Sweet little building
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Old Burnett Heads Lighthouse

4.3
·32 reviews·Burnett Heads, Australia

A serene coastal spot featuring a modern lighthouse and a charming historic counterpart, perfect for peaceful walks and night photography.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Nighttime

Peaceful, great photos

CrowdLow
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Sweet little building

Old Burnett Heads Lighthouse

Best Time

Nighttime

Peaceful, great photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene coastal spot featuring a modern lighthouse and a charming historic counterpart, perfect for peaceful walks and night photography.

4.3
(32 reviews)

"Seek out the original lighthouse; the modern one is the saving grace for the original."

Vertical photo
TIP

Seek the Original

Many find the original lighthouse more appealing. Make sure to find it to enhance your visit! :camerawithflash:

Nighttime Photography

The lighthouse beam at night offers a fantastic opportunity for stunning photos. :iphone:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Modern Lighthouse Beam

Modern Lighthouse Beam

Burnett Heads

Witness the sweeping beam of the modern lighthouse at night, creating a peaceful and picturesque scene.

Original Historic Lighthouse

Original Historic Lighthouse

Near Burnett Heads

Seek out the charming, original lighthouse for a more traditional and aesthetically pleasing experience.

Seaside Serenity

Seaside Serenity

Burnett Heads shoreline

Enjoy the quiet, salt-kissed sands and the gentle call of the silver tides. Perfect for a peaceful escape.

Small Lagoon Wildlife

Small Lagoon Wildlife

Left of the lighthouse

Explore a small lagoon teeming with diverse marine life, a delightful discovery for nature lovers.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

While the modern lighthouse is accessible anytime, consider visiting at dusk for stunning sunset views and to witness the lighthouse beam sweep across the horizon. It's a peaceful time with fewer visitors.

Beyond the Modern Structure

Don't miss the original, historic lighthouse nearby. Many visitors find it more charming and recommend seeking it out to avoid disappointment with the modern structure.

Best Times

When
Nighttime
Why
Peaceful, great photos
Crowd
Low
When
Dusk
Why
Sunset views, lighthouse beam
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Look out Bundaberg & Burnett Heads! 🚨 We will be doing a popup this Sunday 14 September from 10am onwards at River Heads Seafood Grill. Tag your mates and fam so they know where to find us. See you there! 🤙 River Culture Seafood & Grill #breakingfree247 #bunderberg #TravelAustralia #ausflexcaravans #herveybay
@breakingfree247
567 likes • 69.2K views

Seek the Original

Many find the original lighthouse more appealing. Make sure to find it to enhance your visit! :camerawithflash:

Nighttime Photography

The lighthouse beam at night offers a fantastic opportunity for stunning photos. :iphone:

Got one done for a place at Burnett heads PBR tonight @Western Country & Co @Valleyeyewear @Darcy Merrell @Riley Merrell @JB🎀 @Trace
@lanecross85
406 likes • 2.6K views
This shark was keen for a feed, maybe a little bit too keen #tuskfish #venustuskfish #reeffishing #shark #bundaberg #burnettheads #queensland #australia #cruisecraftboats #minnkota #gopro #simrad
@whiplash_fishing
337 likes • 17.9K views

Dog-Friendly Walks

Well-maintained grass tracks make it a pleasant spot for walking your dog. :dog:

Explore the Lagoon

Discover small sea life in the lagoon to the left of the lighthouse. :sparkles:

Tips

from all over the internet

Seek the Original

Many find the original lighthouse more appealing. Make sure to find it to enhance your visit! :camerawithflash:

Nighttime Photography

The lighthouse beam at night offers a fantastic opportunity for stunning photos. :iphone:

Dog-Friendly Walks

Well-maintained grass tracks make it a pleasant spot for walking your dog. :dog:

Explore the Lagoon

Discover small sea life in the lagoon to the left of the lighthouse. :sparkles:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(32 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Burnett Heads to be a peaceful coastal spot, particularly enjoyable at night for its lighthouse beam and photography opportunities. While the modern lighthouse's appearance is sometimes criticized, the nearby original lighthouse is highly recommended for its charm. The area is praised for its well-maintained walking tracks and the discovery of a small lagoon with marine life.

"This is the ugliest lighthouse we have seen thus far. The saving grace is the original lighthouse is close by. Make sure you find this so as not to waste your time"

Tomo and Liz Tomo's

"Salt-kissed sands, a jewel so small,
where silver tides in patience call—
no bustle here, just sky and line,
your hook, the breeze, the sea divine"

Gleison Pereira

"Interesting place to visit. A modern day lighthouse"

Adam Cottrell

What People Like

Peaceful nighttime atmosphere
Original historic lighthouse
Walking tracks

What People Dislike

Modern lighthouse appearance

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The lighthouse is located in Burnett Heads, near Bundaberg, Queensland. It's accessible by car, with well-maintained tracks leading to the site. Parking is generally available nearby.

While direct public transport to the lighthouse itself might be limited, you can reach Bundaberg by bus or train, and then take a local bus or taxi to Burnett Heads.

The original lighthouse is often mentioned as being close by. Ask locals or check local signage upon arrival for directions to ensure you don't miss it.

