Turtle Sands – NRMA Parks and Resorts

The Turtle Sands, Mon Repos project marks a significant milestone for NRMA Parks and Resorts, highlighting their dedication to innovation and sustainability. Situated on Mon Repos Beach, a globally significant Loggerhead Turtle nesting site and Wetland Protection Area, the redevelopment aims to replace aging camping grounds, tourist cabins, and park facilities with modern, eco-friendly amenities. The new design includes 7,800 sqm of upgraded internal roads and 1,300 sqm of walkways, ensuring a better experience for visitors while preserving the surrounding natural environment.

Our accessibility and universal design team ensured that the planned resort was universally accessible to the public, prioritising inclusion in the design. To achieve this, our team conducted design reviews of the whole development, including accessible accommodation, communicated the universal design guidelines at Mons Repos for the Turtle Sands resort and reviewed products used for temporary surfaces across the entire resort. The team also visited the site to review the final development and ensure consistent accessibility.

One of the biggest challenges the team faced was ensuring accessibility was achieved over a range of different surfaces, particularly sandy surfaces and areas of significant gradient. This was compounded by the fact that permanent pathways couldn’t be used, as that would negatively impact the environment.

By working closely with stakeholders such as NRMA Parks and Resorts, we created an inclusive and equitable experience for all visitors. This collaboration ensured that the redevelopment met the necessary wetland protection requirements, incorporating environmentally responsible solutions while providing accessible amenities for everyone. The result is a balanced approach supporting the local community and the surrounding natural environment.