🔍

Burrum Heads

QLD 4659 • Rest of QLD

2,538
Population (2021)
$23,400
Median Income
44.48 km²
Area
$305/wk
Median Rent
CoastalRetireesBeachsideAffordable

About Burrum Heads

Burrum Heads is a small coastal locality on the Fraser Coast in Queensland, situated at the mouth of the Burrum River where it meets the sea approximately 30 kilometres north of Hervey Bay. The township occupies a 44 square kilometre area at a low elevation of just 2 metres above sea level, giving it a distinctly relaxed, beachside character. With around 2,538 residents recorded in the 2021 Census, Burrum Heads falls under the Fraser Coast Regional Council and serves as a quiet seaside escape from the larger regional centre of Hervey Bay. The area is known for its calm waters and natural beauty, with Burrum Coast National Park flanking the surrounding coastline.

Burrum Heads is beloved by retirees, holidaymakers, and fishing enthusiasts who are drawn to its peaceful river mouth setting, good fishing, and safe swimming beaches. The community has a relaxed pace of life with caravan parks, a boat ramp, and local facilities catering primarily to a holiday and retirement crowd. The Burrum River is popular for boating, crabbing, and kayaking, and the national park provides excellent bushwalking and birdwatching opportunities. While amenities are limited within the township itself, the larger services of Hervey Bay are easily accessible within a short drive along the Isis Highway.

Burrum Heads falls under postcode 4659 and is governed by Fraser Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Maryborough electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4659
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Fraser Coast
Federal Electorate
Hinkler
State Electorate
Maryborough
Type
Rural
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-25.22°, 152.61°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
44.48 km²
Elevation
2m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • TransLink regional services — Hervey Bay / Maryborough 30-40 min to Hervey Bay

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
290 km
By Train
No direct rail; nearest station is Maryborough West (~30km)
By Car (Peak)
3 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
3 hours

🛣️ Bruce Highway is the main route; Hervey Bay Airport offers regional flights

Walkability Car Dependent

Small township; most daily needs require travel to Hervey Bay

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$305
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,348
Avg Household Size
2 people
Median Age
64 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.3%

3 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,067
Census 2021
2,538
▲ 22.8% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$21,736
Income 2021
$23,400
▲ 7.7% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,000
Born Overseas 342

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 129
  • 2. New Zealand 77
  • 3. Germany 19
  • 4. South Africa 17
  • 5. Scotland 13
  • 6. Netherlands 12
  • 7. Philippines 9
  • 8. Malta 8
  • 9. Papua New Guinea 8
  • 10. Indonesia 5

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,213
Australian 981
Irish 280
Scottish 271
German 189
Australian Aboriginal 98
Dutch 37
Italian 35
New Zealander 32
Chinese 13

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,739
Both parents born in Australia
403
Both parents born overseas
222
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
56.9%
No Religion
33.7%
Buddhism
0.4%
Hinduism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
43 (1.7%)
5-14 years
148 (5.8%)
15-19 years
58 (2.3%)
20-24 years
36 (1.4%)
25-34 years
93 (3.7%)
35-44 years
113 (4.5%)
45-54 years
237 (9.3%)
55-64 years
594 (23.4%)
65-74 years
784 (30.9%)
75-84 years
348 (13.7%)
85+ years
67 (2.6%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Burrum Heads known for? +

Burrum Heads is known for its calm river mouth, excellent fishing, safe beaches, and proximity to Burrum Coast National Park, making it a popular destination for retirees and holidaymakers.

How far is Burrum Heads from Hervey Bay? +

Burrum Heads is approximately 30 kilometres north of Hervey Bay, about a 25-30 minute drive via the Isis Highway.

Is Burrum Heads good for fishing? +

Yes, Burrum Heads is renowned as a fishing destination. The Burrum River mouth offers excellent estuary fishing for flathead, bream, whiting, and mud crabs.

What national park is near Burrum Heads? +

Burrum Coast National Park surrounds the Burrum Heads area and offers coastal bushwalking, birdwatching, and access to undisturbed beach and wetland environments.