Welcome to Elliott Heads — a breathtaking coastal spot south of Bundaberg where the river meets the reef. Famous for its bright white sand, turquoise shallows, and tidal sandbars, Elliott Heads is a favourite for families, kite surfers, and nature lovers. With calm swimming areas, fishing opportunities, and stunning river-mouth views, this destination is one of the Bundaberg region’s most iconic beach escapes.
Beach Information
- 🏖️ Best Time to Visit: September to April for calm swimming, scenic walks, and water sports.
- 🐠 Marine Stingers: Possible from November to May; check local signage and wear stinger suits if swimming.
- 🚩 Lifeguard Patrol: Patrolled during summer and school holidays.
- 🐕 Dog Friendly: On-leash in designated areas; off-leash zones signed nearby.
- 🛠️ Facilities: Toilets, showers, picnic areas, BBQs, playground, kiosk, parking.
- ♿ Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible paths and beach viewing points.
- 🏘️ Closest Town: Elliott Heads — Distance: ~0 km
- ✈️ Closest Airport: Bundaberg Airport — Distance: ~20 km
- 🌦️ Typical Weather: Subtropical; warm, humid summers and mild winters with refreshing breezes.
🏝️Why Visit Elliott Heads
Elliott Heads on the Bundaberg Coast, Queensland is a striking destination where the river meets the reef. Known for its bright white sands, turquoise waters, and tidal sandbars, Elliott Heads is one of the most scenic beaches in the region. Located just 20 km south of Bundaberg, it’s a favourite for families, water sports lovers, and holidaymakers looking for a balance of relaxation and adventure. With swimming, fishing, kite surfing, and long beach walks, Elliott Heads is one of the most popular Bundaberg beaches and an essential stop along Queensland’s coastline.
🏖️Things to Do at Elliott Heads
- Swimming & Water Activities: Calm river shallows perfect for families, along with areas for kite surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
- Fishing: Great for beach fishing and river-mouth angling, with whiting and bream commonly caught.
- Nature & Wildlife: Explore tidal pools, reef flats, and birdwatching along the estuary and foreshore.
- Relax & Explore: Enjoy scenic foreshore walks, picnic areas, and breathtaking views where river and reef meet.
The beach is especially loved for its kite surfing, wide tidal sandbars, and stunning natural setting, making it a must-visit for adventurers and photographers.
Surfing at Elliott Heads
Elliott Heads is a fairly exposed reef break on the Bundaberg coast, delivering consistent right and left waves over a mix of reef and sand bottom on east to northeast swells with west offshore winds. It offers punchy, fun sections and occasional barrels on bigger days — best in winter for cleaner, more powerful rides — with a relaxed vibe, nearby amenities, and uncrowded lineups compared to busier southern spots. A solid local gem for intermediates and above wanting quality waves without the crowds.
Ideal for:
- Intermediate to advanced surfers chasing punchy reef/ beachbreak waves
- Medium swell days (waist to overhead) with east-northeast swells
- Clean, rippable sections with offshore west winds
- Sessions with relaxed access, nearby cafes, and low crowds
Always check east-northeast swell and west winds for best shape — can get sectiony or close out. Rocks and reef hazards at low tide, sharks (common in area), strong rips on bigger days, and no constant patrols; respect locals and paddle with caution in this semi-remote spot.
🔵 Example forecast for Elliott Heads
– fairly exposed reef break on the Bundaberg coast (Elliott Heads); consistent 1-2m waves with punchy lefts/rights and occasional barrels best for intermediates to advanced due to rocks, sharks, rips, and variable conditions.
⚠ Forecast updates on page refresh — check back for latest!
◆ Explore more surf breaks | Surfing Queensland →
🐬Wildlife
Elliott Heads offers opportunities to spot marine life where the river meets the reef. Visitors may see dolphins offshore, migratory seabirds along the foreshore, and fish in the tidal pools and estuary. The exposed reef flats at low tide are also rich with small marine creatures, making it popular for nature walks and exploring.
🛍️Facilities & Accessibility
Elliott Heads is well equipped with family-friendly facilities:
- 🚻 Toilets & showers
- 🍖 BBQ areas & picnic tables
- 👧 Children’s playground
- 🥤 Kiosk & nearby shops
- 🐕 Dog-friendly: On-leash areas with signed off-leash zones nearby
- ♿ Wheelchair accessibility: Beachfront paths and viewing points available
🌤️Best Time to Visit Elliott Heads
The best time to visit is September to April, with calm waters and sunny conditions. – 🌡️ Weather: Subtropical climate with warm, humid summers and mild, breezy winters – 🌊 Marine Stingers: Present from November to May — stinger suits recommended – 🛟 Lifeguards: Patrolled during summer and school holidays
🗺️ Getting There
🚗 Driving: Elliott Heads is about 20 minutes south-east of Bundaberg CBD via Elliott Heads Road, which winds through farmland and cane fields before reaching the coast. Follow the signs to Elliott Heads Foreshore Park and Dr Mays Road for beach access and parking.
