Are you planning a visit to discover the Gold Coast and in search of the very best issues to do in Burleigh Heads? Nicely, you’ve arrived on the good journey information.
On this Burleigh Heads journey information, I’ll share the whole lot it’s good to plan the final word coastal escape on this East Coast, Queensland paradise. Whether or not it’s the surf, the scenic coastal walks or the abundance of laid-back brunch spots and bakeries in Burleigh Heads that has lured you in, by the top of this weblog submit, you’re going to see precisely why this nook of the world is so particular.
Burleigh Heads itself is nestled on the southern finish of the Gold Coast in Queensland, neighbouring Palm Seashore and Miami. While different Gold Coast hotspots like Surfers Paradise have a deal with nightlife, and Coolangatta, the mecca for browsing, I’d say Burleigh is a dreamy mix of the 2. You’ll discover a laid-back surf tradition, a buzzing meals and bar scene, and the addition of the gorgeous Burleigh Nationwide Park that sits proper on the headland to discover.
Burleigh is the form of place the place mornings begin with ocean (or creek) dips and low, and days are spent chasing waves or strolling the abundance of coastal trails. In between actions on this heavenly out of doors life-style, you wager Burleigh has all of the bakeries serving up the freshest bakes, brunches, and submit surf treats. Scroll down for rec’s!
In case you’re somebody who loves the outside, good meals, a delicate nightlife buzz, and a relaxed coastal vibe, you’re mainly going to like Burleigh Heads. The very best issues to do in Burleigh Heads are going to get you very excited certainly.
Are you able to discover Burleigh Heads, Queensland?
One of the best ways to get to Burleigh Heads
In case you stay additional than a drive away from Burleigh Heads and also you’re seeking to fly in, the closest airport to fly into is Gold Coast Airport (OOL). Gold Coast Airport is positioned only a 15-minute drive south of Burleigh Heads. Alternatively, you may fly into Brisbane Airport, perhaps choose up a automotive and drive roughly 1-1.5 hours down the coast.
Hiring a automotive is by far the easiest way to discover this space, not since you essentially want it in Burleigh Heads itself, however as a result of there are such a lot of superb spots a brief drive away that you may add onto your journey. Assume Lamington Nationwide Park, Springbrook Nationwide Park, and Byron Bay. If you wish to tick off all the very best issues to do in Burleigh Heads from this information, AND discover close by gems at your individual tempo, a automotive will probably be helpful certainly.
There are common buses connecting the Gold Coast suburbs, however having your individual wheels provides you the liberty to chase dawn, surf spots, and hidden seashores as you want.
In case you’re highway tripping the east coast of Australia, Burleigh Heads suits completely between Byron Bay and Brisbane, and I’d say it‘s in my prime 3 locations to cease in between.
The very best locations to remain in Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Heads has an important mixture of lodging relying in your vibe and finances. Additionally, one thing to contemplate is whether or not you’ll have a automotive.
In case you don’t have a automotive and have just some days to discover, I’d counsel discovering beachfront (ish) lodging inside strolling distance of the Burleigh Pavilion or within the James Avenue space. Simply to make it straightforward to get round to the primary greatest issues to do in Burleigh.
Have somewhat search and see whats on provide right here:
We truly booked an Airbnb a number of streets again from the ocean throughout our keep in Burleigh Heads, perhaps a 25-minute stroll to the Pavilion. It was a comfy room, and it had the whole lot we would have liked to get pleasure from 48 hours in Burleigh. Any longer and we’d have most likely opted for some lounge house and a kitchen.
Our host couldn’t have been extra accommodating, and there was even a bottle of wine and a few candies ready on our arrival. Guide our spot right here.
The very best time to go to Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Heads is a year-round vacation spot.
