There are loads of fun things to do in Burleigh Heads Queensland. From relaxing on the picturesque Queensland beaches to eating in some of Queensland’s best restaurants, it is one of the best spots in Australia for a beach holiday.
As a Queenslander, this guide includes only the best Burleigh Heads attractions and things to do around Burleigh as experienced and recommended by a local.
Don’t miss a trip to Burleigh. It is no doubt one of the best places to visit in Queensland!
Where is Burleigh Heads? Brisbane to Burleigh Heads Drive
Let’s start with where exactly is Burleigh. Burleigh Heads is located on the stunning Gold Coast on the eastern side of Queensland, Australia.
Situated approximately 81 km south of Brisbane, and approximately 20 km from Coolangatta Airport, Burleigh Heads offers an amazing variety of beaches, shops, activities, sights, food, drinks and lodgings to make the most of your holiday. Most of the apartments are located on the beach or across from the beach and are near parks, activities and shopping.
Being so close to Brisbane, there is good reason why it is consistently rated as one of the best weekend getaways from Brisbane.
Fun Things to do in Burleigh Heads?
There are 57 km of beaches along the Gold Coast. The beaches of Burleigh Heads offer some of the finest surfing in the world. Most beaches have on-duty lifeguards and designated swimming areas.
In addition to surfing, swimming, snorkeling, and seasonal whale-watching of humpback and Southern right whales, walking along the beach or rollerblading and cycling along boardwalks are other ways of enjoying the ocean, there is tonnes of fun activities in Burleigh to enjoy.
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Burleigh heads national park Ocean View walk
Burleigh Heads National Park is small, about 74 acres, but rich in flora and fauna, volcanic rocks, rainforests, mangroves, eucalyptus forests, and sandy beaches.
The 1 km Oceanview Track is paved for easy travel. Lookouts provide an excellent place to whale-watch. Other animals that might be seen include koalas, possums, echidnas, and lace monitors.
Visit Tallebudgera Creek’s Echo Beach.
Tallebudgera Creek awaits at the end of the Oceanview Walk. Walk down the stairs and enjoy a refreshing dip in the creek at Echo Beach where Tallebudgera Creek empties into the sea. Here a sandy beach and pristine water abound in a secluded, almost secretive, cove.
Have a picnic in John Laws Park
John Laws Park is at the top of the Burleigh Headland and is the ideal place for your BBQs and picnics. There is a playground for the kids which has a slippery dip and swings.
John Laws Park is the perfect place to relax, sitting on a bench or laying in the grass. Order California Tacos and eat them as you unwind on the sand, watching people or the ocean.
Chill out on a picturesque Burleigh Heads Beach
Burleigh Heads Beach is known as one of the best surfing beaches on the Gold Coast. The beach stretches for 2 km. Rolling waves make it a surfer’s paradise and protection from the winds make it ideal for swimming.
Golden sandy bottoms make for excellent diving and snorkeling. Tide pools beg to be explored. Lifeguards are on duty from 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Public toilets are also available.
Or Kurrawa Beach
Kurrawa Beach, which means “blue sea” and is the Aboriginal word for “surfing,” hosts the annual Australian Surf Life Saving Championships.
Miami Beach is near factory outlet shops and has a playground for the kids. Other beaches nearby include Currumbin, Nobby, Tallebudgera, Tugun, Bilinga, Broadbeach, Echo, and of course, Burleigh Heads Beach.
One of the best things to do near Burleigh Heads.
Visit the Village Markets
While you are in the area, check out The Village Markets. The Village Markets is the original creative market on the Gold Coast. This market showcases local and emerging artists, fashion designers, photographers, as well as vintage collectors.
Other stalls at the market sell men’s and women’s clothing, jewelry, and products for your home. Live local music is featured and food vendors will happily satisfy your appetite while you shop.
Shop in James Street
James Street is flush with all types of businesses: fashion boutiques, surf shops, health and beauty, housewares, tourist and gift shops. There are also delis, gourmet foods stores, and grocery stores in case you want to prepare a meal in your apartment kitchen.