🚍 Public Transport: Limited bus services operate between Bundaberg and Elliott Heads on weekdays, stopping at the general store near the foreshore. Check timetables in advance, as routes can vary seasonally.
🅿️ Parking: Free parking is available along the foreshore and at the surf club, with additional shaded bays near the caravan park and river mouth lookout.
💡 Info correct at time of writing — check Bundaberg Regional Council and Duffy’s Bus Service for latest transport details.
💡 Local Tips
🌅 Elliott Heads is where the Elliott River meets the Coral Sea, creating clear turquoise shallows at low tide — perfect for photos.
🌊 Popular for kite surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking, especially when the sea breeze picks up.
🐢 You might spot turtles or dolphins near the river mouth during calm conditions.
🍦 Stop by the foreshore kiosk for ice cream or cold drinks with a view.
⚠️ Always check tide times — strong currents can occur where the river meets the ocean.
📍Nearby Attractions & Activities
Elliott Heads is part of the Bundaberg region, offering plenty of nearby attractions:
- Nearby Town: Elliott Heads (local shops & caravan park right by the beach)
- Nature & Parks: Elliot River estuary, rock pools, and reef flats at low tide
- Other Beaches: Bargara Beach, Kellys Beach, and Nielson Park Beach
📆 Events & Markets Nearby
Elliott Heads offers a peaceful coastal escape but remains close to some of the Bundaberg region’s most popular markets and festivals.
- 🛍️ Bargara Beach Arts & Crafts Market (monthly): Handmade crafts, art, jewellery, fresh produce, food stalls, and coastal gifts.
- 🎶 Oceanfest Bundaberg (August): Live music, seafood stalls, market vendors, and family activities celebrating the region’s marine heritage.
- 🍤 Taste Bundaberg Festival (seasonal): Gourmet market stalls, local farm tours, pop-up dining, and food events held throughout the region.
- 🐢 Milbi Festival (October/November): An Indigenous and marine-life celebration featuring markets, cultural events, art installations, and performances.
- 🎄 Elliott Heads Christmas Markets (seasonal): Small community markets featuring festive goods, handmade gifts, and food vendors.
For a full list of what’s on in the area, visit the
👉 Bundaberg Attractions | Best Things to Do Near Bundaberg Beaches
🏕️Accommodation Near Elliott Heads
Visitors have a variety of places to stay close to Elliott Heads. From caravan parks to short-term rentals, there’s something for everyone:
- 🏕️ Elliott Heads Caravan Park (right on the foreshore)
- 🏨 Hotels & motels in Bundaberg (20 km drive)
- 🏡 Short-term rentals & holiday homes near the coast
📖 Read Accommodation Reviews
📸 Submit Your Accommodation Review
💡 Please note: Full names and emails are kept private — only your chosen Display Name will appear publicly with your review.
🍴 Places to Eat & Drink
Elliott Heads offers a peaceful coastal dining experience with a small selection of local cafés and takeaway spots near the foreshore. Enjoy coffee and breakfast by the ocean, grab lunch after swimming or kitesurfing, or head into nearby Bargara for more restaurants and bars — then share your favourite food and drink experiences below!
📖 Read Food & Drinks Reviews
📸 Submit Your Food & Drinks Review
💡 Please note: Full names and emails are kept private — only your chosen Display Name will appear publicly with your review.
🧭Plan Your Trip to Elliott Heads
Whether you’re looking for calm waters for the kids, thrilling kite surfing, or simply stunning coastal scenery, Elliott Heads, Bundaberg Queensland is a must-visit. With its river-meets-reef setting, family facilities, and breathtaking tidal landscapes, Elliott Heads is one of the most beautiful destinations along the Coral Coast. Add it to your Queensland beach itinerary and experience why it’s a favourite for both locals and travellers.
💬 Share Your Elliott Heads Beach Photos & Reviews
📸 We’d love to see your favourite moments from the Bundaberg Region! Upload your photos, share your experiences, and leave a review to help other visitors discover the stunning beaches along this beautiful stretch of the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
📖 Read Beach Reviews
📸 Submit Your Beach Review
💡 Please note: Full names and emails are kept private — only your chosen Display Name will appear publicly.
💙 Explore More Beaches Nearby
Explore more of Bundaberg’s Coral Coast:
Bargara Beach ➜ | Kellys Beach ➜ | Mon Repos Beach ➜ | Burnett Heads ➜
🌊 About This Beach Directory
🌴 Note: This directory doesn’t include every beach in Queensland — there are simply too many! We’ve selected the most significant and unique beaches based on a range of factors including natural beauty, accessibility, and local popularity.
If you think we’ve missed one that deserves to be featured, we’d love to hear from you!
📧 Email us at Admin@QldBeach.com with your photos and tell us why your favourite beach should be added.
☀️ Happy surfing and sunning from the Queensland Beach Guide team!