Summer time (December–February) brings sizzling temperatures and best seashore days, although it may be very busy with tourism, and also you’ll discover availability decrease and costs greater. Autumn (March–Might) is arguably the sweetest spot and my favorite time on the Gold Coast. You continue to have attractive sunny days, heat water, fewer crowds (other than Easter), and you may catch some epic surf circumstances.
Winter (June–August) is certainly the cooler time of 12 months, however offers good climate for longer hikes and coastal walks – plus it’s whale migration season! Lastly, Spring (September–November) is one other candy spot, providing hotter climate once more and fewer vacationers.
If browsing is excessive in your checklist of the very best issues to do in Burleigh Heads, goal for autumn when the swell is most constant.
Stroll the Burleigh Headland Coastal Monitor
In case you do one factor, make it this. The coastal monitor by Burleigh Head Nationwide Park is well top-of-the-line issues to do in Burleigh Heads. The three.2km path winds alongside the shoreline, operating from the Burleigh Pavilion all the best way round to Tallebudgera Creek. The primary loop is a straightforward stroll, appropriate for many health ranges, and an ideal alternative to identify dolphins or whales in season. It takes round 1–2 hours, relying on how usually you cease (you’ll cease rather a lot).
In case you’re feeling adventurous or need an prolonged path, there are a number of extra trails that climb and weave by the Nationwide Park, too. This appears to be lots of locals operating space, so preserve a watch out for runners or get your trainers on and be part of the enjoyable!
Tip: Pack swimmers for a dip at Tallebudgera Creek / Burleigh essential seashore on the finish.
Go for a dawn or sundown surf at Burleigh Level
Browsing right here on the Gold Coast isn’t simply ‘good to do’, it’s a world-class browsing reserve. Individuals journey from everywhere in the world to expertise these breaks. So browsing is completely top-of-the-line issues to do in Burleigh Heads.
The well-known right-hand level break at Burleigh Heads Seashore produces lengthy, peeling waves that wrap across the headland, with sections like Sharkies, The Cove and The Level providing quick, hole rides when circumstances line up.
Intermediate to superior surfers will wish to paddle out at Burleigh Level itself, the place the rides can run for lots of of metres on a great day. In case you’re newer to browsing, head barely north to North Burleigh or, higher but, guide a lesson with a neighborhood surf faculty like Burleigh Surf College or Get Moist Surf College for a correct introduction to the realm.
The very best time to surf is early morning when the winds are lighter, and the crowds are thinner, with best circumstances usually coming from a southerly swell and offshore winds.
Watch the surfers from the headland
Even when you don’t paddle out your self, seize a takeaway espresso, sit on the headland and watch the lineup. It’s simply top-of-the-line issues to do in Burleigh Heads.
Our latest keep in Burleigh Heads truly timed with an honest Autumn swell (see under) and so we ended up getting a takeaway dinner from The Yiros Store on James Avenue and rolled out a picnic blanket on the headland to look at the surf. It was heavenly. There was such a stunning native buzz there too. There’s one thing concerning the Gold Coast skyline as a backdrop for the swell that feels so dramatic, proper?
Wander the outlets and cafes alongside James Avenue
James Avenue is the primary buying strip in Burleigh, and wandering alongside it’s simply top-of-the-line issues to do in Burleigh Heads. Particularly when you love that easy mixture of beachy life-style, boutique buying and nice espresso. Only a block again from the ocean, this strip is the guts of Burleigh, lined with a mixture of trend boutiques, surf shops, homewares and among the greatest cafes and bakeries on the Gold Coast.
I’d counsel beginning your morning slowly with a espresso from Social Brew, Quest Espresso Roasters or Commune, then take your time searching native Aussie manufacturers and unbiased boutiques to choose up beachy finds, items and souvenirs. James Avenue is the form of place the place you pop in for a fast espresso and someway find yourself staying all morning.
What actually makes this top-of-the-line issues to do in Burleigh Heads is how the vibe shifts all through the day. Come night, the road takes on a extra social, buzzy environment, with spots like Paloma Wine Bar coming to life… good for a glass of wine and some small plates after a day within the solar.