Go beer tasting at Burleigh Brewing Company
Craft beers can be enjoyed at local brewing companies. Burleigh Brewing, founded in 2006, produces small batch brews. All of the brewing, fermenting, maturing, filtering, bottling, and canning are done locally in their own brewery.
No corn, rice, GMOs, foam enhancers, or chemicals are used when brewing their beer. Local ingredients are the norm for Burleigh Brewing. Flavors of beer, known as Taphouse Exclusives, including fruit-flavored beers, are constantly changing so Burleigh Brewing offers a 2-liter Growler of your favorite flavor of suds.
Flavors include the Burleigh Wild Berry IPA, brewed with real berries, and the Burleigh Daisy Duke, infused with blackcurrant.
Or Black Hops Brewing
Black Hops Brewing makes their line of craft beers, Black Hops Beers, in Burleigh and Biggera Waters on the Gold Coast. No preservatives are added and the beers are un-pasteurized. Since their first beer, Eggnog Stout, which has slight hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and brandy, was brewed in 2014, Black Hops Brewing has turned their beers into award-winning beers.
They produce monthly limited releases of beers which are available in cans and on tap. Beers can be enjoyed in their Taproom.
Due to the popularity of Black Hops, several hotels in Burleigh note that they are close to the Black Hops Brewing.
BBQ Bazaar – Burleigh’s new permanent night market
The BBQ Bazaar is the permanent night market in Burleigh Heads. Sip a co*cktail or a craft beer, select delectable food from the ample supply of food vendors.
If meat is your thing, you will be dizzy from the selections of beef short ribs, lamb, chicken, steak, sausages, and Brazilian-style grilled meat.
Let the kids play in the kid’s zone while you listen to the live music. Local musicians play at the BBQ Bazaar as well as Greenday, Blink 182, Stone Temple Pilots and Limp Biskit.
Visit the Bathhouse by Greenhouse for a soak
Greenhouse the Bathhouse offers luxury soak sessions. The 90-minute sessions rotate, on your own time, through the hydrotherapy spa, steam room, red cedar sauna, magnesium plunge pool, sun deck and lounge area. Get extra pampering during your session and take 30 more minutes for an organic face mask.
If you want to add bliss to your soak session, a raw sweet treat and glasses of bubbles or kombucha add that extra bliss. The Luxe Soak Session serves a light, plant-based lunch and a glass of bubbles or kombucha on the sun deck.
Go for a salk soak at Freedom Float Centre.
“Me Time” would not be complete without a trip to Freedom Float Centre for a little relaxation and hydrotherapy. Magnesium is added to the float tank water to aid in buoyancy. Relaxing and floating in silence provides multiple physical and mental benefits.
Stiffness, inflammation, discomfort and chronic pain can be reduced. Skin health and blood circulation are improved. Mental clarity improves. Dopamine and serotonin increase. Meditate and relax while reducing stress, anxiety, and nervousness.
Burleigh State School Farmers Market aka Burleigh Markets
Make your next stop the Burleigh State School Farmers Market. Parking and entry is free. This market is open every Saturday “rain, hail or shine.” Farm-fresh and organic fruits and vegetables are available.
Gourmet and global meat, fish and deli products can be found as well as tasty bakery goods and coffee. Vendors also sell fresh flowers, plants, antiques and arts and crafts. Listen to live, local talent while you see, smell and taste the goods offered here.
Purchase some fresh meat and vegetables at the Burleigh State School Farmers Market and prepare your dinner at the BBQ area at any of the apartments which offer full kitchens and BBQ areas.
Go barefoot bowls at the Burleigh Heads Bowls Club
Lawn bowling is an activity that should be played at least once. The Burleigh Heads Bowl Club is “A great place to meet and mingle.” In addition to hosting bowling teams, the club also offers barefoot bowling Tuesday through Saturday, starting at 5:00 p.m., and Sunday at noon and 2:30 p.m. Kids under 5 bowl for free.
The club offers two full-sized greens, which are lit for night bowling, and one green that is half synthetic. After a game of golf, have lunch or dinner at either of the surf clubs in Burleigh Heads.
