🔍

Burnett Heads

QLD 4670 • Rest of QLD

2,908
Population (2021)
$54,756
Median Household Income
15.99 km²
Area
$290/wk
Median Rent
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
Queensland
Postcode
4670
Urban Area
Bundaberg - Surrounds
LGA / Council
Bundaberg
Federal Electorate
Hinkler
State Electorate
Burnett
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-24.78°, 152.41°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
15.99 km²
Elevation
5m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

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

🚌 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

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Bundaberg Local Government Area, which contains Burnett Heads. Rates are per 100,000 residents for calendar year 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
490 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
238.5 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 120.4%
Non-FV assault
670.3 / 100k
2yr Down 26.5% 10yr Up 64.5%
Robbery (unarmed)
8.3 / 100k
2yr Down 21.2% 10yr Stable
Steal from vehicle
364.3 / 100k
2yr Down 25.6% 10yr Up 14.8%
View all offence categories for Bundaberg →

Source: Queensland Police Service via data.qld.gov.au

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

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

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

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

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$27,976 / yr
$538/wk
Household
$54,756 / yr
$1053/wk
Family
$65,988 / yr
$1269/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 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

🧬 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Burnett Heads known for? +

Burnett Heads is known for its coastal fishing village atmosphere and proximity to Mon Repos Conservation Park, home to one of Australia's most significant loggerhead turtle nesting beaches. The town offers a relaxed lifestyle at the mouth of the Burnett River.

How far is Burnett Heads from Bundaberg? +

Burnett Heads is approximately 17 kilometres north-east of Bundaberg CBD, a drive of about 20 minutes via Bargara Road.

Does Burnett Heads have public transport? +

Bus services connect Burnett Heads to Bundaberg. A car is generally needed for convenient travel, particularly given the locality's coastal, spread-out layout.

What is the population of Burnett Heads? +

The 2021 Census recorded 2,908 residents in Burnett Heads, making it an established coastal town in the Bundaberg Regional Council area.

Is Burnett Heads a good place to live? +

Burnett Heads is an excellent choice for retirees and lifestyle seekers who value a peaceful coastal environment, recreational fishing, and proximity to Bundaberg's services. The turtle nesting season at Mon Repos adds a unique natural highlight.

What is the postcode for Burnett Heads? +

The postcode for Burnett Heads is 4670, which it shares with the broader Bundaberg area.

What is the average income in Burnett Heads? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Burnett Heads is about $538 per week (around $28,000 per year). The median household income is $1,053 per week and the median family income is $1,269 per week.

What is the age profile of Burnett Heads? +

The median age in Burnett Heads is 55. The largest age group is 65–74 (619 residents, around 21%). Around 17% of residents are under 20 and about 32% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Burnett Heads a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Burnett Heads is part of the Bundaberg LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in Burnett Heads? +

In Burnett Heads, the median weekly rent is $290, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,300 (2021 Census).