What is River Heads?
River Heads sits on a small peninsula about 15 minutes' drive south of Hervey Bay, where the Susan River and the Mary River merge and spill out into the Great Sandy Strait. This peaceful waterside community sits on the traditional lands of the Butchulla people, the original custodians of K'gari and the surrounding region. With natural elevation reaching up to 50 metres above sea level, the elevated ridge running through River Heads offers spectacular vistas across the strait to K'gari (formerly Fraser Island) — views that draw sea-changers and visitors alike.
Your Jumping-Off Point for K'gari
River Heads is the primary mainland departure point for vehicle and passenger barges to World Heritage-listed K'gari. Barges run daily from the River Heads ramp, crossing over to Kingfisher Bay Resort and Wanggoolba Creek on the island's western shore. Bookings are essential, so plan ahead before your trip. Once aboard, the short crossing sets the scene beautifully — the Great Sandy Strait opens up around you, and the ancient sand dunes and beaches of K'gari edge ever closer. If you haven't arranged a 4WD hire vehicle yet, options are available from Hervey Bay before you head down to the ramp.
Fishing at River Heads
The waterways surrounding River Heads are renowned among local anglers. Rock fishing from the point is particularly popular, with barramundi, threadfin salmon, grunter and cod all found in the stretch of water between Beaver Rock and River Heads. The sheltered waters of the Great Sandy Strait also hold flathead, whiting, bream, mud crabs and prawns in season. The boat ramp accommodates a wide range of vessel sizes, with good car and trailer parking available nearby. While you wait for a bite, keep your eyes on the water — dolphins, turtles and dugongs are frequent visitors to the area.
Wildlife and Nature
Beyond the fishing, River Heads rewards those who simply slow down and look around. The surrounding nature reserve and waterways teem with birdlife — the immediate area supports a remarkably diverse mix of species, including the Sacred Kingfisher, which can be seen darting above local billabongs and creeks. Kangaroos are also commonly spotted in the area. The broader Great Sandy Strait (Biosphere) was awarded UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status in 2009, recognising the outstanding ecological significance of the region's marine and coastal wetlands.
Accommodation at River Heads
River Heads offers a small but welcoming selection of accommodation for travellers heading across to K'gari or looking for a quiet coastal base. Options in the area range from caravan and camping parks well suited to self-contained travellers, to more characterful stays for those wanting something a little different. Several properties sit close to the ferry terminal and boat ramp, making early morning barge departures easy to manage. For those wanting sweeping water views, bed and breakfast options overlooking the reserve and K'gari are also available in the area.
The River Heads Shopping Village
Despite its unhurried pace, River Heads has everything you need for a comfortable stay. The River Heads Shopping Village on the western side of the peninsula includes a supermarket, pharmacy, doctor's surgery and café — the latter offering fantastic views over the Susan River, where you might spot a dolphin or pelican while enjoying your morning coffee. The mainland headquarters of Kingfisher Bay Resort is also located here, making it a handy first stop for those organising their K'gari itinerary.
Getting to River Heads
River Heads is a straightforward 15-minute drive south of Hervey Bay along the coast. Hervey Bay itself sits approximately 290 kilometres north of Brisbane by road, making the Fraser Coast an accessible long weekend or week-long destination from South East Queensland. Direct flights to Hervey Bay Airport are available from Sydney, with the airport just 10 minutes from River Heads. Once you arrive, the boat ramp and barge terminal are easy to find, with ample parking for those leaving a vehicle on the mainland during their island visit.