★★★★★
“Cooee Tours made our Burleigh Heads trip effortless. The bus was comfortable, the driver knowledgeable, and the itinerary had exactly the right mix of beach time and sightseeing.”
- Sarah W., Sydney
Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast — Guide & Tours
Burleigh Heads is a coastal jewel on Australia’s Gold Coast, prized for its golden sandy beaches, world-renowned surf, elevated headland walks, vibrant café culture and family-friendly parks. It’s the perfect day-trip — or a relaxed multi-day base — for visitors who want both coastal life and quick access to the Gold Coast hinterland.
This page covers everything you need: history and culture, top attractions, the Burleigh Head National Park walks, practical travel tips (parking, accessibility, lifeguard times), local dining, wildlife experiences, recommended day trips, and a full FAQ. It also shows Cooee Tours’ recommended itineraries for different visitor types — families, surfers, nature lovers and seniors.
Quick itineraries
Half-day: Beach & Headland Walk
Morning surf or swim, followed by the Oceanview walk in Burleigh Head National Park, coffee on James Street and a relaxed lunch at a beachfront café.
Full-day: Beaches + Hinterland
Start with Burleigh Beach, visit David Fleay Wildlife Park, then drive to Tamborine Mountain or Springbrook in the afternoon for glow worms or waterfalls.
Group / Coach Tour
Guided Cooee Tours option: pickup, guided headland walk, market visit and drop at key Gold Coast sites — perfect for corporate groups and school trips.
History & Culture of Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Heads sits on land traditionally owned by the Kombumerri people of the Yugambeh language region. The headland and surrounding areas were used for fishing, seasonal hunting and cultural gatherings for thousands of years before European settlement. Local Indigenous knowledge is still preserved through cultural tours and interpretive signage within the national park.
European settlement intensified in the mid-1800s. The area’s rugged headland led early surveyors to call it ‘Burly Heads’, later softened to Burleigh. The modern suburb grew slowly before surf culture in the 20th century cemented its reputation. The iconic Burleigh Board Riders Club — founded in the 1970s — helped create an enduring surfing community and the headland became synonymous with memorable surf breaks and competitions.
James Street, the suburb’s boutique precinct, evolved from a small town centre into a thriving stretch of cafés, bars, artisans and independent retailers. Today the area balances a strong local community with seasonal tourist influxes, farmers markets and a lively calendar of events such as coastal festivals and surf competitions.
Local character
Burleigh’s mix of family-friendly parks, small-scale independent businesses, and active outdoor lifestyles has preserved a village feel despite being close to the busy Gold Coast hubs. Locals talk about the “Burleigh vibe” — relaxed, outdoorsy and food-focused — and return visitors often comment that the area retains a sense of place even as development continues.
Top Attractions in Burleigh Heads
From natural attractions to craft breweries and markets, Burleigh Heads offers an assortment of activities for all ages. Below we list the most popular and also some underrated local gems.
Burleigh Heads Beach
Renowned for its golden sand and clear water, Burleigh Heads Beach is patrolled and popular for swimming, sunbathing, family days and beginner surf lessons. Lifeguards patrol during daylight hours and especially throughout Queensland school holidays.
Tip: swim between the red and yellow flags and keep an eye on surf conditions if you plan to go out on a board.
Burleigh Head National Park
A compact but biodiverse reserve, Burleigh Head National Park offers short rainforest circuits and headland paths with sweeping ocean views. The Oceanview and Rainforest circuits are family-friendly and offer multiple lookout spots for whale watching during migration season (generally June–November).
The headland is a great place for morning walks and sunrise photography.
James Street Precinct
James Street is Burleigh’s main strip — excellent cafés, boutique retailers, artisanal bakeries and award-winning restaurants line this bustling block. It’s a food lover’s paradise for brunch and relaxed evening dining.
David Fleay Wildlife Park
A short drive inland, David Fleay Wildlife Park focuses on conserving native Australian fauna. The park offers close-up experiences and is ideal for families who want to see koalas, emus, kangaroos and the elusive platypus.
Black Hops Brewery
One of the Gold Coast’s most loved craft breweries, Black Hops offers tastings and tours — perfect if you want to break up a busy day of sightseeing with local beer and light bites.
Village Markets & Farmers Markets
Burleigh’s market scene is thriving. From producers selling fresh local produce to handmade crafts and designer clothing, the markets are an excellent way to discover local makers and seasonal food.
Beaches & Natural Highlights
Burleigh’s coastline is diverse: broad sandy beaches suitable for family days, a protected headland with rocky foreshore for exploring, and nearby estuaries and creeks that provide calmer water options. Tallebudgera Creek to the south is a popular swimming and picnic spot with sheltered water perfect for kids and paddle sports.
Beach safety & lifeguards
Beaches are patrolled by surf lifesavers, particularly during Queensland school holidays. Make sure to take note of red and yellow flags and follow lifeguard directions. If you plan to go snorkeling or kayaking, pick a calm day and check local surf cams where available.
Access & facilities
Burleigh’s foreshore includes toilets, beach showers, picnic tables and accessible matting for wheelchair users in designated areas. Parking can be limited on weekends and public holidays — arrive early to secure a spot near the surf club or James Street precinct.
Best time to visit
The most pleasant weather tends to be during the shoulder seasons: March–May (autumn) and September–November (spring) when temperatures are comfortable and crowds are moderate. Summer is warm and busy, with occasional tropical storms; winter is mild and ideal for walks and whale watching.
