Burnett Heads is the primary departure gateway for Southern Great Barrier Reef snorkel adventures from Bundaberg. The Port of Bundaberg Marina launches day trips to the world-class lagoon at Lady Musgrave Island, where protected shallow waters (15–25 m visibility) teem with coral gardens, parrotfish, surgeonfish, wrasse, and frequent turtle encounters. The nearby Woongarra Marine Park also offers shore-based reef snorkelling at Corals Cove and Kellys Beach for those wanting a self-guided experience without a boat. Burnett Heads itself sits at the mouth of the Burnett River, with boat ramps and easy access to the Coral Coast's pristine reef systems.
Burnett Heads
BeginnerMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.0 mSwell Period 0.0 sWind Speed 0.6 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Marine stingers (jellyfish)
Stinger season brings marine stingers (box jellyfish and Irukandji) to Queensland coastal waters, requiring protective stinger suits from November through May.
Low risk: Outgoing tide current
The Burnett River mouth can experience strong tidal flows, especially during outgoing tides, which may affect swimmers and snorkellers near the shore.
Low risk: Boat traffic in marina zone
Boat traffic in the marina and river mouth area poses a hazard for swimmers and snorkellers near the channel.
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Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
Burnett Heads is located at the mouth of the Burnett River, approximately 15 km northeast of Bundaberg, Queensland. The Port of Bundaberg marina is the primary departure point for day-trip snorkel tours to the Southern Great Barrier Reef, including Lady Musgrave Island and Lady Elliot Island.
Parking & facilities
Boat ramps and car/trailer parking are available at the Burnett River mouth near the Burnett Heads Hall. Free undercover parking is available at Burnett Riverside accommodation for those staying overnight before tours depart from the marina precinct nearby.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports