The Woongarra Marine Park was established in 1991 principally to provide protection for the turtle rockeries situated at Mon Repos, near Bargara, Queensland. This region supports one of the two largest Australian mainland rookeries for the endangered loggerhead turtle. A small number of green and flatback turtles also nest at Mon Repos. Nearly 20,000 visitors learn about marine turtle ecology in guided, interpretive walks each season.

The area features a unique rugged coastline of low rocky headlands, tide pools and creeks formed on ancient volcanic basalt. The location's subtropical climate supports a unique and varied marine ecology with both temperate and tropical species of fish and coral observed here.

Adjacent land use is primarily agricultural (sugarcane and small crops) and light industrial. Coastal development and population growth here is amongst the fastest in Queensland. Associated issues for the marine environment include recreational and commercial use of the fisheries, scuba diving, snorkelling and small boat use of the fringing reefs, and marine pollution associated with increasing human population and development.

A study is currently underway regarding the incorporation of the Great Sandy Marine Park and zoning will be reviewed as part of this process.