Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast

Interesting Things to Do in Burleigh Heads

Nestled along Australia's Gold Coast, Burleigh Heads attracts travellers from around the world with its stunning coastal vistas, golden beaches and areas of outstanding natural beauty. Boasting an enviable climate, the region experiences warm temperatures averaging between the around 15C and the mid-30s. The most temperate time of year lies between March and June, making this area very popular among people looking for an autumnal break. Visitors are never at a loss for activities in Burleigh Heads. From basking in the sun at the renowned Burleigh Heads Beach to exploring the native flora and fauna at Burleigh Head National Park, there’s always something to keep you occupied. For those interested in the local wildlife, David Fleay Wildlife Park is a must-visit. One of the town's best-known landmarks is the towering Burleigh Head, which rises to an impressive 80 metres and offers spectacular views. Here at Cooee Tours, we love our Gold Coast tours in Burleigh Heads because they usually involve stunning scenery and action-packed itineraries. Book your guided tour today, or contact us to learn more about Burleigh Heads and its many attractions.

The Best Things to Do in Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Heads Beach

This is a picturesque beach in Burleigh Heads, renowned for its clean waters and impeccably maintained public areas. Visitors can indulge in a wide range of activities, including swimming, sunbathing and surfing. You’ll also find kayaking and snorkelling tours in the area. With its golden sands and azure waters, it is a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike.

Burleigh Head National Park

Located in the heart of the bustling Gold Coast, this national park is a small reserve that offers a peaceful escape. Within the park, visitors can enjoy coastal rainforest walks and get panoramic views of the surrounding areas. It's also an excellent location for whale watching and immersing yourself in nature.

David Fleay Wildlife Park

This park is dedicated to the conservation and presentation of Australia's native wildlife. Visitors can get up close and personal with various indigenous animals and learn about the efforts made to protect them. It's an educational and entertaining destination for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Black Hops Brewery

Located in Burleigh Heads, Black Hops Brewery is a celebrated craft brewery that offers a diverse range of artisanal beers. Visitors can take a tour of the brewery, learn about the beer-making process and, of course, sample some of their unique brews. A visit to this renowned brewery is the perfect way to break up a busy day of sightseeing in Burleigh Heads.

More Things to Do on the Gold Coast

If you’re in the Burleigh Heads area, you’re only a stone’s throw from a wide range of exciting things to do and world-class attractions. As well as being close to a variety of theme parks, including Dreamworld, Sea World and Warner Bros’ Move World, this stunning coastal location offers quick and easy access to some of the Gold Coast’s hidden gems.

Glow Worm Caves

Situated atop Tamborine Mountain in Queensland, the enchanting Glow Worm Caves captivate visitors with its gently glowing inhabitants. Guided excursions offer a glimpse into the captivating world of glow worms. And when night arrives, the caverns sparkle with a myriad of small green lights — creating an awe-inspiring luminescent light show.

Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park

Located within Springbrook National Park, the distinctive Natural Bridge boasts a magnificent natural rock that extends over Cave Creek. By day, the allure of a scenic waterfall cascading through this arch enchants visitors. However, as darkness sets, the location transforms into a sanctuary for glow worms, casting a magical glow across the caves and beyond.

Springbrook National Park

Situated in the Gold Coast's scenic hinterland, Springbrook National Park is a sanctuary of flora and fauna. The park offers an array of attractions to enjoy, including dense rainforests, cascading waterfalls and extensive hiking paths. Nature enthusiasts can discover the park's rich biodiversity amidst its tranquil setting. A travelling package that includes a visit to Springbrook will live long in your memory!

Moreton Island

A dream destination for nature lovers, Moreton Island stands as the world's third-largest sand island. Renowned for its untouched shores, transparent waters and abundant marine life, the island provides an array of activities for sun-worshippers and thrill-seekers alike. Whether you choose snorkelling tours, observing whales, sandboarding adventures or spotting dolphins, you’re in for the experience of a lifetime.

Sightseeing Tours of Burleigh Heads Are Just Seconds Away Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure on the Gold Coast, you’ve come to the right place. We are experts in guided travel experiences in this stunning part of Queensland, so your plans are in safe hands. Book your next Burleigh Heads tour online, or contact us today to discuss your needs with a travel company that cares. gold coast weather gold coast 1 Beaches 1 golden beaches 1 Seaworld 1 Dreamworld 1 Movieworld 1 Wetnwild Hinterland guided travel 1 Sightseeing 1 Tours 1 day tours guided tours marriott gold coast sightseeing gold coast travelling package 1 travel companies travel company 1 adventure gold coast 1 gold coast wine tours gold coast tours glow worm

...The Gold Coast has many little gems, just waiting to be explored. Burleigh Heads, which lays between Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta is one. Renowned for its picturesque backdrop and its plethora of things to do along its pristine shores.

Burleigh Head is a cape jutting into the Coral Sea at the northern mouth of Tallebudgera Creek Rising to a height of 80 metres (260 ft), Burleigh Head is a prominent local landmark. Burleigh Beach facing the Coral Sea commences at Burleigh Head and extends north.

The suburb has two distinct parts. The north-eastern part of the suburb is a narrow coastal area bounded to the north-east by the Coral Sea and includes Burleigh Head. The south-western part then extends inland along Tallebudgera Creek.

The centre of the Burleigh beach area is James Street, which consists of cafes, delis, hairdressers, retailers, chemists, restaurants and charity stores.

Koala Park is a neighbourhood in the north-east of the suburb. It is a residential area alongside Tallebudgera Creek that is surrounded by bushland consisting of Burleigh Head National Park, Burleigh Ridge Park, Ocean Parade Bush Reserve and Tallebudgera Creek Conservation Park.

