Burrum Heads, Queensland – Where the River Meets the Sea (and You Slow Right Down)
Words by @Whatsupwithwaz
Just north of Hervey Bay we towed the Caravan into Burrum Heads looking and hoping for a quiet coastal stop… and that’s exactly what we got. No traffic lights (zero!), no big crowds, no stress. Just a laid-back fishing village sitting right where the Burrum River spills into the ocean. It’s one of those places where you arrive for a couple of nights and end up staying a week.
If you’re into caravanning, road trips, or just escaping the noise, Burrum Heads is a bonified hidden gem along the Fraser Coast.
Who should visit Burrum Heads and Why
Grey Nomads
- Peaceful, uncrowded coastal lifestyle
- Excellent fishing (river + ocean = jackpot) – all you have to do is choose!
- Easy caravan access and relaxed pace
Families
- Safe, calm beaches and river areas
- Plenty of outdoor space for kids to run wild
- Affordable, low-key holiday option
Young Adventurers
- Fishing, kayaking, boating, crabbing
- Easy access to Fraser Coast hotspots like Hervy Bay, or even K’gari Island.
- Great base for exploring without big crowds
A Bit of History and a Name that best describes the area
Burrum Heads sits in the Fraser Coast Region, about 30 minutes north of Hervey Bay.
The name “Burrum” is believed to come from an Aboriginal word meaning “place of many fish”—which, after spending even a few hours here, makes complete sense.
Originally a small fishing and timber town, Burrum Heads has kept its identity. Unlike many coastal towns that have been overdeveloped, this one has stayed true to its roots – simple, authentic, and built (shaped) around the water.
Getting There – Easy Drive from Brisbane
From Brisbane, it’s roughly:
- 3.5 to 4 hours drive
- Around 300km north
It’s an easy, scenic run up the Bruce Highway, then a relaxed coastal turn-off toward Hervey Bay and Burrum Heads. Perfect towing conditions too – no nasty surprises for caravanners.
First Impressions – The Town Today
When we arrived, the first thing we noticed… was what wasn’t there. No big shopping strips, no chaos – just a quiet coastal village, exactly what we had been hoping for on this leg of the trip.
The main street is small but has everything you need:
- A local IGA
- Bakery
- Fish & chip shop
- Café or two
- The pub (always important) – especially around 3 o’clock in the afternoon
It’s the kind of place where you park the Car and Caravan once and walk everywhere. Locals wave, people stop for chats, and no one’s in a hurry.
The real star though? The riverfront and foreshore. That’s where everything happens.
Best Time to Visit (and Why Off-Peak is Brilliant)
Peak Season (April–October)
- Mild temps, low humidity
- Perfect for caravanning, boating and fishing
- Popular in particular with grey nomads travelling north or south depending on the time of year
Summer (December–February)
- Warmer, more humid but bearable
- Great for water activities
- Fewer crowds than bigger coastal towns
Shoulder Seasons (Best Kept Secret)
Honestly? This is the sweet spot.
- Fewer people
- Great weather
- Easier caravan park bookings
- Fishing still excellent
We visited outside peak—and had stretches of beach almost to ourselves. Hard to beat that. Kids however would have liked more people – make sure you cater for who is travelling with you.
Top Things to Do in Burrum Heads
- Walk the Burrum Heads Foreshore – Easy, scenic, and perfect at sunrise or sunset.
- Swim at the River Mouth – Calm waters where river meets ocean—great for families.
- Fishing from the Shore – Even if you’re not a pro, you’ll likely catch something.
- Explore Burrum Coast National Park – Short drive away, great for bushwalking and spotting wildlife.
- Beach Days at Burrum Heads Beach – Relax, swim, or just sit and watch the tide roll in.
- Fishing Charter on the Burrum River – don’t own a boat, want to level up your fishing game – this is it and you have a few to choose from.
- Boating or Kayaking the River System – even paddleboarding, Calm waters, stunning scenery.
- Day Trip to Hervey Bay – About 30 mins away—cafes, shopping, whale watching (in season). We had come from there, but still found reasons to head back for a day trip, its so close!
- Visit Woodgate Beach – Another quiet coastal gem just down the road.
- Crabbing in Season – Bring your pots – this area is known for it. Crabbing is best after a bit of rain. Freshwater runoff pushes crabs to move and feed – locals absolutely love a good rain event followed by a run-out tide. Best time of year for crabbing the locals tell us is December, January or February each year – warmer temperatures have the crabs moving and feeding hard. They are mre active and generally ‘bigger’ at these times of year.
Where to Eat (The Local Favourites)
Best Restaurant
The Burrum Heads Bowls Club – Good meals, generous portions, and that relaxed coastal vibe.
Best Bakery
Burrum Heads Bakery – Classic Aussie bakery – pies, sausage rolls, and coffee that hits the spot after an early fish.
Best Pub
Burrum Heads Tavern – Cold beers, solid pub meals, and a place where everyone ends up at least once, or twice… ok three times!
Fishing & Golf
Fishing Spots
- Burrum River mouth
- Jetty and foreshore
- Offshore (if you’ve got a boat)
You’ll find:
- Bream
- Flathead
- Whiting
- Mud crabs (in season)
Golf
- Hervey Bay Golf Club (short drive) – Great course and worth the trip if you’re keen for a round.
Where We Stayed – Riverside Burrum Heads Holiday Park (Kui Parks)
We based ourselves at the Riverside Burrum Heads Holiday Park, part of the Kui Parks network. This park, this place folks is a ripper!
Location
Right on the river. You can literally walk from your van to the water in minutes making that early morning walk or fishing venture easy-peasy!
Accommodation Options
- Powered and unpowered caravan sites
- Camping areas
- Cabins for those not towing
Facilities
- Clean amenities
- Camp kitchen
- BBQ areas
- Plenty of open space
- Easy access for big rigs
What Makes It Special
- The riverfront location is the standout and with fewer parks eating up this valuable real estate each year, its awesome to see this park thriving in this location.
- Great for fishing straight from nearby spots
- Quiet, relaxed atmosphere (no noisy crowds)
For grey nomads, it’s peaceful. For families, it’s safe and open. For adventurers, it’s the perfect base.
My Travel Tips
- Bring fishing gear – you’ll regret it if you don’t, it’s the premium place for it, and if you have kids it keeps them busy literally all day!
- Book ahead during peak caravan season to avoid dis-appointment
- Stock up before arriving (limited shops) but enough there to sustain once you arrive.
- Watch tides – they matter here for both boating and fishing
- Take it slow… this place isn’t built for rushing
Final Wrap – Why Burrum Heads is Worth the Trip
Burrum Heads suited my kind of caravanning It’s a proper coastal escape where:
- The fishing is world-class
- The pace is slow
- The crowds are minimal
- And the lifestyle is simple
For caravanners, campers, road trippers, and anyone chasing a genuine Aussie coastal experience, it ticks all the boxes.
And if you’re heading this way, staying at the Riverside Burrum Heads Holiday Park (Kui Parks) just makes sense. Great location, relaxed vibe, and everything you need without the fuss.
Whether it’s a week or just a few nights, Burrum Heads has a way of pulling you in—and making you want to come back.
For more information on Burrum Heads and the Fraser Coast – CLICK HERE
To Find a Kui Park that suits your next trip – CLICK HERE
To SAVE up to $40 per stay at a Kui Park, become a Member – CLICK HERE
To Book your stay at Kui Parks Riverside Burrum Heads – CLICK HERE
