The Turtle Protection Promise – Code of conduct

Turtle Sands operates under a Federal Approval (EPBC 2018/8385) issued under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. A Code of Conduct, that we call our Turtle Protection Promise is a condition of this Approval and is binding on all our guests during marine turtle nesting season which extends from 15 October until 30 April.

1. As required under the Marine Parks (Great Sandy) Zoning Plan 2024 Mon Repos Beach is closed between 6:00 pm and 6:00 am from 15 October to the 31 May and unauthorised access is prohibited.

2. Between 7.30 pm and 6:00 am outdoor lights will be extinguished or motion activated

3. When moving around the property, handheld torches will be held low to the ground and pointed at the ground ahead (not directed toward the beach, nesting/hatchling turtles, or dune area).

4. When driving around the property, comply with the speed limit of 8 km/hour, drive in a safe manner at all times, use the lowest light of headlight that is practicable, and park vehicles in a way so that headlights do not illuminate the beach or nesting habitat.

5. Between 7.30 pm and 6:00 am patron noise should be kept to a minimum.

6. Dogs (excluding assistance dogs) and cats are not permitted at the Property.

7. When using the beach guests will:
   - never touch or approach turtles or hatchlings – always keep a 5 m distance;
   - always follow instructions from Queensland Parks and Wildlife Officers at all times;
   - keep off the dunes this is where turtles nest;
   - not place umbrellas or cabana poles in the sand;
   - only use one of the three dedicated access paths;
   - flatten sandcastles and fill holes before leaving the beach; and
   - dispose of all waste in the bins provided in the property.

8. If fishing at Mon Repos beach, understand that:
   - no recreational fishing can take place during the beach closure between 6:00 pm and 6:00 am; and
   - all fishing hook and line must be disposed of in waste bins provided.

Caravan and Camping

Guests staying at any camp sites during turtle nesting season must abide by the following, these requirements are for all camping style accommodation inclusive of but not limited to motorhomes, campervans, caravans, pop-top trailers, camper trailers, tents, gazebos, annexes, awnings, etc.

• Check ins and check outs should not occur between 7.30 pm to 6:00 am.

• Not have any external lighting, including lighting that is erected, mounted, hung or affixed in anyway, positioned more than 1 m above the ground. A maximum of two lights dimmed as low as possible is permitted per camp site, lights must directed toward the ground.

• Extinguish (‘turn off’) all external lighting between the hours of 7.30 pm to 6:00 am.

• If internally lit, shut and/or close curtains and blinds on all windows, vents, doors or other openings facing the beach to prevent light from reaching the beach between 7.30 pm to 6:00 am.

• Between 7.30 pm to 6:00 am guests will use torches if required outside of their accommodation. This light, preferably red, will be held low to the ground and pointed toward the ground, not directed toward the beach.

Villas, Studios and Glamping Accommodation

Guests in villa, studio and and glamping accommodation during turtle nesting season will undertake the following.

• Turn off all internal and external lights when their cabin is not occupied between 7:30 pm and 6:00 am.

• When occupied and internally lit draw all curtains and blinds on beach facing windows and doors between 7.30 pm to 6:00 am.

• Turtle Sands employees may access unoccupied accommodation to switch off lights or close blinds left open between 7:30 pm to 6:00 am.

Turtle Watching

During turtle nesting season guests will only be permitted on the beach between 6:00 pm and 6:00 am if part of an organised authorized tour; guests must follow instructions as directed by their guide. Should a turtle nest or hatchings emerge adjacent to the beachfront camping sites between 6:00 pm and 6:00 am guests must stay behind the property fence line and follow the instructions from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services representative if present or follow the turtle watching behaviours below. If you are fortunate enough to see a turtle or hatchlings during daylight hours guests must adhere to the rules below.

• Stay well clear (at least 5 m) of turtles, never touch turtles or hatchlings.

• Turn off all lights off

• Never approach a turtle emerging from the water. Remain behind turtles as they dig and lay their eggs. Do not stand in front of or where they can see you

• Be aware that turtles have good eyesight , please be mindful of your movement. Keep still and quiet

• Move away if turtles appears distressed or moves away from its nest

• Watch where you step to avoid crushing eggs or hatchlings

• Do not disturb or dig up nests

The Code of Conduct is a part of the Terms and Conditions for your stay. We reserve the right to take any of the following actions if you commit a material breach of this agreement:

• Issue you with a blacklisting notice for the property and associated entity.

• Provide your information, details and footage relating to the breach of this agreement to government agencies.