If the glam and party atmosphere of the Gold Coast is not your thing, then you might want to consider spending some time at Burleigh Heads, especially if you’re into surfing. Apart from the internationally renowned surf beaches, there are other attractions that make Burleigh Heads a favourite with tourists from near and afar. Read on to find out the top things to do in Burleigh Heads as well as all the important information you will need to plan your trip to this chilled out Gold Coast surfing town.

 

 

Top 10 Things to Do in Burleigh Heads

  1. Take on Australia’s best right-hand point break (for pro surfers) or learn to surf (for beginners)
  2. Laze in the sun on the white sandy beach at Burleigh Heads
  3. Go bushwalking, rock climbing or spotting whales (in spring) in Burleigh Heads National Park
  4. Feed rainbow lorikeets or cuddle a koala at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
  5. Get close to Australian native animals at David Fleay Wildlife Park
  6. Shop till you drop at the Burleigh Heads’ Sunday markets
  7. Taste craft beers at Burleigh Brewing Company, Gold Coast’s only craft brewery
  8. Wine and dine at some of the best beachfront restaurants in Burleigh Heads
  9. Practice yoga or pilates at one of the many yoga studios in Burleigh Head
  10. Indulge in a day spa or get a massage at Burleigh Heads

 

 

Burleigh Heads Surf

 

Burleigh Heads draws pro surfers from around the world for its surf break. In the right weather conditions, the headland here produces a spectacular right-hand point break, famous for its fast, deep barrel rides. It definitely isn’t for beginners as the shore is lined with vicious black rocks and the rip is ferocious. When the surf’s up, expect to see a lot of spectators.

For beginners, there are plenty of other waves to practice on along the beach. In fact, Surfing Services Australia holds surfing lessons at Currumbin Alley every weekend at 8am and 10:30am. Meet on the grass opposite the lifeguard tower.

If you’re looking to rent a surfboard, the Hot Stuff Surf Shop on the Gold Coast Highway rents out surfboards for half or full day and also sells surfwear and surf accessories.

 

 

Burleigh Heads Beach

While most people head to Burleigh Heads for its surf break, it’s worth noting that the beach here is one of the most beautiful along the Gold Coast. It enjoys dual popularity with those who like to swim in her protected waters and those who love to surf around the headland. On a day when it might be a little choppy everywhere else along the Coast, you can bet your bottom dollar there’s a protected corner at Burleigh in which to dip.

 

 

Burleigh Head National Park

 

The last thing you would expect to find in Burleigh Heads is a national park, but this small but beautiful national park is one of its main attractions. Situated on a rocky headland, this national park offers views of the ocean, including spotting whales in spring, and a number of walking trails and wildlife encounters to experience. The Burleigh foreshore is home to towering fragrant pine trees characteristic of the coast and in this parkland there are plenty of places in which to picnic or barbecue.

See Burleigh Heads National Park for more information.

 

 

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

 

If you’re in the Gold Coast and you have a spare day, you must visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. One of the best places in Australia to view wildlife, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has been attracting young and old for years. The highlight at this wildlife sanctuary is the hundreds of wild rainbow lorikeets that fly in twice a day to feed from visitors’ hands. You can also cuddle a koala and feed baby kangaroos here.

See Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for more information.

 

 

David Fleay Wildlife Park Burleigh Heads

 

If you’re in the Gold Coast with kids, David Fleay Wildlife Park is a great place to take them in addition to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Located in Burleigh Heads, David Fleay Wildlife Park is one of Australia’s leading wildlife parks for several reasons.

See David Fleay Wildlife Park for more information.

 

 

Burleigh Heads Markets

Burleigh Heads is also loved for its unique shops and eclectic weekend markets. While you can head inland to West Burleigh any day of the week for some great shopping at the large industrial park, it’s the art and craft markets that come alive on the weekends that steal the show. Here you can haggle and forage along the foreshore for some of the best deals in town.