I additionally liked these little treats from The Fruit Store Juice Bar on James Avenue (the one with all the colorful fruits outdoors). We tried the uncooked peanut butter cup and the peppermint slice! Gorgeous little choose me up.
Swim and chill at Tallebudgera Creek
If chasing waves and browsing them isn’t your factor, however attractive, calm swims are – Tallebudgera Creek is the place you’ll wish to head.
Tucked simply across the headland from the primary Burleigh Seashore, this crystal-clear creek is protected against the ocean swell, making Tallebudgera Creek (or Talle creek as locals name it) good for swimming, paddleboarding, or having a relaxed day by the water.
The water right here is famously turquoise – you might have even seen a few of these epic drone photographs from above. Time it proper with the tide and the climate, and also you’ll be BLOWN away. You may rent paddleboards and kayaks close by, or convey your individual and discover additional up the creek the place it winds by lush greenery.
However to be sincere, pack your swimmers, your towel, your guide and a few meals and simply go declare a spot on the sand. Hanging out at Tallebudgera Creek is a kind of experiences that defines the very best issues to do in Burleigh Heads.
Catch the sundown from Burleigh Hill
Catching sundown from Burleigh Hill is a each day ritual and definitely top-of-the-line issues to do in Burleigh Heads. Overlooking Burleigh Heads Seashore, this grassy headland is the right place to unwind after a day in nature.
Arrive an hour or so earlier than sundown to seize a great place, roll out your picnic blanket or seashore towel after which settle in with a takeaway picnic or bottle of wine. Because the solar begins to dip, the hill actually comes alive with teams of pals, lovers and households coming collectively as surfers take their final waves of the day.
Absorbing golden hour right here in Burleigh Heads is easy, it’s social, and it really captures the whole lot that makes Burleigh so particular.
Go to the Burleigh Heads Markets
Visiting the Burleigh Heads Markets is likely one of the extra native, laid-back greatest issues to do in Burleigh Heads, providing an important glimpse into the neighborhood vibe that defines this coastal suburb. The markets are held weekly at Burleigh Heads State College, bringing collectively native makers, meals distributors and creatives in a single full of life, open-air setting.
Usually, Burleigh Heads markets begin from round 7:00 am to 12:00 pm (after all, climate dependent).
So if you end up in Burleigh Heads over a weekend, come down and browse the combo of stalls promoting handmade jewelry, clothes, homewares, artwork and wellness merchandise, alongside loads of meals distributors and contemporary produce. It’s an important spot to seize a espresso, strive one thing new to eat, and choose up distinctive souvenirs you received’t discover within the typical vacationer outlets. Dwell music and a relaxed environment make it straightforward to linger longer than deliberate.
Have brunch at Paddock Bakery
Tucked away in a leafy setting simply off the primary strip, Paddock Bakery has a relaxed, garden-style environment that looks like a hidden oasis. It’s such a vibe.
They’re identified for his or her artistic brunch menu, glorious espresso, and freshly baked pastries – particularly their cruffins and cookies. Paddock Bakery is the form of place you come to absorb a sluggish, lengthy brunch with pals and to stumble upon the locals.
There are lots of seats indoors and outside, however beware – it’s so well-liked. Anticipate to attend somewhat on weekends and public holidays, nevertheless it’s properly value it for some of the iconic brunch experiences in Burleigh.
Brunch at Paddock Bakery is well one in every of my favorite and greatest issues to do in Burleigh Heads. Get it in your checklist!
Have a drink or dinner on the Burleigh Pavilion
I imply, come on… have a look at these views!
Positioned proper on the beachfront overlooking Burleigh Heads Seashore and the primary surf break, Burleigh Pavilion is likely one of the most iconic spots within the space for sundown drinks and lengthy, leisurely meals.
