Burnett Heads
Sailing Guide (Burnett River Entrance Only)
Burnett Heads Sailing Guide. Burnett Heads marks the entrance to the Burnett River and is the primary coastal access point for vessels approaching Bundaberg from seaward. The entrance is wide, well‑marked and dredged, but it behaves like a true river mouth, with tidal flow, cross‑set, swell interaction and shifting shoals outside the channel. The skipper must treat Burnett Heads as a working commercial entrance rather than a casual coastal stop, with attention to the leads, the dredged channel and the behaviour of the river outflow in different conditions. The approach is straightforward in settled weather, but the entrance can become uncomfortable in strong easterlies or when swell meets the ebb tide.
The Burnett River itself is deep and navigable, with a maintained channel that carries vessels past the entrance and into the river proper. The skipper must remain alert for commercial traffic, dredging operations and strong tidal flow, especially on springs. The river bends immediately inside the entrance, and the combination of cross‑set and tidal stream can push a vessel sideways if speed and helm are not managed with intent. Burnett Heads is not a difficult entrance, but it is one that rewards disciplined navigation and a clear understanding of how the river behaves under different wind and tide combinations.
Burnett Heads Sailing Guide - Location
Burnett Heads lies on the central Queensland coast, north of Bargara and east of Bundaberg, marking the mouth of the Burnett River. From seaward, the entrance is identified by the breakwaters, the leads and the industrial structures associated with the port. The coastline to the south is low and sandy, while the river mouth and breakwaters form a clear, engineered opening. The entrance sits roughly halfway between Hervey Bay and 1770, making it a natural access point for vessels heading inland toward Bundaberg or staging for offshore passages. Approximate position: 24°45.0’S 152°24.0’E
Burnett Heads Sailing Guide - Approach
The approach is clear and uncomplicated, with 10–20 m of water outside the entrance and a well‑defined dredged channel leading between the breakwaters. The outer leads provide a reliable line into the channel, and the skipper should hold the leads precisely, as the shoals outside the dredged area can be shallow. Depths in the approach channel are typically 8–10 m, deepening to 10–12 m inside the breakwaters. In strong easterly swell, the sea state outside can be lumpy, but the channel itself remains navigable. The skipper must be aware of cross‑set near the entrance, especially when the ebb tide meets an easterly swell, which can push the vessel off the leads if not corrected promptly.
Burnett Heads Sailing Guide - Entrance Channel and River
The Burnett River entrance is dredged and maintained, but it behaves like a true river mouth with strong tidal flow on springs. The ebb tide can reach 2–3 knots, and when it meets an easterly swell, the result is a short, steep chop that can be uncomfortable for smaller vessels. The flood tide sets strongly into the river and can push a vessel sideways toward the breakwaters if speed is too low. Depths in the entrance channel are generally 8–12 m, but the edges of the dredged area shoal quickly, and the skipper must remain within the marked channel at all times. Inside the breakwaters, the river bends, and the combination of tidal stream and cross‑set requires firm helm and adequate speed to maintain control.
Burnett Heads Sailing Guide - Inside
Once inside the entrance, the river widens and deepens, with 7–10 m of water in the main channel. The tidal stream remains strong, especially near the bends, and the skipper must account for this when manoeuvring. The riverbanks are lined with industrial structures, and commercial traffic is common, requiring clear situational awareness. The river is navigable for several miles upstream, but the skipper must remain in the marked channel, as the edges shoal quickly to 2–3 m. The river is protected from swell, and conditions inside are generally calm, but the tidal flow remains the dominant factor in vessel behaviour.
Burnett Heads Sailing Guide - Wind, Weather and Tide
Burnett Heads is exposed to easterly swell, and the entrance can become uncomfortable when a strong easterly meets the ebb tide. Northerlies can create a cross‑sea outside the entrance, while southerlies tend to flatten the approach. Inside the river, wind has less influence than tide, and the vessel will lie to the current rather than the breeze. The tidal range is moderate, but the stream is strong on springs, and the skipper must plan entry and exit with the tide in mind. Burnett Heads is navigable in most conditions, but the combination of swell and ebb tide can create a challenging sea state that should not be underestimated.
Burnett Heads Sailing Guide - Navigation Hazards
The primary hazards at Burnett Heads are the strong tidal stream, the cross‑set near the entrance, the shallow edges of the dredged channel and the interaction between swell and ebb tide. The breakwaters create a narrow entrance, and the skipper must hold the leads precisely to avoid being pushed toward the rocks. The river bends immediately inside the entrance, and the tidal stream can set the vessel sideways if speed is too low. Commercial traffic and dredging operations are common, and the skipper must maintain situational awareness at all times.
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Burnett Heads Sailing Guide - Summary
Burnett Heads is a well‑marked, dredged and navigable river entrance that provides reliable access to the Burnett River, but it behaves like a true river mouth with strong tidal flow, cross‑set and swell interaction. The approach is straightforward in settled conditions, and the channel is deep and clearly defined, but the skipper must treat the entrance with respect, especially when the ebb tide meets an easterly swell. With disciplined helm, adequate speed and attention to the leads, Burnett Heads is a safe and predictable entrance for coastal skippers. The Burnett Heads Sailing Guide is here to help.