 

 

Burleigh Heads Brewery

 

If you love craft beers, you must visit Burleigh Brewing Company, Queensland’s premium brewer and the Gold Coast’s only craft brewery. Established by Peta and Brennan Fielding in 2006, Burleigh Brewing Company produces seven different award-winning craft beers.

  • Duke Helles, a European style lager
  • Duke Premium Lager
  • Big Head
  • 28 Pale Ale, an American style pale ale
  • HEF, a German style, unfiltered wheat beer (2012 Gold Medal for ‘South German-Style Hefeweizen/Hefeweissbier’ at the Brewer’s Association World Beer Cup)
  • My Wife’s Bitter, a classic English bitter brewed with English specialty malts
  • Figjam IPA

Although the brewery is set up predominantly for production, they do open their doors to the public on occasion. The bar is open every Friday night while they hold tours on one Saturday a month as well as monthly Friday night Brewhouse Bashes. At a Brewhouse Bash, they welcome guests into the brewery – filled with surfboards and surf memorabilia to remind you just where in the world you are ‘ for an evening of live music, food and plenty of beer ‘ with a portion of the profits going to a local charity or community group.

 

 

Burleigh Heads Restaurants

 

With its hip bars, cheery cafes and beachfront restaurants overlooking a gorgeous stretch of white sand, it’s easy to see why Burleigh Heads charms everyone. Absolute oceanfront dining exists here where you’ll swear the fish on your plate has jumped straight out of the water; there’s also a burgeoning funky café culture too.

For the best beachfront restaurant in Burleigh Heads, head to Mermaids on the Beach at 31 Goodwin Terrace for an interesting Mediterranean menu. Try their Moreton Bay bugs with chilli parsley black linguine, anchovy crumbs and rocket pesto. Oskars is another great beachfront restaurant in Burleigh Heads featuring a changing selection of seafood. Expect something along the lines of Yamba prawn and Moreton Bay bug tempura with mesclun greens and sweet chilli jam. The Burleigh Heads Beach Club also provides amazing ocean views with a typical bistro fare and huge portions. Elephant Rock Café specialises in Modern Oz and ‘gourmet vegetarian’ cuisine with elevated ocean views.

 

 

Burleigh Heads Accommodation

Most of the accommodation at Burleigh Heads is made up of holiday apartments and tourist parks. Goodwin Terrace is the best spot in town as it’s located close to the beach; there are other accommodation options in West Burleigh and along the Gold Coast Highway.

The best holiday apartments in Burleigh Heads is Hillhaven Holiday Apartments (www.hillhaven.com.au) located at 2 Goodwin Terrace. These opulent apartments perched high on the headland adjacent to the national park have a grand view of Burleigh Heads; they are located 150m from the beach and café scene. They do require a minimum 3-night stay though.

Other holiday apartments worth checking out are Paradise Grove Holiday Apartments and Burleigh Palms Holiday Apartments.

 

Burleigh Heads Tourist Park

There are two tourist parks in Burleigh Heads – Burleigh Beach Tourist Park and Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park.

Located on Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Beach Tourist Park (www.gctp.com.au/burly) is a council run park set in a great spot close to the beach. They have powered, unpowered sites as well as cabins. It’s small so be quick to get a spot.

Sitting right on the banks of the Tallebudgera Creek, Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park (www.gctp.com.au/tally) is colossal with its own road system. It also has powered, unpowered sites and cabins.

 

 

Where is Burleigh Heads located?

Burleigh Heads is located in the Gold Coast district of Queensland, Australia. In terms of distance, it is situated ?? km south of Surfers Paradise and ?? km north of Brisbane.

 

Burleigh Heads Map

 

 

Tell us what you think. What would you like to do at Burleigh Heads? If you’ve been here before, what did you like best about this surfie town?

We love to hear from you so please leave your comments below.

 

Choose your destination

[wpgmza id=”404″]