Burnett Heads offers a boat ramp and a breakerwater wall for exploration. The town of Bundaberg, with its rum distillery and other attractions, is also a short drive away.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, access to the lighthouse area and grounds is generally free. You can visit anytime to enjoy the views and atmosphere.

The lighthouse grounds are typically accessible at all hours, making it suitable for both daytime visits and nighttime photography.

Similar to the modern lighthouse, the original historic lighthouse is usually accessible without an entry fee. Enjoy exploring the area freely.

Information on climbing the lighthouse is not readily available, and it's likely not permitted for public access. The main draw is viewing it from the outside and its surroundings.

📸 📸 Photography

Nighttime is highly recommended for capturing the lighthouse beam sweeping across the horizon. Dusk also offers beautiful sunset views. Reddit

The shoreline offers great vantage points. The small lagoon to the left of the lighthouse can also provide interesting photographic opportunities with its marine life. Reddit

A tripod is highly recommended for nighttime photography to capture the lighthouse beam effectively. A standard camera or even a good smartphone camera can yield great results. Reddit

Always check local drone regulations before flying. While not explicitly prohibited, it's best to be aware of any restricted airspace or guidelines.

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy the peaceful seaside atmosphere, walk along the well-maintained tracks, explore the small lagoon, and take photos, especially at night. Reddit

Yes, there are well-maintained grass tracks that are good for walking, and even for walking your dog. Reddit

There's a breakerwater wall that extends a couple of hundred meters towards the Burnett Heads boat ramp, offering a different perspective of the coastline.

Generally, it's a quiet and peaceful place, especially at night. Crowds are usually low, making it ideal for a relaxed visit. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Burnett Heads offers a relaxed coastal experience that can be enjoyable for families. The well-maintained grass tracks are perfect for little ones to explore and run around, and it's a great spot for a family picnic. Reddit The small lagoon is a fantastic natural playground where kids can discover small sea creatures, sparking their curiosity about marine life. Reddit While the modern lighthouse might not be as visually striking to younger eyes, the overall peaceful environment and the chance to see the lighthouse beam at night can be a memorable experience. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as facilities might be limited.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Burnett Heads presents a unique dual opportunity. The modern lighthouse's operational beam at night is a prime subject, especially with a tripod for long exposures. Reddit The surrounding coastline and the chance to capture the sweeping light offer dramatic shots. Don't forget to also seek out the original, more historic lighthouse, which provides a classic, picturesque subject for your lens. Reddit The small lagoon can also offer interesting macro photography opportunities with its marine life. Reddit

🐶 Dog Owners

Burnett Heads is a welcoming spot for dog owners. The area boasts well-maintained grass tracks that are perfect for walking your canine companion. Reddit It's a peaceful environment where your dog can enjoy the fresh sea air and explore the open spaces. Remember to keep your dog on a leash where required and always clean up after them to help maintain the cleanliness of this lovely coastal area.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Two Lighthouses of Burnett Heads

Burnett Heads is unique in that it features both a modern operational lighthouse and a historic, older lighthouse nearby. While the modern lighthouse is functional and its beam sweeps the horizon at night, some visitors find its aesthetic less appealing, describing it as 'ugly.' Reddit This has led to a common piece of advice among travelers: make sure to seek out the original, historic lighthouse. This older structure is often considered more charming and picturesque, offering a more traditional lighthouse experience that many visitors seek out. Reddit

When planning your visit, it's wise to allocate time to find both. The modern lighthouse provides a functional beacon, but the historic one often captures the romantic essence of lighthouses that travelers are looking for. Checking local signage or asking for directions upon arrival can help ensure you experience the full history and charm of Burnett Heads' maritime heritage.

Nighttime Magic and Photography

The Old Burnett Heads Lighthouse area transforms into a magical spot after dark, particularly for photography enthusiasts. The sweeping beam of the modern lighthouse creates a captivating spectacle against the night sky, offering a peaceful and serene ambiance. Reddit Many visitors recommend this time for its photographic potential, suggesting it's a great place to capture stunning images. Reddit

To make the most of your nighttime visit, consider bringing a tripod for stable shots, especially if you're aiming to capture the lighthouse beam effectively. While a professional camera setup can be beneficial, even a good smartphone camera can produce impressive results in low light. The quiet atmosphere at night, with minimal crowds, further enhances the experience, allowing for uninterrupted enjoyment and creative photography. Reddit

Coastal Exploration and Wildlife

Beyond the lighthouses themselves, the Burnett Heads coastline offers opportunities for gentle exploration and discovery. Well-maintained grass tracks provide pleasant walking paths, making it an ideal location for a leisurely stroll or a dog walk. Reddit The area is noted for its peaceful, salt-kissed sands and the gentle rhythm of the tides, contributing to a tranquil seaside experience. Reddit

A particularly interesting feature is the small lagoon located to the left of the lighthouse. This lagoon is a haven for various small sea creatures, offering a glimpse into the local marine ecosystem. Reddit For those seeking a bit more adventure, a breakerwater wall extends a couple of hundred meters towards the Burnett Heads boat ramp, providing a different perspective of the coastline and the sea. Reddit

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