Burleigh Heads is one of the most charming and captivating destinations on the Gold Coast, Australia. Located between the bustling Surfers Paradise and the laid-back Coolangatta, Burleigh Heads offers a perfect balance of nature, culture, and adventure. Whether you want to relax on the pristine beach, explore the lush rainforest, shop at the local markets, or dine at the award-winning restaurants, Burleigh Heads has something for everyone.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about Burleigh Heads, including how to get there, when to go, what to do, where to eat, and where to stay. Read on and discover why Burleigh Heads is the hidden gem of the Gold Coast.
How to Get to Burleigh Heads
Getting to Burleigh Heads is easy and convenient, as it is well-connected by various modes of transportation. Here are some of the options you can choose from:
Renting a car:
If you want to have more flexibility and freedom, renting a car is a great option. You can find many car rental companies at the Gold Coast Airport, Brisbane Airport, or other major cities. Driving to Burleigh Heads will take you about 15 minutes from the Gold Coast Airport, an hour from Brisbane, or 10 hours from Sydney. You can also enjoy the scenic views along the Pacific Motorway or the Gold Coast Highway.
Public transport:
If you prefer to save money and reduce your carbon footprint, public transport is a good option. You can take a bus, train, or tram to Burleigh Heads from various locations. The bus routes 700, 777, and 760 will take you to Burleigh Heads from the Gold Coast Airport, Surfers Paradise, or Robina. The train will take you to Varsity Lakes or Robina from Brisbane or other cities, and then you can take a bus to Burleigh Heads. The tram will take you to Broadbeach South from Surfers Paradise or Helensvale, and then you can take a bus to Burleigh Heads. You can use the TransLink website or app to plan your journey and buy your tickets.
Uber or taxi:
If you want to have more comfort and convenience, Uber or taxi is a good option. You can find many Uber drivers or taxi cabs at the Gold Coast Airport, Brisbane Airport, or other major cities. Taking an Uber or taxi to Burleigh Heads will cost you about $25 from the Gold Coast Airport, $150 from Brisbane, or $1000 from Sydney. You can also use the Uber or taxi app to book your ride and pay online.
On foot:
If you are feeling adventurous and energetic, walking to Burleigh Heads is a good option. You can enjoy the stunning views of the coastline and the ocean as you walk along the beach or the esplanade. Walking to Burleigh Heads will take you about an hour from Surfers Paradise, two hours from Coolangatta, or 10 hours from Brisbane. You can also use the Google Maps app to find the best route and track your progress.
When to Visit Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Heads is a year-round destination, as it has a subtropical climate with warm and sunny weather throughout the year. However, depending on your preferences and interests, some times of the year may be better than others. Here are some of the factors you should consider when planning your visit:
Weather:
The weather in Burleigh Heads is generally pleasant and mild, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 28°C. The summer months (December to February) are the hottest and wettest, with temperatures reaching up to 35°C and occasional thunderstorms. The winter months (June to August) are the coolest and driest, with temperatures dropping to 10°C and clear skies. The spring and autumn months (September to November and March to May) are the most comfortable and moderate, with temperatures averaging around 20°C and light showers.
Crowd:
The crowd in Burleigh Heads varies depending on the season and the events. The peak season is from December to January, when many domestic and international tourists flock to the Gold Coast for the holidays and the summer break. The off-season is from May to August, when fewer visitors come to the Gold Coast due to the cooler weather and the school term. The shoulder season is from September to November and February to April, when the crowd is moderate and balanced. Some of the events that attract more people to Burleigh Heads are the Quiksilver Pro and Roxy Pro surfing competitions in February, the Bleach Festival in March, the Burleigh BBQ Championships in August, and the Swell Sculpture Festival in September.
Activities:
The activities in Burleigh Heads depend on the weather and the season. The summer months are the best for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing, as the water is warm and the waves are consistent. The winter months are the best for hiking, biking, and wildlife watching, as the air is cool and the rainforest is green. The spring and autumn months are the best for shopping, dining, and sightseeing, as the weather is mild and the atmosphere is lively.
