Coastal Gem 15 minutes from the Bundaberg CBD and a stone’s throw from the Southern Great Barrier Reef
Set around the mouth of the Elliott River, Elliott Heads Beach is one of the Bundaberg regions most beautiful coastal areas.
Surrounded by small crop and rural cane farms, it might be just a 15-minute drive from the Bundaberg CBD, but you’ll see plenty of paperbark trees and cows on the way to this laid-back beachside area.
Due to its proximity to the Bruce Highway, Elliott Heads is a popular weekend getaway destination for those coming from Gladstone and Rockhampton to its north, and the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and the Gold Coast from due south.
Perhaps best described as a place where the river and the Coral Sea connect in perfect harmony, a visit to this part of the Coral Coast gives you the best of both worlds. The chance to plant your feet on a vast expanse of soft golden sand and opportunity to experience the magic of the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
About Elliott Heads Beach
Elliott Heads Beach is not the biggest beach in Bundaberg, because depending on but the tide it is only ever between 50 to 150 metres in length.
That said, during high tide, the beach is around 50 metres wide, while at low tide it expands significantly, due to the tidal currents creating sand flats. At this time, it is possible to walk upwards of 300 metres until you reach the Coral Sea.
Overall, Elliott Heads Beach is actually comprise of three small beaches: the main beach which is patrolled by the local surf club between September and May, a beach spit which is situated just inside the mouth of the river and a smaller beach which resides to the south of one of the groynes that bookend it.
Backed by a craggy foreshore, the beach is a popular spot for swimming – although caution should be exercised at the river channel as has strong tidal currents and is quite deep. It is also known for being a decent spot to surf the occasional wave.
If you head to it at low tide, you find several translucent mermaid pools you can relax in. Additionally, Elliott Heads is a noted destination for kitesurfing and jet-skiing, as well as a hotspot for local fishermen.
Elliott Heads Beach Amenities
You’ll be pleased to read there is plenty of car parking available at Elliott Heads Beach, which is also blessed with a good range of amenities. These include boating facilities, a picnic area, barbecues and public toilets.
Flanking the beach is a parkland with a playground and a grassy foreshore. There is also an eatery called the Driftwood Cafe & Kiosk, which serves up decent fish and chips.
The beach is also linked to the Coral Coast pathway which can take you all the way down to Burnett Heads.
Elliott Heads Caravan Park
If you would like to stay for a few days in the area, there are plenty of accommodation options in the Bundaberg you can choose from. However, if you want to stay closer to the beach, the Elliott Heads Holiday Park is a very good option.
This landscaped caravan park is right next to the sand. It offers a terrific range of villas, beachside cabins and powered grass sites, to suit most budgets and tastes.
