Introduction
Burrum Heads is a picturesque coastal town in Queensland, Australia, known for its tranquil atmosphere, stunning natural scenery, and laid-back lifestyle. Located about 30 kilometres north of Hervey Bay, this charming seaside village sits at the mouth of the Burrum River, where it meets the Coral Sea.
One of the biggest draws of Burrum Heads is its unspoiled environment. The town is surrounded by pristine beaches, calm waters, and lush national parks, making it an ideal destination for those who enjoy outdoor activities. Fishing is particularly popular, with the Burrum River offering an abundance of fish species such as bream, whiting, and flathead. Boating enthusiasts can explore the waterways, while kayakers and paddle boarders often glide along the serene river, soaking in the beauty of the mangroves and birdlife. The sandy shores of Burrum Heads provide a perfect setting for a relaxing day under the sun. The beaches are uncrowded, allowing visitors to enjoy peaceful walks, beach combing, or simply unwinding while listening to the gentle waves.
Burrum Heads has a tight-knit community. The town has essential amenities, including a small shopping area, cafés, and a local pub, but it retains a quiet, village-like charm. Markets and community events are held throughout the year, bringing locals and visitors together in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Although it is less developed than some of Queensland’s larger coastal towns,
Burrum Heads has a special appeal for those who appreciate a slower pace of life and a deep connection with nature. Its breathtaking sunrises, abundant wildlife, and friendly community make it a hidden gem on the Fraser Coast. Whether you are casting a fishing line, strolling along the beach, or simply enjoying the serenity, Burrum Heads offers a peaceful retreat that captures the essence of Australia’s coastal lifestyle.
Where is Burrum Heads from home?
From the Buderim house, it is approximately 210km and just under 3hours, dependant on the route and whether you stop for breakfast of course!
When did we visit?
We last visited in 2023. This time, we are staying in a house on Burrum Street. While we are staying in the same vicinity (the same street!) as the last trip, it is not the same property.
Who am I?
My name is Joanne Hattersley. I am a creative and freelance writer who built her website from the ground up. Writing is my life and something I have done since childhood.
Why are we going?
2025 trips are underway, and the theory is ‘little and often.’ Rather than having a massive trip, it is better to have several short ones. This is the second short trip of 2025, and it won’t be the last.
Burrum Heads is just under half an hour from Hervey Bay, another area we’ve taken several trips to. We plan to visit there to meet up with friends.
Diary of the trip
Monday 17th March
As the famous song says, “all my bags are packed. I’m ready to go…” and we most certainly were. Clothes, towels, bedding, washbags, chargers, laptops, iPads, headphones, medication…we had it all and were ready to hit the road. The plan was to depart around 10am, and we were spot on. At 10am we turned out of the road and were on our way.
Approximately 150km later, we stopped in Maryborough for lunch. Nothing special, just a McDonalds. Then we were on our way again. As usual, we like to keep off the highway as much as we can. We arrived in Burrum Heads at 1pm, a little early for the holiday rental. We picked up some supplies, grabbed a drink and headed to the rental.
When you book a holiday rental, you are flying blind so to speak, you never quite know what you’re in for unless you’ve stayed there before. We have not stayed at Beachcomber: Burrum Heads before. It’s an old house. The only way to describe it, is its decorated as if your grandma lived here!! There are grab rails near steps. Frilly curtains in the kitchen and a couple of stand-up fans that look as if they have seen better days! That’s without counting the front entrance grill that keeps coming off its runners!! But hey, we’re here until Friday morning and we’re going to make the most of it and enjoy it.
Tuesday 18th March
With the weather turning overnight and dishing out a lot of rain, it made for a strange night. (I’d forgotten the sound of rain on a tin roof and how loud it is!) One of the windows in my room also had no curtains, so the instant the light hits it, you’re awake. Dad headed out for the morning sunrise photoshoot, but the rain stopped play, and he spent more time sat in the car dodging it!!
After a lazy breakfast, we headed to Toogoom. What’s at Toogoom you ask? Well, Goodys on the Beach is there. A beautiful café with a great view and a lovely souvenir shop. Seriously, what more does a girl need?
However, the day ended up being one of those rainy and grey days, where nothing is really possible, so spending the rest of the day in was the only option.
Wednesday 19th March
With a bright light in the sky, it was time to start the day. Although how long the sun would bless us with her presence was anyone’s guess!! Note to all readers….it wasn’t long before the sun disappeared!
We headed off down to the historical town of Howard but sadly for us, it was noticeably quiet and the one place we wanted to see, Brooklyn House, was shut. Very disappointed in that. So, we headed off to Woodgate, old stomping ground you might say from a couple of previous trips. We had a beautiful lunch in the Woodgate Beach Hotel – one full rack of ribs and a meat lovers pizza, minus the onion.
We headed back via Burrum Tavern for a quick drink before heading back to where we were staying. We were hoping that the light would be right this evening to head out to take some photos but sadly not.
Thursday 20th March
The day started with an early breakfast and coffee. After getting ready, we headed to Hervey Bay. We had a lunch date. We met up with Ken and Colleen Brooks, members of the camera club dad attends who recently relocated to Hervey Bay. was the location, somewhere dad and I know well from our trips to Hervey Bay for whale watching. We always stay in walking distance of this pub!
We had a long lunch (the pork cutlet was superb!) and a great catch up. We drove back via Point Vernon and Cauldron Brewing We spent the evening doing the miscellaneous items that you do before you leave for home. Packing. Finishing off my leftover pizza from yesterday and having a beer. A quick drive down to the boat ramp to check out photography opportunities finished the day.
Friday 21st March
Today was home. I was sent instructions to text a number on our departure to let them know we’d left. I dutifully did this at 0930 as we hit the road. Three hours later, there has been no response to the text or a follow up email. I find this sad, all it takes is a ‘thank you’ automated response but this didn’t happen. A straight through trip with no stops and we were home in just under 2 and a half hours.
Home. That special place. I have said this before, and I will say it every single trip I take…no matter where you are and how comfortable it is, there is nothing like your own bed, a comfortable chair and my dads home made coffee.
Now the unpacking and the washing……three loads later…. (that’s the downside to having to take your own bedding!)
For the conclusion to any trip, I ask myself these three questions.
- Would I go back again to the village/town?
- Would I stay at the same accomodation?
- Would I recommend the trip?
So, here’s my answers!
- I would always come back to Burrum Heads. The peace and serenity are always a winner for me.
- While many people on booking.com reviewed this property with praise, I wouldn’t stay at this accomodation again. It is the little things for me. Having to bring my own linen and towels, the door not working and not being secure, the fans being filthy, the place not being as modern or clean as I would like to have seen…. the little things make a difference.
- I will always recommend the trip. I just wouldn’t stay at Beachcomber again.
