t want you anywhere near the dunes to see what they are doing. hatchlings often were laying from 4pm but they were carefully guarded for the paid tours. they would move hatchlings to the water in buckets and wouldn’t bother interacting with people walking along the beach. only benefit was after the tour, you were only 5 mins from home. most guests drove because the walk to the turtle centre was too dark. I’d love to see more of a reason for people to stay at turtle sands rather than bargara. maybe a exclusive ranger experience one night of their stay? or free tour ticket. stayed during 30% off time but definitely wouldn’t return full price. Camping would be better value.

I was lucky enough to stay in a studio cabin for two nights as in the area for work. Everything was so new! The studio was beautifully kitted out with everything you need. Everything was clean and comfy. The bed was super comfy and the shower was amazing. Really like the dark sky focus and respect shown for the beach and turtles. The park was quiet and so so peaceful. Shame I was there for work really but it did mean I could get plenty done during the day and evening. Would love to return for a break. Staff were all friendly and helpful. Location is phenomenal. Was so lucky to be able to do the turtle tour one night as well. Highly recommend a visit.

Bookings of more than six sites needed for park to open, and pre paid, this was not a problem, BUT.... On arrival you have to let your self in and find your spot yourself and basically park where you like, no arrival service at all. When talking to manager (supposed owner) he was very arrogant and his motto, my park, my rules, do as I say not as I do. Doesn't care if you don't come back (his words) Dogs not allowed but his ran free though park and sites at his will. Children not allowed to ride their bikes in the park and very over priced for what you get. Amenities very out dated. It was a lovely park otherwise, great surrounds, beautiful beach as well as bush walks, but my advice, stay at Bargara as not that far away, and do a morning trip to Mon Repos.

The new improved Turtle Sands Holiday Park is an excellent spot for a caravanning or cabin break. The facilities are brand new; super clean bathrooms, well equipped kitchen and sparkling pool. And you are right on the scenic cycle track, head to Burnett Heads or to Bargara. We especially liked the low light and quiet time from 7.30pm. It is blissfully peaceful and great to hear the waves at night. However, maybe a non smoking policy could be in place for the cabin verandas as friends needed to move due to a chain smoker sitting on the veranda next door to them. Maybe a designated smoking area well away from all accommodation and communal areas….those cigarette butts are no good for the turtles either.