David Fleay Wildlife Park
The David Fleay Wildlife Park was established for wildlife preservation. Fleay was Australia’s Father of Conservation and successfully bred the platypus as well as rare bird species.
Spend at least half a day walking through the park and encounter a variety of animals. Platypus, wombats, kangaroos, koalas, sugar gliders, Tasmanian devils, crocodiles, numerous species of snakes, owls, and other birds await your discovery.
Visit the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre
The Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Center is located in the Burleigh Heads National Park. “Jellurgal,” the Aboriginal name for Burleigh Heads, is another name for native honey.
At the Center, you can browse through the art gallery, observing such artefacts as dilly bags, tools, boomerangs and didgeridoos as well as colorful Aboriginal art. To learn more about the Aborigines, including stories, dances, and traditional life, as well as the Oceanview Walk and rainforests, guided walkabouts and journeys are offered.
Play golf at Burleigh Golf Club
Established in 1950, the Burleigh Golf Club offers 18 holes of Championship golf. Visitors can book an 18-hole game of golf from $40-$80 or a 9-hole game for $20-$40 Monday through Sunday and on public holidays.
Golf carts can be rented for $40/cart.
Where to Eat and Drink in Burleigh
Eat an Acai bowl at Kiss the Berry – NOW CLOSED
Grab a coffee at Nook on the Beach
Any of the Burleigh beaches makes for a great place to enjoy a coffee and snack from Nook Espresso (which is too sitting right on the beachfront!).
Nook Espresso won the Gold Coast Bulletin Award for Hole in the Wall Coffee Joints. Nook is known for their Long Black coffee. Add a Fruit and Nut Toast, a Macadamia Protein Ball or a Salted Caramel Bliss Ball or smoothie while watching the surf.
Enjoy a wood-fired pizza at The Burleigh Pavilion
One of the best and most instagrammable places to enjoy a pizza with a view in Burleigh.
All pizzas are wood-fired. Toppings include shrimp, salmon, pepperoni, smoked ham, mushroom, artichokes, olives, eggplant, and zucchini. Burgers, nachos, pasta, fish and chips, and salads are also on the menu.
The Pavilion also has a more exclusive dine in menu that can be enjoyed on their spectacular ocean-view balcony.
Visit one of the best surf clubs – Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park SLSC
The Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC), founded in 1923, is located at the base of the Burleigh Heads National Park.
Members can take aquatic rescue courses and get certified in aquatic rescue, first aid, and CPR. Nippers classes for kids ages 5 and up are also available.
The restaurant, which has a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. An all-day menu, and an extensive wine list, is optional with breads, burgers, light snacks, salads, sea food and grilled meats. Kids meals are served as well. There is also a sports bar, a gaming area with 18 games, and a kiosk.
One of the best Burleigh Heads things to do. A great place for breakfast in Burleigh.
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Or North Burleigh Surf Club
North Burleigh Surf Life Saving Club has been around since 1949. The club is oriented toward families.
Classes for nippers as well as classes that allow parents to participate with their children are available and encouraged. Programs in all surf sports are offered as well as rescue and life saving skills. Their restaurant offers burgers, stir fry, pasta, salads, seafood, steaks and a weekend breakfast. Seniors and kids have menu options as well.
Eat at The Fish House Restaurant – NOW CLOSED
Have drinks at Justin Lane rooftop bar
Relax for a drink on the rooftop bar at Justin Lane. “Eat, drink and be messy” is their motto. While kicking back with a drink, such as a Mango and Coconut Caprioska or Very Berry Colada, you might try one of their sourdough pizzas or handmade pasta dishes.
In addition to the rooftop area, Justin Lane has a balcony, restaurant, and pasta bar. Dancing, drinking and eating are the norm here.
Eat custard tart @ Tarte Bakery
Have Tarte Bakery for breakfast. Since Tarte Bakery is a walk-in establishment, select your food and enjoy it at the beach.
Try Babka French Toast with Nutella and chocolate chips or a Tartine with raspberry and cherry jam, an Avo Toast or a bagel with an array of available toppings.
Tarte Bakery is popular with local Burleigh hipsters and instagrammers so be sure to get there early to get a seat!