Surfing at Burleigh — What You Need to Know
Burleigh is famed for its point break — a long right-hand break that draws surfers from across Australia and the world. The area is part of the World Surfing Reserve, reflecting its cultural importance and excellent waves.
Who should surf Burleigh?
Experienced surfers will relish the headland break on larger swells. Beginners should stick to the open beach breaks or book a lesson with a local surf school that provides instruction and safety guidance. Board hire is available from multiple shops along the foreshore.
Surf etiquette
Respect priority rules, keep clear of swimmers, and follow local surf etiquette. If you’re new, take a lesson and ask about the day's conditions before paddling out.
Competitions & events
Burleigh hosts local surf contests and occasionally features on national competition calendars. Check local event listings if you're visiting during competition season — these can be fun to watch but may affect where surfers congregate.
Dining & Nightlife
Burleigh’s food scene has matured into one of the Gold Coast’s best — casual beachfront cafés, specialty bakeries, Asian-fusion eateries, seafood restaurants and more formal dining options are all within a short walk of the beach. James Street is the social heart of the suburb with cafés that serve single-origin coffee, brunch menus and relaxed dinner venues.
Breakfast & brunch
Start your day at one of the locally-run cafés for great coffee and creative breakfast plates. Expect weekend lines — it’s part of the local charm.
Dinner & drinks
From relaxed seafood dinners overlooking the ocean to gastropubs and craft beer at Black Hops Brewery, Burleigh offers varied evening options. For a quieter nightcap, stroll along the foreshore to find hidden bars and cocktail lounges.
Markets for food lovers
The Village Market and Burleigh Farmers Market are excellent spots for tasting local produce, artisan cheeses, baked goods, and freshly-prepared meals — ideal for picnic supplies or to sample on the go.
Wildlife Encounters & Outdoor Adventures
Burleigh and the surrounding hinterland are rich in wildlife and outdoor experiences. On the headland you can spot sea eagles, migratory whales in season, and abundant birdlife. Nearby reserves and national parks offer walking, canyoning, and glow worm tours on nighttime excursions.
David Fleay Wildlife Park
Ideal for families, this conservation-focused park gives visitors the chance to see native species and learn about breeding and protection programs.
Whale watching
From June to November, migration season brings humpback whales past the Gold Coast. The Burleigh headland is a good vantage point for shore-based sightings; for a closer view, several operators run whale-watching boat trips.
Bushwalking
Short circuits in Burleigh Head National Park are perfect for casual walkers. For longer treks and waterfalls, Springbrook and Lamington National Parks in the hinterland are within an easy drive and offer spectacular scenery.
Recommended Day Trips from Burleigh Heads
Burleigh is an excellent base for exploring the wider Gold Coast. Whether you want rainforest, mountain lookouts or island beaches, there are day trips to suit every taste.
Tamborine Mountain
About 40–50 minutes inland by car, Tamborine offers rainforest walks, glow worm caves, artisan shops, and cellar doors. The Gallery Walk is a highlight for local arts and crafts.
Springbrook National Park
Famous for Natural Bridge, waterfalls and ancient Gondwanan rainforest. Scenic lookouts and short walks make it a superb half-day or full-day option.
Moreton Island
Catch a ferry from Brisbane for sand tobogganing, snorkeling around shipwrecks, and dolphin spotting. It’s a longer day trip but unforgettable for families and snorkelers.
Theme parks
Dreamworld, Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World and Wet'n'Wild are all within easy driving distance, making Burleigh a great accommodation choice for families planning multi-attraction visits.
What Guests Say — Reviews of Cooee Tours
★★★★★
“We took the family day tour and everyone from kids to grandparents had a great time. The wildlife park was a highlight and the driver arranged a stop at a fantastic lookout.”
- James T., Brisbane
★★★★★
“Punctual, professional, and friendly — Cooee Tours made organising a group trip painless. Highly recommend their Burleigh Heads itinerary.”
- Emily R., Melbourne
Frequently Asked Questions
Prices vary depending on group size and package. A standard Burleigh Heads tour with Cooee Tours starts from $79 per person. Private charters and custom packages are available — just give us a call to get a tailored quote.
Yes! We specialise in private group tours, weddings, and events. Our fleet ranges from minibuses to luxury coaches, perfect for any occasion. Contact us for a personalised package.
Absolutely. Burleigh Heads is ideal for families. We offer safe, air-conditioned vehicles with space for prams and child seats on request. Many attractions are family-friendly, including the Burleigh Head National Park and local markets.
Our tours operate in most weather conditions, but in the event of extreme weather we’ll reschedule or provide a refund. Burleigh has plenty of indoor options too, such as cafes, shops, and local breweries.
Yes, selected vehicles are equipped with wheelchair access. Please let us know when booking so we can allocate the best option for your needs.
We offer flexible cancellation and rescheduling policies. Cancellations up to 48 hours before your tour receive a full refund. For last-minute changes, we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
Plan Your Burleigh Heads Visit — Contact & Book
Ready to explore Burleigh Heads the easy way? Cooee Tours offers guided day trips, private group charters, and flexible itineraries to suit families, corporate groups and special events.
Group Travel
We specialise in coach hire and group itineraries. Tell us your dates and group size and we’ll craft an itinerary that fits your needs — from school excursions to corporate team-building days.