What to Do in Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Heads is a paradise for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and adventure seekers, as it offers a wide range of attractions and activities to suit every taste and budget. Here are some of the things you can do in Burleigh Heads:
Burleigh Beach:
Burleigh Beach is the main attraction and the pride of Burleigh Heads, as it is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches on the Gold Coast. The beach stretches for 2 km along the coastline, offering soft golden sand, clear blue water, and stunning views of the skyline and the hinterland. The beach is also a hotspot for surfing, as it has some of the best breaks and barrels in the world. You can rent a surfboard, take a lesson, or join a surf club to enjoy the thrill of riding the waves. If surfing is not your thing, you can also swim, snorkel, kayak, or paddle board in the calm and protected waters of the beach. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards and has flags to indicate the safe swimming areas. You can also relax, sunbathe, or picnic on the spacious and shady grassy areas behind the beach, where you can find picnic tables, barbecues, playgrounds, and showers. The beach is also lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, where you can grab a bite, a drink, or a souvenir.
Burleigh Heads National Park:
Burleigh Heads National Park is a natural wonder and a hidden gem of Burleigh Heads, as it is one of the few places in the world where the rainforest meets the ocean. The park covers 27 hectares of land, featuring diverse and rich flora and fauna, such as eucalyptus, pandanus, banksia, koalas, wallabies, kookaburras, and sea eagles. The park also offers spectacular views of the coastline, the ocean, and the hinterland. You can explore the park by walking along the well-maintained and scenic trails, such as the Rainforest Circuit, the Oceanview Walk, and the Tumgun Lookout. The Rainforest Circuit is a 2.3 km loop that takes you through the dense and lush rainforest, where you can see and hear the wildlife and the waterfalls. The Oceanview Walk is a 1.2 km one-way track that follows the edge of the headland, where you can admire the panoramic views of the beach, the surfers, and the whales and dolphins (if you are lucky). The Tumgun Lookout is a short detour from the Oceanview Walk that takes you to the highest point of the park, where you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Gold Coast and the Pacific Ocean. You can also access the Tallebudgera Creek from the park, where you can swim, fish, or kayak in the crystal-clear and calm water.
The Village Markets:
The Village Markets are a must-visit and a must-experience for anyone who loves shopping, art, and music, as they are the best and the coolest markets on the Gold Coast. The markets are held every first and third Sunday of the month, from 8:30 am to 1 pm, at the Burleigh Heads State School. The markets showcase the local and emerging talent of the Gold Coast, featuring over 100 stalls of fashion, jewellery, homewares, art, and more. You can find unique and original pieces that are handcrafted, vintage, or recycled, and support the local and ethical businesses. You can also enjoy the live music and entertainment from the local musicians and performers, who create a vibrant and festive atmosphere. You can also indulge in the delicious food and drinks from the food trucks and vendors, who offer a variety of cuisines, such as vegan, gluten-free, organic, and more. The markets are also a great place to meet and mingle with the friendly and creative community of Burleigh Heads, who share a passion for culture and lifestyle.
Miami Marketta:
Miami Marketta is another must-visit and a must-experience for anyone who loves food, music, and nightlife, as it is the best and the coolest night market on the Gold Coast. The market is held every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday night, from 5 pm to 10 pm, at the Miami industrial area. The market is a foodie’s paradise, featuring over 25 stalls of international cuisines, such as Italian, Thai, Indian, Mexican, and more. You can taste and sample the authentic and mouthwatering dishes that are freshly cooked and served, and satisfy your cravings and appetite. You can also enjoy the craft beer and wine from the bars, who offer a selection of local and imported drinks. The market is also a music lover’s paradise, featuring live music and entertainment from the local and international artists, who perform on the indoor and outdoor stages. You can listen and dance to the genres of rock, blues, jazz, soul, and more. The market is also a nightlife lover’s paradise, featuring a vibrant and festive atmosphere, where you can socialize and have fun with the friendly and diverse crowd of Burleigh Heads.
