Your Local’s Guide to Beaches, Walks, Dining & Coastal Adventures Burleigh Heads
Sunrise over Burleigh Beach on the Southern Gold Coast viewed from Burleigh Esplanade Holiday Apartments.
Welcome to Burleigh Heads
Some destinations impress you the moment you arrive.
Burleigh Heads stays with you long after you’ve left.
Set between the sparkling Pacific Ocean and the lush greenery of Burleigh Head National Park, this coastal village has become one of Australia’s most loved beach destinations—and for good reason. Here, you’ll find world-class surf breaks, kilometres of golden sand, award-winning cafés and restaurants, scenic walking trails and a welcoming community that embraces the relaxed rhythm of beachside living.
Unlike some of the busier parts of the Gold Coast, Burleigh has managed to preserve its unique personality. Mornings begin with locals grabbing coffee before heading to the beach, surfers paddling out at first light and walkers enjoying the oceanfront pathways. Afternoons invite long lunches, boutique shopping along James Street and lazy swims in the calm waters of nearby Tallebudgera Creek. Evenings are best spent watching the sunset from Burleigh Hill as families, friends and visitors gather with fish and chips or a picnic to end the day.
It’s this effortless mix of natural beauty, lifestyle and community that keeps people returning to Burleigh year after year.
Whether you’re visiting for a relaxing weekend escape, a family holiday, a romantic getaway or an extended beach break, this guide has been created to help you experience Burleigh Heads like a local.
Local’s Welcome
We’ve put this guide together because we believe the best holidays aren’t measured by how many attractions you tick off—they’re measured by the memories you make. We hope these local tips help you slow down, discover hidden gems and experience everything that makes Burleigh Heads such a special place.
Every destination has something that makes it memorable.
Why Visit Burleigh Heads?
For Burleigh, it’s balance.
You can walk from pristine beaches to ancient rainforest in just a few minutes. Start your morning with a swim in the ocean, spend the afternoon browsing boutique stores, enjoy dinner at one of the Gold Coast’s most acclaimed restaurants, then finish the evening watching the moon rise over the Pacific Ocean.
Everything is close, everything is relaxed and everything encourages you to slow down.
It’s this unique combination that has seen Burleigh grow from a sleepy beachside village into one of Queensland’s most desirable holiday destinations—without losing the character that made people fall in love with it in the first place.
Did You Know?
Burleigh Head National Park is one of the few places on Australia’s east coast where subtropical rainforest extends almost to the ocean, creating one of the most picturesque coastal landscapes in Queensland.
Burleigh Heads at a Glance
 Location |
Southern Gold Coast |
 Gold Coast Airport |
20 minutes |
 Walkability |
Excellent |
 Sunny Days |
More than 300 each year |
 Winter Water Temperature |
20–22°C |
 Perfect For |
Families, Couples, Surfers |
 Whale Season |
May–November |
| National Park |
Burleigh Head National Park |
Top 10 Things to Do in Burleigh Heads
If it’s your first visit, these are the experiences that should be at the top of your list. Each one showcases a different side of Burleigh Heads, from its natural beauty and relaxed coastal lifestyle to its vibrant dining scene and outdoor adventures.
1. Spend the Day at Burleigh Beach
There’s a reason Burleigh Beach regularly features on lists of Australia’s best beaches. Its wide stretch of golden sand, rolling surf and relaxed atmosphere make it perfect for swimming, surfing, walking or simply unwinding with a good book.
Perfect For: Families, couples, surfers and anyone wanting to experience Burleigh’s iconic beachfront.
Walking Time from Burleigh Esplanade: Less than one minute.
Enjoying Burleigh Beach on the grass at the Burleigh Headland – Stunning Views to Surfers Paradise.
2. Walk Burleigh Head National Park
The Oceanview Track winds around Burleigh Headland through pockets of subtropical rainforest before opening onto breathtaking coastal lookouts. Along the way, keep an eye out for sea eagles, turtles, dolphins and, during winter, migrating humpback whales.
Walking Time: Approximately 12 minutes.
Local Tip
Walk early in the morning to enjoy cooler temperatures, softer light for photography and a quieter experience before the crowds arrive.
3. Discover Tallebudgera Creek
Just south of Burleigh Headland, Tallebudgera Creek is famous for its crystal-clear, calm waters. It’s one of the Gold Coast’s favourite spots for paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkelling and family picnics.
The protected waters make it ideal for young children and anyone looking for a more relaxed alternative to the surf.
Local Tip
If you’re staying for more than three nights, don’t try to do everything in one day. Burleigh is best enjoyed at a slower pace. Spend one day exploring the beach and headland, another discovering Tallebudgera Creek and local cafés, then leave time to simply relax and soak up the atmosphere.
Why Stay at Burleigh Esplanade Holiday Apartments?
One of Burleigh Esplanade’s greatest advantages is its location. Positioned directly opposite Burleigh Beach, the apartments place you within easy walking distance of many of the area’s most popular attractions. From sunrise walks along the beachfront to dinner on James Street or an afternoon exploring Burleigh Head National Park, you can leave the car parked and experience the best of Burleigh on foot.
After a day of exploring, return to spacious self-contained apartments, enjoy the coastal breeze from your private balcony and relax knowing everything you need is close by.
Coming Up Next
In the next blog, we’ll explore Burleigh Beach, Burleigh Head National Park and Tallebudgera Creek in much greater detail, including walking routes, local wildlife, whale watching, picnic spots, family tips and the best photo locations.