West Burleigh is a neighbourhood (a former township) in the south-west of the suburb. It has shopping and industrial areas.

The Origins of Burleigh Heads and European Settlement.

Originally, the Kombumerri clan was known to be the traditional owners of the land, having occupied the area for thousands of years before the Europeans reached the shore. The Kombumerri knew the area as ‘Jerrugal’. This was until 1849 when a surveyor named James Warner came across the area and named it ‘Burly Heads’ due to its rugged appearance. This was later changed to Burleigh to make for a more civilised name, and the town was made official in 1871.

Burleigh Heads Beaches

Burleigh Heads, or simply "Burleigh" to locals, sits like a cool comma between Surfers Paradise to the north and Coolangatta to the south. Burleigh Heads beach is one of the most popular beaches on the Gold Coast. Burleigh Heads beach enjoys dual popularity with those who like to swim in her protective waters and those who love to surf around the headland. On days when it might be a little choppy elsewhere along the Coast you can bet your bottom dollar there's a protected corner at Burleigh in which to dip. Burleigh Board riders is the longest running board riders club on the Gold Coast where the iconic Burleigh barrel was made legendary during the 1977 Stubbies Surf Competition. The competition was the first ever to use the man-on-man format which is still used on today's professional World Surfing League Championship Tour. For more information on Burleigh Heads especially the best places to eat visit Destination Gold Coast.

Beach Usage

Every beach along our coastline is unique and used for many different activities, such as swimming, surfing and walking the dog. We've been working to understand which beaches are our most popular and how each is used by our community and visitors. Burleigh Heads is one of the top five busiest beaches on the Gold Coast. Each year it is visited by more than 100,000 tourists and local residents. It is a quick walk to popular James Street and close to other major commercial and high density residential hubs. More than 60% of visitors to Burleigh beach come to exercise, play and relax on the sand but it's also a favourite swimming spot.

Surfing

Burleigh Heads is part of the World Surfing Reserve and is a popular location for surfers. It's the Gold Coast's most northern point break and provides a high level of surf amenity. Burleigh Headland is for experienced board riders only but the open beach breaks offer an excellent variety of conditions. Visit our Beach cameras page for the latest beach conditions.

Swimming

The shape and orientation of Burleigh Headlands provides beach users with protection from southerly winds. Make sure you swim between the red and yellow flags which indicate that the beach is patrolled! Burleigh Heads have a patrolled lifeguard tower at Mowbray Park in front of Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park Surf Life Saving Club (corner of Goodwin Terrace and Gold Coast Highway). Patrolled between 8am and 5pm every day all year round. Please note all beaches are patrolled during Queensland school holidays.

Burleigh Heads Facilities

Burleigh Heads beach is next to popular parklands that contains toilets, barbecues, tables, shade structures, playgrounds and beach showers. It's also in close proximity to a significant retail commercial area and hosts a market in the nearby parkland every second Sunday. Burleigh Heads has the following facilities for beachgoers: Beach wheelchairs, matting and accessible amenities Public and accessible toilets For more information about accessible facilities in this area download the Burleigh Heads mobility map. Getting there Parking: There is a car park at the surf club and plenty of on-street parking available in the surrounding areas. Be sure to take note of any applicable parking signs and/or line markings before heading to the beach. Please note our beaches can get very busy on weekends and during school holidays, reducing the amount of available parking in the area.

Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast

Use our Walking and cycling maps for the Southern Gold Coast and surrounds to plan your walk, run or bike ride to the beach. Known simply as Burleigh to the locals, Burleigh Heads is the ideal spot for swimming and surfing thanks to its protected waters that lie beside a wild headland. Burleigh Beach is renowned for having one of the most popular swimming and surfing stretches along the Gold Coast, which attracts surfers from far and wide. Around the beach, Burleigh Heads National Park unfolds in a pretty display of walking trails and wildlife, promising exceptional views out across the ocean. A wild, natural headland in the heart of the Gold Coast offers walks along the rocky foreshore and through rainforest, and the chance to see whales in spring and sea-eagles soaring along the coast. The foreshore is renowned for its collection of pine trees and parkland. Here, visitors often pack a picnic or fire up a barbecue and spend long afternoons lounging amidst the stunning scenery. This also marks the spot where several art and craft markets are held throughout the week, giving you the chance to delve into the local culture whilst still soaking up the amazing landscape.

Active travel

Eating and Drink at Burleigh Heads

As well as an array of outdoor activities and a pretty coastline, Burleigh Heads is also home to many delicious restaurants, eateries, bars, and cafes. Oceanfront dining is a must-try, especially when the fish is so fresh. In recent years there has also been an emerging café culture, allowing diners the chance to experience some of Australia’s newest food trends.

Things to Do in Burleigh Heads

There is plenty to keep you busy in Burleigh Heads if you’re keen to discover more of the area than just its beaches. John Laws Park is home to some of the most stunning views in this part of Australia allowing visitors to see all the way out to Surfers Paradise. At the weekend you’re sure to find a BBQ or two going on as well as locals and tourists enjoying a picnic. Elsewhere, the David Fleay Wildlife Park promises incredible encounters with some of the country’s most beloved animals. Here you’ll find native animals such as koalas, emus, and kangaroos, and even meet the friendly platypus that the keepers have named Wally! David Fleay was a pioneer of the industry, being the first person to breed a platypus in captivity in 1951. If shopping is more your thing, then there are several shops in the area including boutiques and arts and craft stores as well as shops opened by new designers. Burleigh also has some great weekend markets. The Village Market and the Burleigh Farmers Market are the two most popular and are a great place to pick up local goods including gifts and delicious homemade food. Burleigh Heads is well worth a visit if you’re in the area. Its selection of pretty landscapes, stunning beaches, calm waters, and places to eat make it the perfect spot for every kind of traveller.