Easter Long Weekend at Burrum Heads

A Coastal Escape to Slow Down, Soak It Up, and Recharge

There’s something special about an Easter long weekend getaway, especially when it involves packing the car, loading up the dog, and pointing the bonnet north toward the coast. This year, we swapped the usual routine for a few blissful days at Burrum Heads, a quiet seaside gem on Queensland’s Fraser Coast where life moves at the pace of the tide.

With Shari, our much-loved pup, settled in and ready for the ride, we headed out early and joined the steady stream of holidaymakers making the same well-earned escape. The highway was busy in that familiar holiday way — not frantic, just full of families, caravans, boats, and travellers all chasing a few days away from the everyday. Even the looming threat of rising fuel prices didn’t seem to dull the mood. A long weekend away is a hard thing to resist.

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Our first stop was The Coffee Club in Caloundra, where we paused for a simple breakfast and a welcome break in the journey. Kim chose bacon and mushrooms, I went for the classic bacon and eggs, and Shari was treated like the little VIP she is — with a small omelette and a pupachino to keep her smiling. It was the perfect way to set the tone for the trip: easy, relaxed, and just indulgent enough to feel like a holiday had begun.

Back on the road, we hit a bit of a snag near Tairo, where roadworks and traffic lights had vehicles stacked up for over 40 minutes. It was one of those delays that tests your patience, especially when the sun is shining and you can feel the beach getting closer. We kept our eyes on the road and our sense of humour intact, all while counting down the moments until the open coast.

Not long after passing Maryborough, our mood lifted even further when we received a message saying our room was ready early. That small bit of good news made all the difference. Before long, we were rolling into Burrum Heads and checking in at Burrum Sands Holiday Units, ready to settle in and start living on holiday time.

Burrum Sands Holiday Units and the Beauty of Burrum Heads

Our accommodation at Burrum Sands Holiday Units was the perfect base for the weekend. Conveniently located close to the beach and river, the property has that relaxed coastal feel that immediately puts you at ease. The units are self-contained, comfortable, and ideal for a stay where you want a mix of independence and convenience. There’s a pool for cooling off, barbecue areas for easy meals, and a laid-back atmosphere that suits the entire town.

What makes Burrum Sands stand out isn’t just the practical side of things — it’s the feeling it gives you. It’s the kind of place where you can unpack the car, exhale, and instantly feel your shoulders drop. It doesn’t try too hard, and that’s part of its charm.

Burrum Heads itself is a place that rewards slow travel. Tucked between the Burrum River and the Coral Sea, it’s about a three-and-a-half-hour drive north of Brisbane, yet it feels like a world away. The town has a peaceful, unhurried rhythm, with quiet streets, river views, soft beaches, and a sense of space that is hard to find in busier coastal destinations.

People are drawn here for the simple pleasures: fishing, swimming, walking the beach, watching the sunrise, and enjoying the kind of relaxed holiday atmosphere that doesn’t need a long list of attractions to feel complete. The beaches stretch wide and calm, the river flats shift with the tide, and there’s always a sense that the day can unfold however you want it to. That’s the real appeal of Burrum Heads — it lets you breathe.

Once we unpacked, Kim headed straight for the pool, while I took Shari for a walk along the beach. She loved every second of it. Burrum Heads is the sort of place where dogs can truly enjoy a holiday too, with long sandy stretches and plenty of room to sniff, wander, and run. The afternoon was spent in that lovely in-between holiday state — chatting with other guests, relaxing by the water, and settling gently into the rhythm of the weekend.

Saturday in Hervey Bay and a Sunset Dinner in Toogoom

Saturday took us on a short drive to Hervey Bay, one of the Fraser Coast’s most popular seaside destinations and always a worthwhile day out from Burrum Heads. The drive itself is easy and scenic, and before long we were parked by the water and heading to one of our favourite breakfast spots: Enzo’s On The Beach.

Enzo’s has that perfect mix of style and ease. Set right on the esplanade at Scarness, it offers sweeping beach views, an open and breezy atmosphere, and food that makes the early start worthwhile. The staff are always welcoming, the setting is beautiful, and the whole place has a relaxed coastal energy that makes breakfast feel like part of the holiday, not just a stop along the way.

