Explore
Discover the Best of Burleigh Heads and Beyond
Burleigh Beach and Burleigh Heads are two of the most sought-after destinations on the Gold Coast, offering visitors a laid-back coastal atmosphere combined with stunning natural beauty and plenty of outdoor adventures.
Nestled centrally on the Gold Coast, Burleigh Beach is renowned for its pristine sands and surf, while Burleigh Heads is famous for its lush national park and trendy vibe.
As a whole, Burleigh serves as an ideal base to explore both the surrounding area and the broader Gold Coast, which is home to world-class theme parks, shopping, dining, and cultural attractions.
Burleigh Beach:
A Beachgoers Paradise
Burleigh Beach, the heart of Burleigh’s coastal charm, offers a quintessential Gold Coast experience. With its golden sands, consistent surf, and laid-back atmosphere, this beach is a haven for surfers, sun-seekers, and anyone seeking a taste of coastal paradise.
Surfing
Burleigh Beach is renowned for its consistent right-hand point break, making it a hotspot for both pro and beginner surfers. Surf schools along the beach offer lessons for those keen to learn.
Swimming & Relaxation
Patrolled by lifeguards, Burleigh Beach provides safe swimming areas, while the spacious sands offer plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy a relaxing day under the sun. A leisurely stroll around the Burleigh Headland will lead you to the tranquil shores of Echo Beach and Tallebudgera Creek.
Unlike the surf at Burleigh Beach, Tallebudgera Creek offers calm waters with no waves, making it perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing by the creek’s edge. This peaceful spot is ideal for families or those looking for a quiet escape surrounded by natural beauty.
Surfing
Burleigh Beach is renowned for its consistent right-hand point break, making it a hotspot for both pro and beginner surfers. Surf schools along the beach offer lessons for those keen to learn.
Swimming & Relaxation
Patrolled by lifeguards, Burleigh Beach provides safe swimming areas, while the spacious sands offer plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy a relaxing day under the sun. A leisurely stroll around the Burleigh Headland will lead you to the tranquil shores of Echo Beach and Tallebudgera Creek.
Unlike the surf at Burleigh Beach, Tallebudgera Creek offers calm waters with no waves, making it perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing by the creek’s edge. This peaceful spot is ideal for families or those looking for a quiet escape surrounded by natural beauty.
Burleigh Heads:
Nature, Culture & Community
Burleigh Heads National Park
Burleigh Heads National Park is a natural gem where lush rainforest meets the sparkling sea, offering visitors a chance to reconnect with nature in one of the Gold Coast’s most scenic spots.
The park features two main walking tracks: the Oceanview Track, a relatively easy walk that winds around the headland with stunning coastal views, and the Rainforest Circuit, which takes you deeper into the subtropical forest, offering a peaceful retreat under the canopy of ancient trees. Along the way, you’ll reach Tumgun Lookout, where panoramic views stretch across the coastline, and during whale migration season, you might even catch a glimpse of majestic humpback whales breaching offshore.
At the base of the headland lies Burleigh Hill, a beloved local spot where visitors and locals alike gather to watch the surfers ride the world-famous point break. It’s also a fantastic place to enjoy a sunrise picnic, with sweeping views over Burleigh Beach.
The grassy hill is family-friendly, with a nearby playground for the kids, making it a perfect spot for both relaxation and outdoor fun. Whether you’re walking the trails, taking in the views, or simply soaking up the laid-back atmosphere, Burleigh Heads National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Boutique Shopping
Burleigh Heads is a haven for boutique shopping, offering a mix of coastal charm and trendy finds. The heart of it all is James Street, a vibrant hub lined with unique boutiques, surf shops, and artisanal stores. Here, you’ll find everything from high-end fashion and locally made jewellery to surfboards and beachwear.
For a local shopping experience, don’t miss the Burleigh Art and Craft Markets, held regularly at Justins Park. Browse a variety of stalls offering handmade crafts, clothing, artwork, and delicious local produce, perfect for picking up a unique souvenir or gift.
Just up the road, Stockland Burleigh Heads is home to major retail outlets, including large surf shops like City Beach and Rip Curl, offering everything you need for a beachside holiday. Whether you’re after a laid-back beach look or stylish pieces to take home, Burleigh Heads has something for every shopper.
Dining & Nightlife
Burleigh Heads boasts a thriving food and nightlife scene, offering something for every taste. Start your day at popular breakfast spots like Palm Springs or Social Brew, where you can enjoy delicious coffee and fresh, locally sourced meals. For lunch or dinner, indulge in the coastal flavours at Rick Shores with its iconic beachfront views or savour fresh seafood and gourmet dishes at The Tropic at Burleigh Pavilion. For something more casual, head to Justin Lane for Italian-inspired dishes or Jimmy Wah’s for modern Vietnamese fare.
When it comes to nightlife, Burleigh is buzzing with energy. Sip on craft beers at local favourites like Burleigh Brewing Company, Black Hops Brewery, or visit Granddad Jack’s Distillery for unique small-batch spirits. For a lively atmosphere, check out Nightjar, an edgy dive bar, or Naami, known for its inventive cocktails. If you’re after live music, Mo’s Desert Clubhouse is a local hotspot, and for a laid-back evening, enjoy drinks at Paloma Wine Bar or the vibrant Miami Marketta, a short drive away, offering street food, live performances, and a buzzing market vibe.
Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre and David Fleay Wildlife Park
Immerse yourself in the rich Indigenous culture of the area with a visit to the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre, where you can join guided tours through Burleigh Heads National Park and learn about the deep Aboriginal history and cultural significance of the region.
Just a short stroll away, explore David Fleay Wildlife Park, home to a diverse range of native Australian animals. The park offers a unique opportunity to see species like koalas, platypuses, and kangaroos up close, all in a setting that highlights the importance of conservation and the natural environment.
Boutique Shopping
Burleigh Heads is a haven for boutique shopping, offering a mix of coastal charm and trendy finds. The heart of it all is James Street, a vibrant hub lined with unique boutiques, surf shops, and artisanal stores. Here, you’ll find everything from high-end fashion and locally made jewellery to surfboards and beachwear.
For a local shopping experience, don’t miss the Burleigh Art and Craft Markets, held regularly at Justins Park. Browse a variety of stalls offering handmade crafts, clothing, artwork, and delicious local produce, perfect for picking up a unique souvenir or gift.
Just up the road, Stockland Burleigh Heads is home to major retail outlets, including large surf shops like City Beach and Rip Curl, offering everything you need for a beachside holiday. Whether you’re after a laid-back beach look or stylish pieces to take home, Burleigh Heads has something for every shopper.
Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre and David Fleay Wildlife Park
Immerse yourself in the rich Indigenous culture of the area with a visit to the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre, where you can join guided tours through Burleigh Heads National Park and learn about the deep Aboriginal history and cultural significance of the region.
Just a short stroll away, explore David Fleay Wildlife Park, home to a diverse range of native Australian animals. The park offers a unique opportunity to see species like koalas, platypuses, and kangaroos up close, all in a setting that highlights the importance of conservation and the natural environment.
Explore the Gold Coast
A World of Attractions Beyond Burleigh
Theme Parks
Just a short 20-30 minute drive from Burleigh Heads, the Gold Coast’s premier theme parks promise a thrilling day out for all ages. Dreamworld offers a mix of exhilarating rides, wildlife experiences, and themed attractions, including the famous Tiger Island.
Sea World combines marine animal encounters with exciting rides and shows, making it a hit with families. Movie World transports you to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood with its action-packed rides and live entertainment, while Wet n’ Wild is the go-to destination for water slides and wave pools, perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
Additionally, don’t miss Australian Outback Spectacular for a unique dinner show experience showcasing the spirit of the Australian outback, Topgolf for a fun, interactive golf game, and Paradise Country for an authentic Aussie farm experience with animal encounters and traditional bush tucker.
Shopping & Dining
The Gold Coast boasts an impressive array of shopping destinations that cater to all tastes and budgets. Pacific Fair Shopping Centre is a must-visit for its extensive range of high-end boutiques, department stores, and diverse dining options, including popular restaurants and cafes. Robina Town Centre is another top choice, featuring a wide selection of fashion retailers, homewares stores, and eateries.
For those seeking bargains, Harbour Town Outlet Shopping offers discounts on a variety of brand-name stores in a relaxed, open-air setting. These shopping precincts not only provide a great retail experience but also host vibrant dining scenes, ensuring you can enjoy a variety of culinary delights as you shop.
Entertainment & Sport
The Gold Coast offers a wealth of entertainment and sporting events just a short drive from Burleigh Heads. The Gold Coast Convention Centre hosts a diverse range of events, from concerts and exhibitions to conventions and trade shows. For a touch of glamour, The Star Casino provides gaming, fine dining, and live entertainment in a stylish setting.
HOTA, Home of the Arts, is the Gold Coast’s vibrant cultural precinct, offering an exciting blend of art, theatre, music, and events. Located in the heart of the city, HOTA is a hub for creativity, showcasing local and international talent across its gallery, performance spaces, and outdoor amphitheatre.
If you’re a sports enthusiast, the Gold Coast Turf Club offers exciting horse racing events throughout the year. These venues ensure that there’s always something happening on the Gold Coast, making it easy to find entertainment and sporting events to suit your interests.
Shopping & Dining
The Gold Coast boasts an impressive array of shopping destinations that cater to all tastes and budgets. Pacific Fair Shopping Centre is a must-visit for its extensive range of high-end boutiques, department stores, and diverse dining options, including popular restaurants and cafes. Robina Town Centre is another top choice, featuring a wide selection of fashion retailers, homewares stores, and eateries.
For those seeking bargains, Harbour Town Outlet Shopping offers discounts on a variety of brand-name stores in a relaxed, open-air setting. These shopping precincts not only provide a great retail experience but also host vibrant dining scenes, ensuring you can enjoy a variety of culinary delights as you shop.
Central Location for Exploring the Gold Coast
While Burleigh Beach and Burleigh Heads provide everything you need for a perfect holiday, our central Gold Coast location means that all the region’s attractions are within easy reach. Whether you want to visit the famous Surfers Paradise, explore the Gold Coast Hinterland, or spend the day at one of the nearby theme parks, Burleigh makes for an ideal base.
It’s also conveniently located just 15 minutes from Coolangatta Airport and one hour from Brisbane Airport, making it easy to get here and start your holiday.