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River Heads
3.5(20 reviews)

River Heads, QLD 4655

3.5(20 reviews)

Ranked 22nd best suburb by locals in Queensland Region, QLD

Great for

  • Peace and quiet
  • Clean & green
  • Neighbourly spirit
  • Safe and sound
  • Parking

Not great for

  • Public transport

Who lives here?

  • Families With Kids
  • Professionals
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
  • Singles

Reviews of River Heads, QLD

22nd May 2024

"Laid back lifestyle"

Having lived in River Heads for 18 years it is the best place to live on the Fraser Coast. Beautiful views, easy access to K'Gari and Sandy Straits

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
0
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10th April 2024

"A really nice place to live and the views are incredible!"

I've lived in River heads for almost 2 years, moved up from Brisbane and bought a section in River heads, then a house right next door. I don't think I could live anywhere else tbh.
My partner and I came up for a look at Hervey bay in 2021 and stumbled upon River heads by mistake, (my partner wanted to see if there was a boat ramp near by) and as we ventured over the hill, I saw water on each side of the peninsula... That was it, I went straight to the river heads real estate, 3 months later we had bought here!! Absolutely no regrets!!!!

Made the big move up 6 months later and my father bought the place next door, he's moving up next month, from North lakes.

I feel like we live in Beverly Hills at times, everything's so beautiful, no midge problem here, but crazy at the boat ramp, dusk and dawn! We got severely attacked once when we launched the boat at 5am! Now we know to load up on repellent.

We were so worried about the midges after we bought and read some of these reviews, but so far so good! It honestly doesn't deserve the bad wrap, from where I'm standing anyway... Tbh, I get attacked more when I go to my son's place in Brisbane, by mosquitoes..
Anyway, everyone seems friendly but we all seem to stick to ourselves, beautiful homes, everyone takes care of their lawns here in turtle cove!
Great value and the view is sensational, from the sun rising over K'gari and the sea in the morning to the incredible sunsets at the back of the house..
I feel like I've found my happy place... Honestly, am absolute jewel.
The only thing people may struggle with is the public transport, as we have none. But there's buses for the schools.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
0
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"Fantastic place to live"

Best place to live a quiet peaceful life.
Green most of the year, friendly people and convenient to the airport fishing and Fraser island.
We have a great little village life with all we could need ....a chemist drs convenience store and excellent cafe.
Views to die for with sea breezes most days. A hidden Paradise for my family.

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
0
paulg46

Which real estate agent did you say you work for?

Anita Gardiner

Riverheads is going to be even more Amazing as the years go by. Gorgeous views, houses, community spirit and the most clean and refreshing air to breathe ever. Since leaving the city life, all our health has improved so much more. It's so calm and quiet and at night time sitting on the verandah watching the stars and full moon over the water is mindblowing. Best choice moving here, EVER! Great for families, investors, retires, close to Hervey Bay, if you love fishing, hey, k'gari Island, aka Fraser, is a hop, skip and jump away. Crabs are amazing to catch local to, not to mention seeing dolphins, gigantic sea turtles at the boat ramp. Watching all the excited tourists popping over to thr Island is cool to and chatting to the many sailors popping by on their trips around the world. If your thinking of buying, do it. The houses are lovely, esp the done up queenslander homes, rare but BEAUTIFUL HOMES up here, ENJOY, we are xx

paulg46

You forgot to mention the dreadful midge problem in River heads. The midges are why so many properties are for sale at any one time in such a small area. Many people are unable to live with the midge problem and this is why there has been such a large turnover of properties over the past several years. Ask a local real estate agent about the midge problem and you will probably either be told there's no problem or that the problem only exists in the "two weeks before and after the full moon"! Something to think about.

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"Great fishing. Close to fraser island. Barge access to the island"

I do not live in river heads but my son and family do. Visit there a lot. Fish there a lot. As for the sandfly problem i am pleased to say i have not been bitten by them at his home. I have been bitten at the boat ramp though. I live over at point vernon and occasionally have had sandfly bites here. It seems to me if you live in an area in the bay that does not get
a sea breeze they can be a problem. As for the crocs they have definitely been seen and mud slides have been seen around the mouth of the mary. Crocs have been trapped further up the mary. I have seen old photos of crocs that were shot in the fresh water reaches of the mary at tiaro. Best to play it safe anyway and assume they may be there. If your thinking of buying a house there then try to not buy in a low area. We all have different opinions about things . I only wrote this review so people could read it and others to make up there own mind. Hope it helps.