Kim chose the omelette, I went for the big breakfast, and Shari, as always, was happily included in the morning ritual. There’s something about sitting by the beach with good food and the sea just beyond the railing that makes everything feel lighter. Nothing beats that view.

After breakfast, we wandered through the Urangan Pier markets, a spot we always make time for when we’re in town. The markets had their usual good energy — lively, colourful, and full of local character. From handmade goods and fresh produce to craft stalls and little treasures, there’s always something to browse. It’s one of those places where time slips by without you really noticing.

We also made a few laps around the esplanade, with Shari enjoying a run along the beach and Kim checking out a few shops and boutiques. Hervey Bay has a lovely mix of casual coastal charm and community energy, which makes it easy to enjoy without rushing.

Later in the afternoon, we returned to Burrum Heads for a bit of fishing near the boat ramp. We managed a couple of flathead and some bream, which gave us a satisfying little taste of local fishing life before returning them to the water. It was never about taking anything home — more about the experience, the setting, and the simple pleasure of casting a line while the afternoon light softened around us.

That evening, we headed to Toogoom for dinner at Goody’s On The Beach, and it turned out to be one of the weekend’s highlights. Toogoom is a quiet little coastal pocket just north of Hervey Bay, and the drive there at sunset was beautiful. The sky was warm with colour, the roads were calm, and there was a feeling that we were slipping into a gentler world.

Goody’s sits right on the water and has that easy Queensland coastal style nailed perfectly. It’s casual, welcoming, and wonderfully relaxed, with friendly staff, an open-air setting, and views that make it hard to look away from the horizon. The atmosphere was just right — not rushed, not pretentious, just the kind of place you can settle into and enjoy.

Kim ordered the surf and turf, I had the crumbed chicken, and Shari was treated to chicken nuggets. Dinner felt like a celebration of simple holiday pleasures: good food, good company, and a beautiful setting as the sun slipped away behind the water. On the way back to Burrum Heads, we were still talking about how perfect the evening had been.

Sunday Morning Calm and Easter Weekend Colour

Sunday arrived with a sunrise that felt almost painted onto the sky. Burrum Heads really shines in the early morning, when the light is soft and the tide changes the landscape by the hour. Shari and I took a walk along the beach at low tide, and she had a ball racing across the sand and checking out the shallows like she owned the place.

We stopped in for coffee at the Burrum Café, another easygoing local spot that suits the town perfectly. It’s the kind of place where you can sit outside, watch the day begin, and feel as though there’s nowhere else you need to be.

From there, we wandered to the main park and boat ramp area to check out the Easter fishing competition. The atmosphere was lively without being hectic — families fishing from boats, the shore, the jetties, and the ramps, all with that friendly small-town holiday spirit that makes weekends like this so memorable. In one of the display tanks, a huge flathead had been landed, drawing plenty of attention and admiration.

Later in the morning, with the tide in and the sun warming the day, we joined Greg and Tanya — other guests we’d met — for a swim and a bit of beach fun. Their Kelpie x Collie and Shari became quick mates, and watching them play together in the water was one of those moments that just makes you smile. After that, we all headed to the pool and then fired up the barbecue for a relaxed lunch. Sausages, conversation, sunshine, and no agenda — that’s the good stuff.

The afternoon drifted by in that lovely holiday haze where time doesn’t seem to matter much. A few drinks, a few yarns, and a few lazy hours in the sunshine gave the day a nice, calm rhythm.

As evening approached, the campground and common areas came alive with that classic holiday energy. Travellers gathered with drinks in hand, kids ran around with glow sticks, dogs settled beside camp chairs, and the whole scene felt like a throwback to old-fashioned Queensland Easter holidays — the kind where the greatest luxury was simply being there, together, under an open sky. It was relaxed, warm, and quietly joyful.

