Burnett Heads

QLD 4670 • Rest of QLD

2,908
Population (2021)
$27,976
Median Income
15.99 km²
Area
5m
Elevation
CoastalRetiree-FriendlyRuralFishing VillageAffordable

About Burnett Heads

Burnett Heads is a relaxed coastal town in the Bundaberg Region of Queensland, situated at the mouth of the Burnett River approximately 17 km northeast of Bundaberg and 374 km north of Brisbane. The town recorded a population of around 2,900 in the 2021 Census and has a strong retiree and working-class demographic. Known as the 'Gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef', the locality has a rich maritime history tied to the Port of Bundaberg and surrounding sugarcane farming.

The town is famous for its proximity to Mon Repos Conservation Park, home to one of Australia's most significant loggerhead turtle nesting sites. Residents enjoy a laid-back coastal lifestyle with excellent fishing, boating access, and uncrowded beaches. Local amenities include a general store, tavern, and community sporting facilities, while Bundaberg's larger shopping and services are a short 15-minute drive away. Burnett Heads attracts retirees, sea-changers, and fishing enthusiasts looking for affordable beachside living.

Burnett Heads falls under postcode 4670 and is governed by Bundaberg Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Burnett electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4670
Urban Area
Bundaberg - Surrounds
LGA
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-24.78°, 152.41°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
15.99 km²
Elevation
5m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Bundaberg Regional Bus — Bundaberg CBD via Bargara ~25 min to Bundaberg CBD

Commute to Bundaberg CBD

Distance
17 km
By Train
N/A (no train service to Burnett Heads)
By Bus
~25 min (limited regional bus service)
By Car (Peak)
~20 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
~15 min

🛣️ A car is essential in Burnett Heads. The nearest rail station is Bundaberg Station on the North Coast Line (~20 min drive). Brisbane is ~4.5 hrs drive or ~5 hrs by Tilt Train from Bundaberg.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Burnett Heads is a small coastal town where most daily needs require a car. The compact town centre has a few shops within walking distance for nearby residents.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing Costs 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$290
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,300
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
55 years

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,656
Census 2021
2,908
9.5% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$23,348
Income 2021
$27,976
19.8% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,347
Born Overseas 422

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 130
  • 2. New Zealand 104
  • 3. Germany 30
  • 4. Netherlands 21
  • 5. Philippines 21
  • 6. Scotland 9
  • 7. United States 8
  • 8. India 7
  • 9. South Africa 6
  • 10. Vietnam 5
  • 11. Malta 4
  • 12. Singapore 4
  • 13. Zimbabwe 4
  • 14. Croatia 3
  • 15. Fiji 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,344
Australian 1,173
Scottish 353
Irish 312
German 237
Australian Aboriginal 112
Dutch 54
Italian 49
New Zealander 38
Filipino 27

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,919
Both parents born in Australia
497
Both parents born overseas
341
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
48.7%
No Religion
43.9%
Buddhism
0.5%
Hinduism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
99 (3.4%)
5-14 years
281 (9.7%)
15-19 years
120 (4.1%)
20-24 years
109 (3.7%)
25-34 years
197 (6.8%)
35-44 years
250 (8.6%)
45-54 years
346 (11.9%)
55-64 years
567 (19.5%)
65-74 years
619 (21.3%)
75-84 years
263 (9.0%)
85+ years
44 (1.5%)

Nearby Suburbs