California Tacos
California Tacos is award-winning San Diego style Mexican food. It was voted the best Mexican food on the Gold Coast.
They offer a variety of tacos made with shrimp, fish, steak, chicken, pork or various vegetables. Burritos, nachos, and quesadillas are available, too. California Tacos is home to the Megarita, a 2.4liter margarita that you can share with your friends.
Paddock Bakery
Burleigh Heads has several shopping markets and bazaars. Before you start a shopping excursion, stop by the Paddock Bakery, the building being a work of art in itself.
A dilapidated Queensland home was relocated and renovated with bricks from all over Australia and doors from Tasmania. Sit in the Loft above the treetops or enter the Barn through the red barn door beneath the Loft. Sample the Doughnut French Toast or Rustic Avo, made with wood-fired sourdough bread.
Enjoy a beverage, such as coffee, a milkshake, or a smoothie, from the Milk Bar. Without doubt one of the best cafes in Burleigh.
Commune Café
If you prefer going somewhere for lunch, Commune Café would be the perfect addition to your health day. Light, organic meals are served at the former butcher shop, now a renovated Art Deco building.
Eggs prepared in different ways, coriander corn fritters, or caramelized banana pancakes with strawberries and nuts, accompanied by a coffee, freshly-squeezed juice or smoothie complements your health day and allows for a splurge at dinner.
Iku Yakitori & Whisky Bar
Fine dining can also be experienced at Iku Yakitori and Whiskey Bar. Enjoy co*cktails, Australian wines or Japanese whiskey, sake, or shochu.
Meats are cooked over Japanese Binchotan charcoal. A 5-course omakaze menu is offered Wednesday through Sunday. The menu changes weekly. Omakaze means “I will leave it up to you.”
Rick Shores
Rick Shores delivers the atmosphere you need in their stunning location. Enjoy a Pan-Asian meal of such delights as duck, soft-shell crab salad, king prawn curry, kingfish sashimi or jasmine rice. Produce served at Rick Shores is locally sourced.
Watch the waves break, literally in front of you, as Rick Shores is right on the beach. Watch the surfers surf. Sunset dining at Rick Shores is a must while on your holiday at Burleigh Heads.
Rabbath
Order some takeaway from Rabbath. Rabbath offers Lebanese, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern foods. A falafel wrap, batata fries, dips with Khoubiz mountain bread, and baklawa with pistachio filling and orange blossom syrup makes a tasty and well-earned picnic during the Oceanview walk at Burleigh Heads National Park or swimming at Echo Beach.
Where to Stay in Burleigh? Accommodation Burleigh
Outrigger Burleigh
The Outrigger Resort apartments are 2 km from John Laws Park, Burleigh Head Beach, and Burleigh Head National Park. The apartments have balconies and guests have access to an outdoor pool, a children’s pool, gardens, a jacuzzi and spa. Black Hops Brewing is 383 meters away.
Burleigh on the Beach
Apartments at Burleigh on the Beach are equipped with a private balcony, full kitchens, laundry facilities, and a separate living room with a flat-screen satellite TV, which includes free cable movie and sport channels.
Tickets to local attractions may be booked at the Tour Desk. The apartments are 338 meters from Black Hops Brewing.
Burleigh Beach Tower
The Burleigh Beach Tower, across from Burleigh Beach, provides ocean views and balconies in all rooms. Amenities include a swimming pool, hot tub, laundry, kitchen, fitness center, tennis courts, and gardens. The Burleigh Beach Tower is a 10-minute walk to the Burleigh Heads National Park.
Breakfree Mediterranean Resort
The Breakfree Mediterranean Resort is across from the North Burleigh Beach. One, two, and three-bedroom apartments are available and all have full kitchens, laundry facilities, balconies, and a living room.
View the ocean or gardens, swim in the indoor or outdoor pool, and let your kids play in the kiddie pool. For 360° views of the Gold Coast, go to their Tower rooftops. Have a BBQ while you take in the spectacular views. Take a 20-minute stroll along the beach to Burleigh Head National Park.
