Burleigh Headsbegan in a similar fashion to Surfers Paradise, as a quiet fishing village increasingly visited by tourists from the early 1900s. A centre for beach activities, fashionistas and trendy cafe goers, witha great array of accommodation, resorts and self-contained holiday apartments, Burleigh offers an ideal alternative to the more touristy Gold Coast areas.
Burleighbegan to grow in population in the 1950s and is now a pretty area stretching north to Miami. Locals love to chat over a relaxing coffee and enjoy the village atmosphere of charmingJames Street, a shopping, cafe and bar precinct next to the beach.
Burleigh Headsis also world renowned for its surf break and when the surf is up you’ll find surfers, locals, visitors and photographers perched high on Burleigh headland, also known as ‘The Point’, watching the spectacle unfold.
Burleigh Heads is different to the glitz of Surfers Paradise. Artists, writers, business owners, young families and pensioners are all part of the mix that makes up this charming beachside haven.
Burleigh beach
Voted number 1 on Tripadvisor, the beach at Burleigh is a defining aspect of theBurleigh Headsarea and is easily accessible from allBurleigh Heads accommodation!Burleigh beachstretches 2.5 kilometers from the restaurants and swimming pool at the Burleigh Pavilion to the headland borderingNorth Burleigh. Golden sand, soft below your feet, drifts into the warm waters of the pacific ocean. With three patrolled areas along its length there are plenty of swimming opportunities under the watchful eyes of lifeguards.
Also easily accessible is Echo beach at Tallebudgera Creek where you can enjoy a quiet river swimming experience. This is a popular beach for families with young children who are safe to paddle in the shallows and build sand castles. Follow the gorgeous ocean view trail throughBurleigh Heads National Parkto reach this secluded spot.
Located along the beachfront underneath Norfolk Pines and other native trees is a wide area of parkland. Within this grassed area are numerous play parks, bbq areas, picnic tables and toilet facilities. Everything for that perfect day at the beach!
Surf with the world’s best at Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Headshas a long history with the surfing and beach community. It’s not uncommon to bump into world-famous surfers staying at aBurleigh beach apartment, resort or hotelor surfingthis amazing break.
Flanked by huge basalt boulders at the point of the headland,Burleighis considered one of the most beautiful breaks in the world.
The first surfing competition,Burleigh Festival of Boards, was held in August, 1965, but it was the 70s short board revolution that really promoted the sport with the iconic Stubbies contest held during the 70s and 80s.
Burleigh Headshas a strong association with many famous surfing identities and brands, including being home to the foundation of Billabong in 1973. Now, each year, the ASP World Professional Surfing competition returns to its spiritual home atBurleigh Headsfor the start of the surfing calendar featuring the world qualifying series eventBreaka Burleigh ProandBillabong Junior Pro.
Why not learn to surf while you are here? One of our most famous local identities, surfing legend Michael ‘Munga’ Barry uses his own unique approach at hisBurleigh Headssurf school,Godfathers of the Ocean, to get you up and surfing in no time!
If you are interested in finding out about surfing conditions or booking some lessons with the Godfathers of the Ocean, you are sure to find a keen surfer amongst the staff at the accommodationwhere you are staying. Ask their advice, or book your lessons through reception and head out for a surf!
Burleigh’s indigenous roots
The headland atBurleigh Heads, originally named Jellurgal, is of deep spiritual significance to indigenous Australians. Just a short stroll form allaccommodation in Burleigh Heads, the headland is a must for visitors to explore and enjoy.
Formed millions of years ago by a volcanic eruption, theKombumerri peopletell of how Jabreen the Creation Spirit stretched on awakening and his long fingers can still be seen today as rocky formations protruding from the headland.
The headland was a focal point of theKombumerri peoplefor corroborees, and middens found in the area reflect its use as a traditional feasting ground. Just a short walk from Jellurgal is a bora ring where festivals were held and nearby Tallebudgera Creek was a popular spot for netting fish and gathering shellfish for everyday life as well as celebrations.
Nets made from the bark of native hibiscus were an important hunting tool, and, depending on their size, were used to catch animals as large as kangaroos and wallabies, as well as fish in the creek. TheKombumerrialso fished using spears, traps and poisons, but perhaps the most original method was the use of dolphins as the hunting dogs of the sea.
Legend has it that Gowanda, a famousKombumerrifrom the Nerang Valley entered the water when he died. Gowanda had been a renowned dog trainer in life, but in death was transformed into a dolphin who taught the other dolphins how to round up fish for his people.
Dolphins and theKombumerri peopleof Jellurgal had a special relationship, with dolphins often driving schools of fish into the shallow water to be netted or speared. Dolphins also protected children from sharks and were valued for their safety.
At the foot of Burleigh Headland a new museum and indigenous tour operation fittingly named Jellurgal has opened for bookings. Great value and fun,have a look at their website for more information.
Burleigh Heads National Park
Burleigh Heads National Parkis a major Gold Coast landmark visited by nature enthusiasts, walkers and anyone interested in indigenous culture. Visitors are rewarded with rainforestwalks, superb ocean views from the rocky foreshore pathway and the chance to see whales in winter and spring as they make their way first north then south during the birthing season.
The national park atBurleigh Headsis easily accessible form all Burleigh Heads resorts, hotels and self-contained holiday apartmentsand is enjoyed by every tourist and visitor.
Formed millions of years ago from volcanic eruptions in the Mount Warning area, the cooling of the lava resulted in huge columns and boulders that can be seen today and remain part of local indigenous legends as described above.
The wild, natural beauty of the headland is due to a combination of rainforest, eucalypt forest, pandanus groves, tussock grassland, mangrove trees, rocky formations and sheltered beaches. Virtually a living museum,Burleigh headlandis a refuge for migrating birds, including white-bellied sea-eagles, kites and ospreys that fish in Tallebudgera Creek. Bush turkeys wander freely, barely bothered by the frequent walkers who pass by, while carpet pythons and bearded dragons sun themselves on the trees and rocks.
For more information visit the Department of Parks and Wildlife’s detailedBurleigh Heads National Parkpage.
Popular walking trails in Burleigh Heads
Walking trails running alongside the rocky foreshore ofBurleigh Heads National Parkand through its rainforest are extremely popular. In spring you may have the chance to see those majestic creatures, the whales, as well as sea-eagles soaring along the coast.
Located along the beachfront beneath the Norfolk pines that line the esplanade atBurleigh Headsis a wide area of parkland. For the energetic there is a four kilometre footpath that runs through the parkland adjacent to the beach and provides safe cycling and walking in a unique tree-lined environment. Dotted along the path is extensive exercise equipment, all with instructions on how to get the best use out of them. You will also find numerous parks for kids to play in. There is nowhere better to holiday or visit than beautiful Burleigh Heads.
Burleigh Tourism offers a range of beach side accommodation, includingresorts, hotels and self-contained 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments. Choose your length of stay and benefit from our many specials on offer every month of the year! We are sure you won’t find a better bargain anywhere else.Don’t believe us? Find out for yourself by checking out ourBurleigh Heads Accommodation Directory.
