🔍

River Heads

QLD 4655 • Rest of QLD

2,044
Population (2021)
$28,236
Median Income
13.99 km²
Area
$350/wk
Median Rent
CoastalRetiree-HavenQuietBeachsideTourist Hub

About River Heads

River Heads is a small coastal urban locality in the Fraser Coast Regional Council area, located approximately 20 kilometres south of Hervey Bay and 340 kilometres north of Brisbane. With a population of 2,044 and a median age of 54 — among the oldest of this cohort — it is a retirement-oriented community of long-established residents drawn by the waterfront lifestyle and the gateway access to K'gari (Fraser Island). The locality sits at near sea-level elevation on the banks of the Great Sandy Strait, with median household incomes of $1,243 per week, reflecting its predominantly retiree and semi-retired demographic.

River Heads is best known as the departure point for vehicle and passenger ferries to K'gari (Fraser Island), the world's largest sand island and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The locality has a small but active boat ramp, marina facilities, and recreational fishing community, with the surrounding Great Sandy Strait offering excellent opportunities for boating, crabbing, and wildlife spotting. Day-to-day shopping and services are accessed in nearby Hervey Bay, while the area's relaxed pace, natural surroundings, and tight-knit resident community make it a sought-after destination for those looking to slow down beside the water.

River Heads falls under postcode 4655 and is governed by Fraser Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Hervey Bay electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4655
Urban Area
Fraser Coast
LGA / Council
Fraser Coast
Federal Electorate
Hinkler
State Electorate
Hervey Bay
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-25.40°, 152.90°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
13.99 km²
Elevation
3m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Hervey Bay Bus Service — Hervey Bay CBD 25-35 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
340 km
By Train
No direct train service; nearest rail at Maryborough West (~30 km), then Queensland Rail to Brisbane (~3.5 hours)
By Car (Peak)
3h 45 min – 4h 30 min via Bruce Hwy
By Car (Off-Peak)
3h 30 min – 4h

🛣️ Car is the primary mode of transport; Bruce Highway is the main route south to Brisbane

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A quiet coastal locality with no walkable retail; a car is essential for shopping, services, and school runs in Hervey Bay

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$350
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,400
Avg Household Size
2.4 people
Median Age
54 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,539
Census 2021
2,044
▲ 32.8% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$23,504
Income 2021
$28,236
▲ 20.1% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,595
Born Overseas 365

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 115
  • 2. New Zealand 91
  • 3. Philippines 21
  • 4. South Africa 15
  • 5. Netherlands 12
  • 6. Scotland 9
  • 7. Germany 8
  • 8. China 6
  • 9. United States 6
  • 10. Indonesia 5

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 981
Australian 778
Scottish 254
Irish 236
German 138
Australian Aboriginal 98
Dutch 55
Italian 38
Filipino 33
New Zealander 28

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,265
Both parents born in Australia
453
Both parents born overseas
252
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
48.8%
No Religion
44.9%
Buddhism
0.6%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
70 (3.4%)
5-14 years
194 (9.5%)
15-19 years
88 (4.3%)
20-24 years
85 (4.2%)
25-34 years
157 (7.7%)
35-44 years
180 (8.8%)
45-54 years
273 (13.4%)
55-64 years
453 (22.2%)
65-74 years
396 (19.4%)
75-84 years
128 (6.3%)
85+ years
23 (1.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is River Heads known for? +

River Heads is best known as the main ferry departure point for K'gari (Fraser Island), the world's largest sand island and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The locality is also popular for recreational fishing, boating on the Great Sandy Strait, and its quiet coastal lifestyle.

How far is River Heads from Brisbane CBD? +

River Heads is approximately 340 kilometres north of Brisbane CBD, around 3.5 to 4.5 hours by car via the Bruce Highway.

Does River Heads have public transport? +

Limited bus services connect River Heads to Hervey Bay. There is no rail service in the immediate area; the nearest Queensland Rail station is Maryborough West, approximately 30 km away. A car is the most practical way to get around.

What is the population of River Heads? +

According to the 2021 Census, River Heads has a population of 2,044 residents. The community has a notably high median age of 54, reflecting a strong retiree and semi-retired population drawn to the coastal lifestyle.

Is River Heads a good place to live? +

River Heads is well-suited to retirees and those seeking a quiet coastal lifestyle on the Fraser Coast. It offers natural beauty, boating access, and the daily charm of living beside the Great Sandy Strait, though essential services and shopping require a drive to Hervey Bay.

What is the postcode for River Heads? +

The postcode for River Heads is 4655, shared with Hervey Bay and surrounding Fraser Coast localities.