Visitors to the city of Bundaberg are not going to be short of enjoyable places to spend a holiday and the small but very friendly ‘Lighthouse’ Caravan Park at Burnett Heads is certainly one of the best-kept secrets within the region.

The township of Burnett Heads is 16km north of Bundaberg and there are ample signs to follow once on the eastern side of the main City area.

Naturally, Burnett Heads Road leads to the busy township of Burnett Heads. With plenty of signage to show the way and on the outskirts of the business area, which offers virtually every service or facility you need, the idea is to keep an eye open for Paul Mittelheuser Street in which this Council owned caravan park is located. The travel time from Bundaberg is around 15 minutes so there’s no need to pack a cut lunch! If you arrive at the boat harbour and the associated launching ramp you have gone past the Park entrance so a short back track should reveal it. A good landmark is the tennis court adjoining the caravan park out front. Handily, the court is council owned but a game is easily arranged through the caravan park’s office.

For general information the Lighthouse Caravan Park is on the southern bank of the adjoining boat harbour in the Burnett River with an expanse of beach and sand flat between the harbour and park, which is water covered at high tide and exposed at low tide.

As I mentioned, this is a relatively small caravan park but it has a very laid back and informal atmosphere, which will endear it to travellers who like to set up camp just a little off the beaten track. The Park’s location virtually on the shore of the Burnett River is super angler friendly and with a large river wall nearby it would not be hard to knock over a quick feed of fish towards the top of the tide. All the usual suspects are on hand, flathead, bream, whiting, with the odd exotic such as mangrove jacks thrown in for the live bait enthusiast. This caravan park is also pet friendly (always upon arrangement) so it would pay to enquire about the cat or dog going along for a trip to Burnett Heads prior to leaving home.

Within the Park proper there are both powered and unpowered sites with ample grassed areas as well as concrete slabs for caravans. Amenities are very well kept and clean and there’s a camp kitchen and barbecue for visitors to enjoy. A laundry is also on hand.

Sporty types can enjoy the tennis court or go for a walk to the adjoining recreation area where the Old Lighthouse sits. This local landmark is actually responsible for the caravan park’s name. If you want some history, the original Burnett heads Lighthouse was built in 1873 and served the maritime community well for 99 years before being replaced by a more modern, one. It was then transported to the park in nearby Zunker Street as a tourist attraction. Tours of the old lighthouse are offered on a regular basis with open days for visitors on the 4th Sunday each month.

Other popular attractions include visits to Mon Repos turtle rookery with ranger guided tours available each night from 7pm from November to March. Another couple of interesting landmarks for tourists are the Bundaberg rum distillery and the Bert Hinkler Hall of Aviation, a museum dedicated to the life of one of Bundaberg’s most famous sons.

Local infrastructure at Burnett Heads includes a good number of businesses that can make a holiday just that bit better. I can personally vouch for the crusty bread at the bakery, the ease of shopping at the supermarket. There is also a hotel, hairdresser, pharmacy, service station plus other businesses.

Anglers of all persuasions are able to enjoy Burnett Head’s fishing areas. The Burnett River, as mentioned, is right on the park’s door step and both small and large boats are easily launched to fish the river or further afield. Expected targets in the river, could well be estuary cod, grunter, trevally, queenfish with occasional visits to the lower reaches of the river by macks and tuna. Offshore, around artificial and long-standing natural reef areas there is some good reef fishing to be had. While Burnett Heads and other areas east of Bundaberg are classified as open waters these areas still are offered some protection by Fraser Island off to the southeast. Shore-based anglers could do worse than take a look at near by Oaks Beach or fish a section of the river walls not far from the Park.

In all, Burnett Heads does offer a lot and if there’s a need for tackle top ups several tackle stores are as close as the Bundaberg CBD. Anglers wanting to experience a chartered trip could contact Bundaberg Fishing Charters, they can be contacted on (07) 4159 5507.

Finally, to enjoy a holiday at the Lighthouse Caravan Park it’s only necessary to take the turn off to Bundaberg from the Bruce Highway and travel to the east side of town and simply follow the signs. Contact details for the Park are (07) 4159 4313 or email --e-mail address hidden--