Swim with turtles on this 5-day family road trip to Bundaberg

Day 1: Brisbane to Bundaberg

Kick off this turtle-filled road trip by picking up your ride - whether that's renting a car or going all out for your own campervan for the next few days. 

It's an easy four hour drive north to Bundaberg, snaking through beautiful Queensland towns en route. You'll feel the temptation to jump off the highway into seaside villages like Noosa and Hervey Bay - and if you have more time up your sleeve, feel free to. But if you're looking to fit this turtle tour into five days, stock up on car snacks and set your GPS for tonight's destination: Bundaberg. 

The region's most serene, family-friendly spot is the coastal town of Bargara. Pull into BIG4 Breeze Holiday Park, where there's cabins or sites for RVs, campervans and tents - plus cool ocean breezes, easy beach access and restaurants just a short stroll away. 

If you're more of a self-contained apartment family, you'll find your base at Bargara Blue Resort or the Grand Mercure. Either way, it'll be hard not to get swept straight into holiday mode, where time doesn't exist - only sand between your toes. Head to the turtle playground so the kids can run off their energy after the long drive. Pull out your picnic blanket: the local fish and chips and golden afternoon views are both well worth your attention.

Keep an eye on the time though. Once the sun starts to go down, head to Mon Repos Turtle Centre, where you’ll join Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers for a turtle hatching experience of a lifetime. Be sure to book this well in advance, as it's a popular tour that does sell out. 

Nesting season here on the shores of Mon Repos happens around November to January, while turtle hatching can be witnessed from January to March. Due to popularity, this is a tour you'll want to book well in advance. 

Bring comfortable sand shoes and a torch for this ranger-led experience. The action begins once the sun sets, as the sand cools enough for turtles to make their way up the beach or hatchlings begin to break out of their shells in the cover of darkness. 

You might be asked to form a line and shine your torch, making a track for the turtles to follow, guiding them to the ocean. It’s hard not to feel a surge of emotion as these precious hatchlings make their way down to the ocean and start their new lives.

Day 2: Lady Musgrave Island

Rise and shine early for a day-long adventure out at sublime Lady Musgrave Island. Today's drive is a quick one to Bundaberg Port Marina to board your boat for a cruise out into the Great Barrier Reef with Lady Musgrave Experience.

Arrive early in order to grab a table and seat for your family. The boat is spacious, but you’ll be using it as a base for all of your experiences, so it’s good to have a table for everyone sorted early.

The cruise to Lady Musgrave takes about two hours, keep your eyes peeled for folicking dolphins and marine life on the way. There's entertainment on board to help keep those young minds occupied while parents watch the spectacular scenery drift by. 

Once you arrive, take a walking tour through the uninhabited coral cay to learn the history of the island and the wildlife that call it home. 

Next up, get a bird's eye view of the reef world beneath the surface on a glass-bottom boat tour. Glimpse turtles gliding below, sea life ranging from huge schools of tiny fish to cruising reef sharks and rays, and various formations of intricate coral. It’s a comprehensive introduction to just how fascinating the reef really is.

The rest of the day is yours to spend snorkelling and swimming, earning that hearty lunch back on the boat. You'll probably even be able to spot some of the turtles you saw earlier in the glass-bottom boat.

Snorkelling gear, life vests, swimming noodles and fins are provided, so you don’t need to pack your own. Just bring a towel, shoes suitable for walking on coral and sand beaches, and your sense of adventure.

Back on dry land, head back to your accommodation to enjoy dinner and a no-doubt deep slumber.

Day 3: Bundaberg to Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort

It's time to leave the car behind for a while. Travel to nearby Bundaberg Airport, where you’ll board a small plane to fly over to Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort. This short, scenic flight is one you'll remember: watch for turtles and manta rays that can be easily spotted just off the island's coast. 

Lady Elliot Island is the southernmost island in the Great Barrier Reef. Home to some of the best snorkelling you’ll ever experience, it’s a turtle-seeker’s wonderland.

Upon arriving, you’ll be given a quick tour and introduction to the island. We bet you're keen to get out into the water, though, so ditch your bags and head to the dive store to pick up your gear.

The water clarity here is phenomenal: there’s a good chance that you'll be swimming with turtles within seconds of entering the water. 

The east of the island features a tranquil lagoon which is great for younger kids who might be new to a snorkel and fins. Here, simply let your day be guided by the tides. Snorkel when it’s high, and explore on foot when it’s low.

Tuckered out, it's time watch the sun set over the water after a buffet dinner, and wait for the turtles to hatch from the sand. Visiting in January and February? You might get the best of both worlds and see turtles lay their eggs as well as turtles hatching. The kids will love witnessing the magic of turtles both on land and in the ocean.

Tip: Bring a torch to see after the sun goes down. Watching turtles hatch on Lady Elliot Island is self-guided, so you’ll need light to be able to explore and see any turtle action. Just be mindful with your use of bright lights.

Day 4: Lady Elliot Island to Sunshine Coast

It'll be hard to peel yourself away from this eco-paradise for your return flight to Bundaberg, so use your morning to squeeze in one final beachcomb or snorkel. 

Once back on the mainland, jump in the car and set your sights for the Sunshine Coast, roughly three hours drive away. 

Take your pick of locations along the coastline, as it's dotted with fantastic family-friendly holiday parks from Cotton Tree and Coolum to Mooloolaba and Dicky Beach. All offer great beach access, so find your spot in the sand then find some takeaway for dinner. 

Day 5: Sunshine Coast to Brisbane (1.5hours, 100km)

This morning is all yours: whether you want to clock up more beach time, meet more marine animals at SEA Life, wander through a national park, or seek some thrill-inducing rides at Aussie World.

It's just a 90-minute drive back down the highway to Brisbane; plenty of time to plan your next family road trip! Here are a few ideas to get the cogs turning.