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
3
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"Peaceful getaway with views forever"

We have stayed in a holiday home in River Heads twice every year for as long as I can remember. To this day we still think River Heads is one of QLD's best kept secrets. We are a family who loves the outdoors and boating. Day trips to Fraser in our boat and coming back home to serenity with views to where we have spent our day is just part of the experience my wife and I work so hard for during the year just to come back. We feel so lucky that our kids have enjoyed the experience. One day we hope to have our own holiday home in River Heads.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
3
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"Safe quiet full of midgies and crocs cant swim there"

Lived in river heads for a year. Safe quiet, beautiful views of Fraser Island. It says river heads beach there is no beach you cant swim there. There are crocs there, so dont swim there ever. Also midgies will eat you alive. I went for a walk in the neighbourhood, just around the block stopped for a chat with a neighbor for 10 mins got 120 midgie bites on my legs . Itchy for weeks , leave marks on your legs and small sores that if you squeeze a little thing pops out and the itch stops, very weird.
Also no buses for transport at all. Only school bus but no town bus and if your stuck with car trouble.... your well and truly stuck, taxi costs nearly $30 into start of Hervey Bay. Small supermarket cost arm and leg but when your stuck out there you have no choice. Little cafe fish shop lady very friendly cooks beautiful fish chips.No petrol out there. If your looking for lifestyle where no one bothers you and you want peace and quiet this is ideal but not if you are midgie attracter and want to swim at beach... no beach just crocs waiting

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
1
SaltAndPepper

So why is there a sign at the ramp that say "Beware of Crocs"?

lynp4
lynp4

The person said "There are crocs there so don't swim". Something wrong with your eyesight?

bobhatton
bobhatton

A croc at River Heads would be like finding rocking horse poo...
Don't be put off. There are literally thousands of signs around Queensland proclaiming crocs in the water; it's to cover themselves SHOULD the unexpected happen.

bonniel1

Lived here for years get bitten by midgies in town more than I ever have at home. If you hang around under trees in low areas you may find them but don't believe the negative Ned's. River heads is a fabulous place to live.

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"Little Slice of Heaven"

River heads is one of a kind! The place has green grass, blue waters and views to the one and only magical Fraser Island! The neighbourhood is so lovely people are always kind to each other. For a little place River Heads has plently to do! The River Heads Progress Association alway has something going on and the fishing is the best in the Fraser Coast. River Heads is full of life... ... Birds will eat from you hands!!!! The Dolphins put on a show for the locals and often travel with the boats!!!! One of the finest places Queenland has to offer and affordable as well!

Great for

  • Peaceful
  • Close to nature
  • Water front views almost every where
  • Proximity to Fraser Island
  • Views
  • Quite
  • Good for kids

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
0
Mike P Johnson

Dolphins my a.. - try again with something more realistic

Robyn Pheeney real estate agent
Robyn Pheeney

We have seen many dolphins while out fishing, it is one of the best places we have been fishing.
It is also a great place to bring up kids, it is quiet and safe.

SaltAndPepper

How many beers did you have in your dinghy?

robertj20

I agree with robyn. Have seen small pods of dolphins out off river heads most times when i fish there. Also have seen dugongs as well but they have been around the little islands near woody island. Marine life is abundant in the area.

kathyb9

is there snakes there

paulg46

Is the Pope a Catholic?

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"Lovely Friendly Town"

Most amazing fishing grounds. Dolphins swim by and do tricks like you would see at Seaworld. Fraser Island is in full view from the shore!!!! Locals are always friendly and happy to meet new people. Would make a lovely place to raise children. Any one would be BLESSED to wake up to the views that surround River Heads.

Great for

  • Proximity to Fraser Island
  • Views
  • Quite
  • Good for kids

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
1
Robyn Pheeney real estate agent
Robyn Pheeney

Great place for the kids to grow up, my boys absolutely love it and I do not have to worry about them getting into trouble. School bus goes past the front door. The only thing missing is a fuel station otherwise a lovely place to live and bring up kids.

