Where is Burrum Heads and why should you visit?
Sitting at the mouth of the Burrum River on Queensland's Fraser Coast, Burrum Heads is one of those rare coastal villages where time genuinely slows down. Roughly 30 minutes north of Hervey Bay and around 3½ hours north of Brisbane, this small, friendly community offers easy access to both the river and the open ocean. Fishing boats dot the crystal-blue water at dawn, pelicans cruise the foreshore, and the sunrises and sunsets here are the kind you'll want to photograph every single day.
What can you do at Burrum Heads?
Fishing is the heartbeat of Burrum Heads, and anglers come year-round to cast a line from the beach, off the rock walls, or out on the water. The Burrum River and nearby Beelbi Creek are popular spots for both fishing and crabbing, and you can launch a tinny from the boat ramp at Lions Park — which also features picnic facilities and public toilets — or from the on-site ramp at the beachfront caravan park. Beyond fishing, kayaking and boating are favourite ways to explore the river system, while the miles of soft, sandy beaches invite long walks, shell collecting, and lazy afternoons watching the pelicans. Keep an eye on the water and you may spot turtles and dugongs, both of which make appearances in the area.
When is the Burrum Heads Fishing Classic?
If you're visiting around Easter, the Burrum Heads Fishing Classic is a highlight of the local calendar. Started by the Burrum Heads Fishing Club back in 1991, this three-day event draws avid anglers and their families from across the region. It's grown steadily over the years and is a wonderful way to experience the village's warm, community-spirited character.
What's nearby — natural escapes and day trips
The Burrum Coast National Park is on the doorstep, with camping areas at both Burrum Point and the Kinkuna section offering a genuine bush-to-beach experience. A short drive south-west leads to the Wongi Waterholes — a beautiful picnic and camping spot fringed by paperbark trees — and approximately 5km further north lies Lake Lenthall, a favoured freshwater fishing spot that was restocked with Australian bass, barramundi, and golden and silver perch during major restocking programs in 2017–18. Both are roughly an hour's drive from Hervey Bay, or 30 to 40 minutes for those coming from Maryborough. The neighbouring coastal village of Toogoom, about 15 minutes east, adds mountain bike trails, a beach ideal for swimming and snorkelling, and calm waters perfect for kayaking and windsurfing.
Eating, drinking and local life
For a village its size, Burrum Heads punches well above its weight when it comes to local character. The main street brings together a bakery, butcher, general store, fish and chip shop, and tackle shop — everything you need for a self-sufficient coastal holiday. The Burrum Heads Hotel and the Burrum Heads Bowling Club (which offers barefoot bowls, bingo, and meals) are local institutions worth your time. A Taste of Burrum is a popular choice for fresh seafood, and on the second Saturday of each month, the Burrum Heads Markets run from 7am to noon — a lovely way to spend a morning browsing local produce and handmade goods.
Where to stay in Burrum Heads
Accommodation options suit a range of travellers and budgets. The fully upgraded Burrum Heads Beachfront Tourist Park sits at the mouth of the Burrum River and offers powered sites, a dog-friendly section, a camp kitchen, BBQ area, and an on-site tinnie ramp. The park's tour desk can help you book day trips to K'gari (formerly Fraser Island) and Lady Elliot Island. For those seeking an eco-friendly experience, Riverside Burrum Heads is nestled between the Burrum Coast National Park and the Isis River, with river access, campfires, and a pet-friendly policy. Holiday houses ranging from cosy two-bedroom retreats to larger group-friendly homes are also available around the village, some with private jetties and sweeping water views.
Day tripping to Hervey Bay and K'gari
Burrum Heads makes an excellent base for exploring the broader Fraser Coast. Hervey Bay — Australia's Whale Watch Capital and the world's first Whale Heritage Site — is just 30 minutes south, where humpback whales stay and play in the calm waters of Hervey Bay Marine Park from late July through to early November. K'gari (formerly Fraser Island), the world's largest sand island and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is accessible via vehicle barge from River Heads near Hervey Bay. Further afield, historic Maryborough is also around 30 minutes away. Browse and click through to the operator websites to plan your whale watching cruise, K'gari adventure, or Great Sandy Strait wildlife cruise from Burrum Heads.