Ambience on Burleigh Beach
Also across from Burleigh Beach is the Ambience on Burleigh Beach.
All apartments have a separate living room, balcony, kitchen, air-conditioning, dishwasher, oven and microwave. Guests enjoy free secured parking as well as a 25-meter lap pool, hot tub, sauna, and fitness center.
Key Largo Holiday Apartments
Located in the entertainment district, 591 meters from Black Hops Brewing, Key Largo Holiday Apartments have air-conditioning, full kitchens including a microwave, cable TV, coffee/tea makers and private balconies.
Guests have access to the spa, outdoor pool and spa tub. Key Largo apartments are within walking distance to John Laws Park, Burleigh Head Beach and Burleigh Head National Park. Jellurgal and David Fleay Wildlife Park are also nearby.
Hillhaven Holiday Apartments
Boutique apartments are available at Hillhaven Burleigh Heads Apartments. Two- bedroom apartments with a master suite with queen-size beds are available as well as a family suite with three bedrooms. Each apartment has a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean. Apartments are fully furnished and have full kitchens.
The Village at Burleigh
The Village at Burleigh Heads are luxury apartments 200 meters from Burleigh Heads Beach. All apartments have a full kitchen, air conditioning, laundry facilities, and a private balcony with ocean views. The resort restaurant specializes in steaks. Guests have access to the pool, gardens, and secure covered parking.
Bujerum apartments on Burleigh
Bujerum Apartments are next to the Burleigh Head National Park and close to James Street shopping and weekend markets. They are practically next door to the Burleigh Point surf break.
Two and three-bedroom apartments with king-size beds have flat-screen TVs, secured parking, a fully-equipped kitchen, laundry facilities and linens.
Indigo Blue
If you need to plan a day for your mental health and maybe just wind down, start your day off by waking up at the Indigo Blue.
The beachfront apartments have two or three bedrooms and all have balconies with amazing ocean views. There is a private gym for guests as well as a sauna, an outdoor heated pool, a spa and sun lounges.
Burleigh Surf Apartments
The Burleigh Surf Apartments are centrally located near Burleigh Beach and the shopping district. The high-rise, beachfront apartments have two swimming pools, perfect for cooling off after a day of shopping.
The heated spa and sauna will make those tired muscles relax after a day of sightseeing.
Solnamara beachfront apartments
Solnamara Beachfront Apartments are 4 km from the David Fleay Wildlife Park. All apartments have a beautiful ocean view with private balconies.
Full kitchens, air conditioning, ceiling fans, free wi-fi, flat-screen TVs, washer and dryer, and two bathrooms are included in all apartments. Take a dip in the pool or stroll across the street to the ocean. Listen to and watch the surf from your bedroom.
Wyuna beachfront holiday apartments
Wyuna Beachfront Holiday Apartments are located near the Burleigh Heads National Park and Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Center.
There are 21 apartments, and each has a kitchen and balcony. Guests have access to the Tour and Information Hub, swimming pool, grills and picnic areas. The Burleigh Golf Club is nearby.
Le Beach Apartments
After a day of exploring the markets, a short walk to Le Beach Apartments will help you freshen up before exploring the night life of Burleigh Heads.
Le Beach is centrally located and all apartments have a view of Burleigh Beach. Apartments have one or two bedrooms, private balconies with ocean views, a washer and dryer, a fully-equipped kitchen complete with a dishwasher, air conditioning, flat screen TVs, ceiling fans in the bedrooms, and a BBQ area.
Enjoy your holiday in Burleigh Heads!
More Fun Things to Do in Queensland?
If you are planning a trip to QLD, here are some other unmissable places to visit:
- Things to do in Dalby
- Things to do in Maleny
- Things to do in Palm Cove
- Things to do in Roma
- Things to do in Mt Isa
- Things to do in Charleville Qld
- Best Gold Coast Resorts for families
Traveling on to Sydney? Check out
- Cool cafes in Sydney
- Romantic things to do in Sydney
Note: If you are a backpacker and want to work in Burleigh, you may want to do an RSA Course. Here’s the full backpacker guide on how to get an RSA Certificate.