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"Why would you live anywhere else?"

This picturesque villiage has been our home for the last eight years, and as we open our curtains in the morning,we look across The Great Sandy Straits to World Heritage Fraser Island. With idealic climate and unsurpasted water views, from almost anywhere on this penninsula, great boating,fishing, and relaxed lifestyle. Friday nights have great meals at The progress Association, with many other activities in the hall during the week.
Our local cafe,overlooking the lovely Susan River with it's moored yachts, is agreat place for brekky or a coffee, or even some take away.

Great for

  • Excellent retirement area.
  • About 13ks to major shopping,local shopping adequate.
  • Proximity to Fraser Island
  • Views
  • Quite
  • Good for kids

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
1
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"River Heads...you are welcome."

River Heads is a great place to live, work, play, love and laugh. The community spirit is wonderful, the views are breathtaking, the peace and tranquility is sublime. It's rural living and sometimes you see snakes, kangaroos, kookaburras, sandflies (try sitting on the canals on the Gold Coast at dusk and what do you find sandflies, they are part of living in seaside areas.....even Scotland has them!) Life is about choice, you are welcome to live here and enjoy. We love living here.

Great for

  • Wonderful community spirit
  • Breathtaking views
  • Everyone welcome
  • Proximity to Fraser Island
  • Views
  • Quite
  • Good for kids

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
1
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"Quiet rural style suburb"

River heads is a midgie ridden hell hole with a nightmare access road and mad traffic.. Turtle Cove is a bit better though the midgies are still very prevalent.. The land prices are way over inflated with investors trying to make a big buck.. They will never get the prices they are asking

Great for

  • Proximity to Fraser Island
  • Quite

Not great for

  • Midgies and mozzies are a damn nightmare.. Bring you own blood supply, you'll need it..
  • Crime on the rise
  • Inflated prices
  • Only people who are really enjoying living here is the local real estate agent who sees the same property turnover on average every three and a half years so he's making a killing !
  • River Heads Rd is a nightmare due to increased traffic for Fraser Island visitors leaving on the barge.
  • 'Proposed Golf Course' is BULLCRAP.. It was NEVER EVER going to happen. Usual 'new estate' hype..

Who lives here?

  • Country Lovers
2
stevenk5

Appreciate the honesty as it seems the real estates are the highly positive ones ( i smell a rat) and i was thinking of buying there as it does seem quite the picturesque postcard however, again ive been watching the area for a while and there is too many places for sale for such a small community and the turn around seems high of sales. Thanks again.

jerryg2

Thanks' for an honest opinion.

steves13

The midgees are absolutely horrendous

peterd72

Totally incorrect of course. Looking at all the other reviews and the opposite is shown. After 8 years here I can say it is a great place to live. Midges are around but it doesn't take long to learn to manage them.
Crime is rare, property turnover happens everywhere but people are staytinh longer and longer because it is so damn nice living here.
River Heads Road is getting busy, but it is a short road so the off 5 minutes of our lives on it never hurts!

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"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!!"

River Heads is a beautiful quite little township. Its not for every one just read the negaitive comments below. But i have nothing bad to say about the place. I lived there for 5yrs, and still own a house and block of land. I would love to get back there at some stage. Yes there are sandflies, snakes and alot of other Australian Wildlife. But thats what makes it. Where in Australia do you find NO bugs, snakes etc??? This is a wonderful place for young famlies, professional workers, retirees and people of all walks of life. Your 15 mins to town, Yes it's not a big town but still your only a 3 1/2 hr drive from the Sunshine Coast and 1 1/2 hr drive to Gympie, 2hrs to Bundaberg. Your a 1-2 min drive to the boat ramp where you can catch the Barge over to a World Hertiage listed Island with to most Beautiful 4wd tracks, amazing lakes, rivers and walking tracks.
If all you want to do is shop and whinge than NO River Heads may not be for you. But if your willing to get out and about and enjoy a peaceful and scenic Town then you will love it like i have done for 5 years and still do.