Inside you even have a number of completely different spots to select from, relying in your vibes:
- The Pavilion Terrace – The extra informal, walk-in pleasant space, good for post-beach eating. Right here you may get wood-fired pizzas, burgers, fish and chips, and salads, with a deal with fast, tasty meals.
- The Tropic -A sit-down restaurant with a contemporary Australian menu with Mediterranean influences. Specialities embody seafood platters, some attractive sharing locations and a artistic cocktail checklist.
- Rick Shores – Okay then you have got the notorious Asian Fusion restaurant that appears to at all times be booked up. I’ve heard superb issues so when you’re in search of a dinner reserving with a wow issue, this spot shares the identical view you see under throughout the ocean nevertheless it’s in a league of its personal.
With DJs on weekends, a full of life crowd and an unbeatable view and site, Burleigh Pavilion completely captures the laid-back but vibrant vitality that defines the very best issues to do in Burleigh Heads.
Have a Burleigh Heads Seashore day
Spending a full day at Burleigh Heads Seashore is likely one of the most traditional greatest issues to do in Burleigh Heads. Stretching alongside the shoreline with golden sand, constant surf and a backdrop of the long-lasting headland, it’s the right place to decelerate, swim, sunbathe and watch the world go by.
The northern finish is nice for a extra relaxed swim, whereas nearer to Burleigh Level you’ll see surfers using the well-known right-hand break. Lifeguards patrol the primary areas, and there are many shaded grassy spots close by if you wish to arrange for a picnic or escape the noon solar.
Carry a towel, a great guide, your favorite podcast and perhaps some takeaway from one of many close by hotspots or a picnic – and also you’re set for a full seashore day.
Day journeys from Burleigh Heads
Among the finest issues about ticking off the very best issues to do in Burleigh Heads is how shut you might be to among the Gold Coast’s most unbelievable hinterland. Inside an hour’s drive, you may swap surf for rainforest, waterfalls, and mountain views. Burleigh is the right base when you’re in search of a little bit of each – seashore and rainforest!
In case you’ve acquired a automotive (extremely really useful), these day journeys are an absolute should and can take your greatest issues to do in Burleigh Heads itinerary to the subsequent stage.
Lamington Nationwide Park
Highlights:
- Hike the well-known Border Monitor
- Go to O’Reilly’s or Binna Burra for unbelievable lookouts
- Spot native wildlife, together with birds, pademelons, and perhaps even a lyrebird
- Stroll by a subtropical rainforest that’s over 20 million years outdated
- Go to Coomera Falls
See my information to Lamington Nationwide Park right here.
Springbrook Nationwide Park
If waterfalls are your jam, Springbrook is the place to go and it’s somewhat simpler to entry than Lamington. From mossy forests to dramatic cliffs, this park is a rainforest paradise.
Highlights:
- Purling Brook Falls Circuit – a must-do waterfall hike
- Pure Bridge – a surprising rock arch with a glow-worm cave, see under
- Quick walks appropriate for households or longer treks for eager adventurers
See my Springbrook Nationwide Park information right here.
Tamborine Mountain
Highlights:
- Discover the Gallery Stroll for native arts, crafts, and cafes
- Take a rainforest skywalk or stroll to Curtis Falls
- Pattern wines at native wineries and breweries
- Take pleasure in panoramic views of the Gold Coast from lookout factors
Have you ever been to the Burleigh Heads?
What are the very best issues to do in Burleigh? Something you’d add to this Gold Coast bucket checklist?
Love as at all times and pleased adventuring…
Get lifetime entry to my countless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering the very best locations to eat, drink, calm down and discover in Australia. You merely open the Google Map in your machine and ALL my suggestions (over 400 pins) are on the contact of your fingertips.
Get lifetime entry to my countless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering the very best locations to eat, drink, calm down and discover in Australia. You merely open the Google Map in your machine and ALL my suggestions (over 400 pins) are on the contact of your fingertips.