A Few Frustrations Along the Way

As beautiful as Burrum Heads is, one of the more frustrating parts of the trip was trying to find a dinner spot that truly worked when travelling with a dog. On Saturday evening, we tried the Burrum Heads Tavern, heading in late afternoon for a couple of drinks before dinner. Unfortunately, the outdoor dining area had a band set up and the volume made it difficult to enjoy the space. On top of that, the tables were already fully booked, so there was no chance of staying for dinner. It wasn’t our first disappointing experience there, so it’s fair to say it hasn’t made a strong impression on us.

We also gave the Burrum Heads Bowls Club a go, hoping it might be a better option. We phoned twice to ask about booking a table, only to be told both times that they don’t take bookings, despite what their website suggested. We were told to simply turn up and hope for a table, which isn’t ideal when you’re travelling with a dog and trying to plan a relaxed meal. We were even told that tables might open up after the raffles at 7pm, but there was no guarantee. In the end, we decided it wasn’t worth the uncertainty.

That part of the trip was disappointing, especially in a place that otherwise feels so relaxed and welcoming. It’s a reminder that even in beautiful holiday towns, dining out with a dog can still be hit and miss.

Dog Friendly Dining on the Fraser Coast

One of the true highlights of the trip was discovering just how many dog-friendly dining options are available around Burrum Heads, Toogoom, and Hervey Bay. During our stay, we took the chance to explore the surrounding area, and because Toogoom and Hervey Bay are just a hop, skip and a jump away, it was easy to add a few meal stops into the mix. We were pleasantly surprised by the number of places that not only welcomed dogs, but made them feel like part of the experience.

Enzo’s On The Beach was a clear standout. With ocean views, a relaxed feel, and food that hit the spot, it quickly became one of our favourite places for breakfast. It’s the sort of place that makes you want to linger a little longer, coffee in hand, while Shari lies happily beside the table enjoying the breeze.

The Dock Hervey Bay brought a more vibrant energy, with a waterfront setting, tapas, and cocktails that make it an appealing choice for a fun lunch or dinner. Bayaroma in Torquay was another great discovery — a busy, friendly café right on the Hervey Bay Esplanade, opposite one of the best swimming beaches in the area. It’s perfect for coffee, breakfast, or a casual lunch in a beautiful location.

In Toogoom, Goody’s On The Beach really captured the essence of the coast. Right beside the boat ramp, it offers casual alfresco dining with shaded seating and lovely water views. It has a laid-back Queensland feel that suits dog owners beautifully, and the little touches for furry guests made it even better.

The Beach House Hotel also stood out as a good waterfront option for those wanting to enjoy a meal in a relaxed setting without leaving their dog behind.

What made these places special wasn’t just the food or the views — it was the welcome. Travelling with a dog changes how you experience a holiday, and when a venue genuinely embraces that, it makes all the difference. Being able to enjoy good food, beautiful scenery, and quality time together made the whole weekend feel even more complete.

For anyone planning a holiday with their dog, Toogoom and Hervey Bay have some of the best pet-friendly cafés and waterfront venues in Queensland. It’s one of the reasons we keep coming back to this part of the coast — it’s not just beautiful, it’s welcoming.

Closing Thoughts

By the time Monday rolled around, we were ready to head home, but only in the gentle way that comes after a good break — not rushed, not exhausted, just quietly content. We packed up at an easy pace, had one last coffee, and took a final moment to soak in the stillness before hitting the road.

The drive home was smooth and free of drama, a calm end to a weekend that had been full of simple pleasures. No big attractions, no busy schedules, just beach walks, coffee stops, shared meals, fishing, sunsets, and plenty of time to simply be.

That’s the real magic of Burrum Heads. It gives you room to slow down. It lets you reset. It invites you to trade noise for quiet, deadlines for tides, and stress for fresh sea air. It’s the kind of place that leaves a mark not because it dazzles, but because it soothes.

We left feeling rested, recharged, and grateful for the little moments that made the weekend shine. Shari came home sandy, happy, and utterly exhausted in the best possible way. And as for us, we already know we’ll be back.

Burrum Heads has that effect — it gets under your skin in the nicest way.

Until next time, Burrum Heads. Thanks for another beautiful Easter escape.

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