Great for

  • Proximity to Fraser Island
  • Views
  • Good for kids
  • Quite

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
1
Robyn Pheeney real estate agent
Robyn Pheeney

I totally agree with you.

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"Can 1200 people be that wrong?"

10 minutes drive from Hervey Bay away from the hustle & bustle of city life within sight of Fraser Island - it can't get much better! A peninsula virtually surrounded by water & yes, if you do something wrong everyone knows about it!! So if you want to live in an environment that gives you such pleasure, then please enjoy the positives not concentrate on the negatives. On a very still day in summer you will get midges but what area on the Queensland coast doesn't get them!!! Be proactive & keep your grass short like the people who love the area!
Yes there is a lot of land for sale but what investors are making money out of anything these days!!! We still have lots of people building houses in the area. Can 1200 people be that wrong? I don't think so! Keep your negative comments to yourself or stay away & leave the rest of us to enjoy our paradise as we want.

Great for

  • Quite
  • Good for kids
  • Safe no Crime
  • Proximity to Fraser Island
  • Views
2
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"Isolated and swarming with pesky biting sandflies. Be warned, this place is hicksville. Great place if you like playing the banjo and enjoy whistling."

To be truthful, the area is scenic and beautiful but that all goes out the window when the midges (biting sandflies) swarm into town and force everyone indoors. There are hundreds of properties up for sale here as residents up and leave after realizing there dream turns into a nightmare. Sorry, but it is just to much to bare and property values are declining rapidly here....My advice is to look elsewhere.

Great for

  • Proximity to Fraser Island
  • Views

Not great for

  • Crime on the rise
  • Inflated prices
  • Mold, snakes, sandflies, mosquitoes
  • Only people who are really enjoying living here is the local real estate agent who sees the same property turnover on average every three and a half years so he's making a killing !
  • River Heads Rd is a nightmare due to increased traffic for Fraser Island visitors leaving on the barge.
  • Speeding hoons visit the area at night causing havoc and making excessive noise.
2
Lilly_Pond

Im from Brisbane City. I LOVE River Heads!!!!!!!!

Robyn Pheeney real estate agent
Robyn Pheeney

The council does many things to help with the midgees and they are only a small issue when you have the view and lifestyle. We have 7 months of the year that we don't see any midgees and over the summer months only one week either side of the full moon. If you live out west you have to live with the heat, if you live up north you have to live with the humidity, down south the cold, everywhere there is something. Life is only what you make of it.

paulg46

Get real about the Council. They refuse to do anything about the midge problem.

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"Turtle Cove..."

Don't get duped by people telling you that there are no sandflies and mozzies in Turtle Cove - if in doubt come and check for yourself during high tide. :)

Great for

  • Proximity to Fraser Island

Not great for

  • Crime on the rise
  • Inflated prices
  • Mold, snakes, sandflies, mosquitoes

Who lives here?

  • LGBT+
0
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"8 minutes from a large town breath-taking beauty peaceful where everyone is kind and friendly"

In turtle cove estate there are no mosquitoes or sandflies only up higher near the shops and boat ramp closer to the Susan River. We have travelled around Australia and can vouch that this is truely an undiscovered beauty. Not overdeveloped, peaceful only minutes from a large city with everything you need, and where people are truley friendly, kind and we have found they are always willing to help you out. High recommended...Large blocks with little traffic wide streets perfect for young families and they have schools buses run everyday from all of the Hervey Bay Schools.

Great for

  • Proximity to Fraser Island
  • Views

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
0
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"Views, views, views..."

I've lived in River Heads (Turtle Cove) for more than 4 years and have recently sold the property. Thanks God. Main reasons were mold, sandflies, mosquitoes and snakes. "Best place" to live turned our lives into nightmare and pain. I guess that for local real estate agents it is best place to live. Generally, in River Heads/Turtle Cove prices are overinflated and lifestyle is way overrated. Property crime and traffic is on the rise especially since introduction of new ferry service to Fraser Island. A bit remote from Hervey Bay - without a speeding ticket it takes about 25 minutes drive.
And as for nightmare and pain - imagine watching your kids in the IC unit in hospital being bitten by sandflies and snakes. That was our view...
Whoever tells you different means they were never living here or they are local real estate agents. Think!

