The River Heads Public Boat Ramp is a well-used recreational launch site located south of Hervey Bay, positioned on the northern side of the Mary River entrance. It is directly opposite is the commercial barge ramp, which services ferries to and from K’Gari – Fraser Island.

This dual-lane, tidal concrete ramp faces west and now features a floating pontoon, making launching and retrieving more convenient, especially during mid to high tide. That said, low tide can pose some challenges, as the surrounding rocks make it tricky to navigate. Visiting skippers are advised to avoid launching close to dead low tide and instead aim for a window of around two hours on either side of it, or ideally, launch during high tide for a smoother experience.

Due to the Mary River’s size and tidal activity, there can be strong water movement past the ramp and pontoon. This can be problematic for less experienced operators, especially when currents are running fast during incoming or outgoing tides.

Beyond the Mary River, launching here opens up access to the Susan River, the northern reaches of the Great Sandy Strait, and popular boating destinations such as K’Gari – Fraser Island, Ungowa, Deep Creek, and Garry’s Anchorage. It’s a convenient starting point for exploring a range of coastal and estuarine environments.

The boat ramp shares its parking area with the barge terminal servicing Kingfisher Bay Resort and Wanggoolba Creek. As a result, the area can become quite congested, especially during peak travel seasons. Arriving early is recommended.

The ramp itself and the car park are moderately lit, offering enough visibility for launching after dark. Amenities inclue a fish cleaning station, toilets, and a sheltered table and chairs.

Overall, River Heads Boat Ramp is a valuable launch point for those looking to access the Mary River system and the broader Great Sandy Strait. Still, it does come with a few logistical considerations, especially around tides and peak visitor periods.

Feature	Description
Number of ramp lanes	2 (with pontoon)
Fish cleaning facilities	Yes
Carpark spaces	Ample parking spots available
Amenities	Lighting, toilets, sheltered picnic area
Ramp rating	- Very Good