Where to Eat in Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Heads is a foodie’s heaven, as it offers a wide range of cafes, restaurants, and bars to suit every taste and budget. Here are some of the places you can eat in Burleigh Heads:
Social Brew:
Social Brew is a cozy and trendy cafe that serves delicious and healthy breakfast and lunch options, such as smoothie bowls, avocado toast, eggs benedict, burgers, salads, and more. You can also enjoy the specialty coffee, tea, juice, and smoothies, that are made with fresh and organic ingredients. The cafe has a relaxed and friendly vibe, with indoor and outdoor seating, and a view of the park and the beach.
Commune:
Commune is a quirky and eclectic cafe that serves creative and tasty breakfast and lunch options, such as corn fritters, banana bread, vegan nachos, falafel wraps, and more. You can also enjoy the organic coffee, tea, kombucha, and milkshakes, that are made with local and ethical products. The cafe has a funky and colorful decor, with vintage furniture, art, and plants, and a courtyard and a garden.
Paddock Bakery:
Paddock Bakery is a rustic and charming bakery that serves freshly baked and mouthwatering bread, pastries, cakes, and pies, such as sourdough, croissants, doughnuts, brownies, and more. You can also enjoy the hearty and wholesome breakfast and lunch options, such as shakshuka, granola, burgers, pizzas, and more. You can also enjoy the coffee, tea, juice, and beer, that are made with quality and seasonal ingredients. The bakery has a cozy and inviting atmosphere, with a wood-fired oven, a fireplace, and a greenhouse.
Rick Shores:
Rick Shores is a sophisticated and elegant restaurant that serves exquisite and authentic Asian cuisine, such as Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, and more. You can also enjoy the signature cocktail, wine, and beer, that are made with premium and exotic spirits. The restaurant has a stunning and panoramic view of the ocean, with floor-to-ceiling windows, a balcony, and a beachfront location.
The Tropic:
The Tropic is a modern and chic restaurant that serves refined and contemporary Australian cuisine, such as seafood, steak, pasta, and more. You can also enjoy the cocktail, wine, and beer, that are made with local and imported drinks. The restaurant has a sleek and stylish decor, with a marble bar, a fireplace, and a terrace, and a view of the pool and the beach.
Where to Stay in Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Heads is a home away from home, as it offers a wide range of hotels, resorts, and apartments to suit every taste and budget. Here are some of the places you can stay in Burleigh Heads:
Burleigh Mediterranean Resort:
Burleigh Mediterranean Resort is a luxurious and spacious resort that offers fully self-contained and air-conditioned apartments, with one, two, or three bedrooms. You can also enjoy the facilities and amenities of the resort, such as the indoor and outdoor pools, the spa, the sauna, the gym, the barbecue area, and the rooftop terrace. The resort has a prime and convenient location, with direct access to the beach, and a short walk to the shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Gemini Court Holiday Apartments:
Gemini Court Holiday Apartments is a cozy and comfortable apartment complex that offers fully furnished and equipped apartments, with one or two bedrooms. You can also enjoy the facilities and amenities of the complex, such as the heated pool, the spa, the tennis court, the barbecue area, and the free Wi-Fi. The complex has a stunning and panoramic view of the ocean, the beach, and the hinterland, and a close proximity to the park, the markets, and the restaurants.
Boardwalk Burleigh Beach:
Boardwalk Burleigh Beach is a modern and stylish apartment building that offers contemporary and elegant apartments, with one, two, or three bedrooms. You can also enjoy the facilities and amenities of the building, such as the infinity pool, the spa, the sun deck, the fitness center, the games room, and the free parking. The building has a superb and central location, with a short stroll to the beach, the shops, the cafes, and the bars.
Burleigh Heads is a destination that has it all, as it offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure. You can enjoy the best of both worlds, as you can relax on the stunning beach, explore the lush rainforest, shop at the local markets, dine at the award-winning restaurants, and party at the cool night market. Burleigh Heads is the hidden gem of the Gold Coast, as it has a unique and charming character, a friendly and creative community, and a vibrant and lively atmosphere. If you are looking for a place that will surprise and delight you, Burleigh Heads is the place for you.
Don’t wait any longer, book your trip to Burleigh Heads today and discover why it is the ultimate destination on the Gold Coast.