Great for

  • Views
  • Proximity to Fraser Island

Not great for

  • Mold, snakes, sandflies, mosquitoes
  • Inflated prices
  • Crime on the rise
3
Banjine

Oh my Goodness! You obviously have a beef with the local Real estate Agent!

I lived at River Heads for 12 years and raised my children there. It is a lovely fishing village with fantastic views. There is a small shopping centre there, and no need to drive to town often.

And as to your statement QUOTE .....

' And as for nightmare and pain - imagine watching your kids in the IC unit in hospital being bitten by sandflies and snakes. That was our view... ' UNQUOTE

I have Never Ever heard of anyone being bitten by snakes or sandflies in a hospital let alone an IC unit!

Posting your beef on a public forum is childish and immature!

I'm glad you sold out of River Heads, little things make the world a much better place!

Banjine

swintys

I have to agree with Banjine,
Everywhere in Australia has mold, mozzies and sandies and snakes I would certainly say from living in many differenet places and states in Australia that River Heads doesn't have these in problem amounts and as far as over-inflated prices I have not found a cheaper place in Australia that has this much to offer. Infact we have invested here and look forward to a healthy return in the future.

Swintys

AngiMcKenzie
AngiMcKenzie

We are currently in cairns...just sold and moving to river heads, we are leaving behind intense humidity in the wet season and midgies, mosquitos that have dengue and midgies and mold, oh and snakes, seems that living in oz this is just a part of our country

jerryg2

Thanks' for an honest opinion, I will be moving elsewhere!.

steves13

Looks like the comments of realestate agents , what a pack of liars , the midgees are horrendous, full stop ,

vicxianw

There are midgies and sandflies mosquitoes and snakes all over the country. You need to be inside early mornings and early evenings to avoid insect bites no matter what state you move to. Happiness is a state of mind not a place ! River Heads offered us a large clean green space with a good rainfall no bush around us to burn us out and a lovely warm sunny temperature. Very affordable,
No traffic jams 15 minutes to all conveniences what more could anyone ask for????

peterd72

Midges are not that hard to learn to manage. As mentioned, they are all over the country and are a part of coastal life. This is too nice a place to live so just settle in and enjoy it..

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"Peaceful"

Great place to live and still so close to Hervey Bay. Perfect for families or the executive couple.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Hipsters
  • Country Lovers
  • Beach Lovers
0
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"Paradise"

Wow ! just look at the views, looking over Heritage listed Fraser Island and the Great Sandy Straits and on the other side the Mary, Susan and Bengston Rivers.
This Community is lovely which that lost in most places, Community Spirit is what we have in River Heads with plenty of different themes at the Community Hall, like Breakfast with Bach, Jazz and shiraz, fancy dress balls, meals drinks and Karaoke.
Fabulous Sea Breezes,birds & Widlife, and a safe area, play ground at the community Hall and BBQ, Schools are at Urangan and surrounds, with buses picking up the children up from River Heads and returning them home after School.
You are 15.5 ks from Urangan Shopping centre and takes 10 min. All in all a great place to live!

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
2
paulg46

"Breakfast with Bach, Jazz and shiraz, fancy dress balls." - What planet are you from? I've lived in River Heads for the past 9 years and none of the above have occurred here in that time.

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"Quiet & Beautiful - a wonderful piece of Queensland"

I love River Heads because it has the best of both worlds. Being just a few kilometers away from bustling Hervey Bay it is and idylic place for piece and quiet with the added convenience modern life has to offer. Driving up River Heads Rd when you come into Turtle Cove is always a welcoming sight - with magnificient views over to Fraser Island. It never ceases to be stunning. For the fisherman/woman River Heads is fishing heaven with access to the River Systems on one side of the boat ramp at the point or the ocean side ( fishing all weather ). Hervey Bay being just a short distance is ideal for shopping and romantic walks on the jetty. It really is a wonderful place.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
1
angel6247
angel6247

The Best Place to live quiet, peacful, lovely people, this is Paradise and views to die for, what a place.

MyIslandHome

Are there any crocs or stingers this far south?

PatW1

Yes there is crocks I have seen them

bobhatton
bobhatton

I doubt it..

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