Mon Repos, Queensland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mon Repos Bundaberg, Queensland
Mon Repos Beach, 2020
Mon Repos Location in Queensland
Population	24 (2021 census)
• Density	3.87/km2 (10.0/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	4670
Area	6.2 km2 (2.4 sq mi)
Time zone	AEST (UTC+10:00)
Location	13.3 km (8 mi) NE of Bundaberg 374 km (232 mi) N of Brisbane
LGA(s)	Bundaberg Region
State electorate(s)	Burnett
Federal Division(s)	Hinkler
Suburbs around Mon Repos: Burnett Heads Coral Sea Coral Sea Qunaba Mon Repos Coral Sea Qunaba Qunaba Bargara

Mon Repos is a small coastal area in Queensland, Australia. It is part of the Bundaberg Region. Mon Repos is famous for its beautiful sandy beach and, most importantly, as a special place where sea turtles come to nest. In 2021, only 24 people lived here, making it a quiet spot. Its name, "Mon Repos," means "My Rest" in French.

Exploring Mon Repos' Natural Beauty

Newly-hatched baby turtles heading for the sea, 2020

Mon Repos is known for its long, sandy beach. This beach is a very important place for sea turtles. Most of the coastline here is part of the Mon Repos Conservation Park. This park was created to protect the areas where turtles lay their eggs.

While much of Mon Repos is for nature, some parts are still used for farming. You can see fields where crops grow and animals graze. There are also a few houses and a caravan park near the coast.

Barolin Nature Reserve

Behind the turtle conservation park, you'll find the Barolin Nature Reserve. This area has grassy plains and wetlands. It's a great spot for birdwatching because many different kinds of birds live there. This reserve used to be used mainly for cattle grazing. Now, grazing has been reduced to help protect the forest and its wildlife.

A Look Back at Mon Repos' Past

The name Mon Repos comes from French and means "My Rest." It was the name of a large house built in 1884 by Augustus Purling Barton. He was a pioneer in Queensland's sugar industry. Barton also built the Mon Repos sugar mill in 1884. At first, it just crushed sugar cane, but later it became a full manufacturing plant.

The Pacific Telegraph Cable

In the 1890s, an important undersea telegraph cable was built. This cable connected Australia to North America across the Pacific Ocean. It came ashore right here at Mon Repos. A special building called a cable station was built to manage it. The cable was used until the 1920s when new radio technology took over. The cable station was then taken down.

During World War II, the old cables were used for training. Australian Navy crews practiced cutting them. This training helped them prepare for missions to cut enemy cables. Some small parts of the old cable station can still be seen today near the caravan park.

Early Schools and Aviation

A school called Sandhills Provisional School opened in Mon Repos in 1893. It later became Sandhills State School and then Bargara State School.

In 1912, a famous Australian pilot named Bert Hinkler made history here. He launched one of his first homemade gliders from Mon Repos Beach. He managed to fly about 10 meters above the sand dunes!

Important Heritage Sites

South Sea Islander Wall, 2009

Mon Repos has some special places that are protected as heritage sites. One of these is the South Sea Islander Wall on Grange Road.

Around 1884, Augustus Barton, who owned the Mon Repos homestead, used workers from the South Sea Islands. These workers were brought to Australia under a system called indentured labour. They had to clear volcanic stones from the land before sugar cane could be planted. These stones were then used to build the South Sea Islander Walls. These walls are still mostly standing today. They serve as a reminder of the people who were forced to work on Queensland farms between 1863 and 1904.

Education and Community Services

Mon Repos is home to Bargara State School. This is a primary school for students from Prep to Year 6. It's located on Bargara Road. In 2018, the school had over 400 students.

There are no high schools directly in Mon Repos. Students usually go to Kepnock State High School in nearby Bundaberg.

Local Facilities

The Bargara SES Facility is also located in Mon Repos. The SES is a volunteer organization that helps communities during emergencies like floods or storms.

Amazing Turtle Attractions

The Mon Repos Turtle Centre is a major attraction here. It was built in 2019 by Queensland Parks & Wildlife. This centre helps with research and education about turtle conservation. You can visit the centre and take tours to learn about the turtles. It's a great place for families and school groups to learn about these amazing creatures.