Burleigh Heads, or just Burleigh to locals, is home to towering fragrant pine trees with plenty of places in which to picnic or barbecue. This is also a great place for art and craft markets. You’ll find oceanfront dining here and swear the fish on your plate jumped straight out of the water, and there’s also a funky café culture in these parts. New designers are also starting to pepper the shopping areas, so you won’t be disappointed.
The beaches here are popular for those who like to swim in protected waters and those who love to surf around the headland. On a day when it might be a little choppy elsewhere along the Coast, there will be a protected corner in Burleigh that will be calm. Besides the beach, you can head to Burleigh Heads National Park, with a number of walking trails and wildlife to experience.
Burleigh Heads Weather – When to Visit
The best time to visit Burleigh Heads is from March to May. Temperatures average between the high 50s and mid-80s with little rainfall towartds May. Winter (June to August) and spring (September to November) are also popular times to visit due to the mild temperatures and dry days. Bu hotels during these two seasons see hotels booked solid. You’ll find better airfare and hotel room deals during the wet, humid season, which is from December to early March. Just note that the soggy weather might hinder your outdoor activities.
Best Burleigh Heads Beaches
Burleigh Heads Beach
Burleigh Heads Beach is a 2-kilometre stretch of sand running north from Burleigh Head National Park. It is one of the Gold Coast’s famous beaches, popular with surfers and swimmers. The natural features in the waters around Burleigh Heads Beach means it often remains calm and protected while other Gold Coast beaches can experience choppier waters.
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Tallebudgera Beach
Tallebudgera Creek is an eye-searingly blue estuary, fringed by one of the best beaches on the Gold Coast. Here, you can sun worship and swim without fear of getting tumble rolled by a vicious wave.
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Nobbys Beach
Nobbys is a great little patch of sand playing front yard to the numerous bars, eat haunts, and surf vibes of its namesake suburb. Nobbys is edged by a headland, where great bodies get greater and many an epic BBQ has been enjoyed.
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Currumbin Creek
The word creek might not give you much excitement, but the mouth of Currumbin Creek is a dream scene. You’ll ee pods of dolphins gliding past stand-up paddle boarders. Worth the trip!
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Currumbin to Kirra
The immaculate sands of Currumbin, Tugun, Bilinga and Kirra make up seven kilometers of uninterrupted strolling magic. The goodness continues south around the corner to Coolangatta, too. It’s one of the finest stretches of beach in the whole country. And it’s virtually deserted!
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Best Nearby Burleigh Heads Tours & Activities by Viator
Gold Coast Jet Boat Ride from Main Beach
Zip through the scenic Gold Coast Broadwater on a high-octane jet boat ride that combines speed-driven fun with sightseeing. Hang on as your boat performs 360-degree spins, power slides and other tricks, then slow down to see Southport Yacht Club, Palazzo Versace Hotel and Marina Mirage. You’ll also buzz past Seaworld, the mansions of Sovereign Island and Moreton Bay Marine Park, venturing further than other similar tours. Dolphins and other marine life often seen in these waterways — keep your eyes peeled! Learn more about the Gold Coast Jet Boat Ride.
1 Hr Jet Ski Safari
Take off from Main Beach on a Jet Ski tour to enjoy the natural beauty of the Gold Coast in an exciting way. You’ll cruise up to South Stradbroke Island, traveling about 9 miles (15 km) past beaches, sandbars, and mangroves. Learn more about the 1 Hr Jet Ski Safari.
Springbrook National Park and Mt Tamborine
Get away from the hustle and bustle of the Gold Coast for the day on this tour around through the serene Springbrook National Park. Explore miles and miles of stunning Australian rain forest with help from your guide, a former Queensland Wildlife Ranger. Discover hidden waterfalls and animal habitats, meet the glowworms living under the unreal Natural Bridge, and take stunning photos at the park’s many lookouts including the appropriately-named Best of All Lookouts. Learn more about the Springbrook National Park & Mt Tamborine Tour.
2-Hour Beginners Surf Lesson at Main Beach
During your visit to the Gold Coast, learn the basics of surfing with a 2-hour beginning surfing lesson at Main Beach. With gentle waves it is an ideal place to learn to surf, and your lesson includes use of all necessary equipment. Your guide ensures a safe and fun introduction to surfing, and provides hotel pickup and drop-off. Learn more about the 2-Hour Beginners Surf Lesson at Main Beach.
PADI Open Water Course
Learn to dive during this three-day PADI course on the scenic Gold Coast. After a convenient hotel pickup, begin with academic and pool training before moving to open-water diving with a professional instructor-guide. Receive intensive instruction during three days of multi-hour training sessions and finish with a PADI certification, valid anywhere in up to 59 feet (18 meters) of water. Learn more about the PADI Open Water Course.
For a list of all Tours & Activities, visit here.
Best Burleigh Heads Restaurants
Restaurant Labart $11 – 30
This intimate 60-seat bistro brings a touch of European sophistication to the local dining scene. Restaurant Labart’s open-plan kitchen and charcoal grill allows diners a front-row seat to watch the chef and his talented team work their magic. The changing menu is designed to share with both snacks, small and large plates on offer, with all ingredients locally and sustainably sourced. Telephone: 07 55 763 498Web: Restaurant Labart
Rick Shores $11 – 30
Pan-Asian flavors in one of the Gold Coast’s most iconic locations. Focusing on fresh, locally-sourced produce with intention to share. Try Rick’s famous Moreton Bay bug rolls. Telephone: 07 5630 6611 Web: Rick Shores
Harry’s Steak Bistro $11 – 30
Harry’s uses locally sourced organic fruit and veg direct from the farmer where possible. Living in beautiful Australia gives us access to work alongside Australian cattle producers to serve you the best possible steak for the best possible price. Telephone: 07 5535 2699 Web: Harry’s Steak Bistro
Iku Yakitori And Whisky Bar $11 – 30
They are all about the juicy, most tasty, charcoal grilled meats you have ever dreamed of. Cooked to perfection over their Binchotan charcoal and enjoyed in their whiskey bar. Telephone: 07 5568 7300 Web: Iku Yakitori And Whiskey Bar
Rabbath $11 – 30
Rabbath is a contemporary Lebanese bistro, is the Coast’s most intimate restaurant. Everything has been custom made; from the wine display racks that hang overhead, to the compact kitchen and bar combo that occupies a third of the venue. There are old world Mediterranean mosaic tiles, cozy corners and soft lighting that’ll make you immediately feel at home. Telephone: 07 5535 4141 Web: Rabbath
Best Burleigh Heads Bars
Justin’s Rooftop
Enjoy the patio and outdoor bar, with views to Burleigh Beach. Enjoy Justin’s Coladas and handmade sourdough pizzas. One of the best bars in Burleigh. Telephone: 61 7 5576 8517 Web: Justin’s Rooftop
Lockwood Bar
Pull up a stool at the bar where bartenders are dressed in ties, waistcoats and flat caps, and enjoy a Rob Roy. Listen to blues and rockabilly tunes, and enjoy an intimate night behind closed doors. Telephone: 61 488 111 030 Web: Lockwood Bar
Burleigh Brewing Co.
Burleigh Brewing HQ is open afternoons each week with live music and food trucks on weekends, and is totally a visit to try their famed brews such as Twisted Palm, Hef, Bighead,and 28 Pale Ale, as well as limited edition concoctions. Telephone: 07 5593 6000 Web: Burleigh Brewing Co.
Nightjar
Let your hair down in a laid back atmosphere with no dress codes, no rules, just good old-fashioned, anti-establishment fun with live music, cold beach and huge selection of spirits and cocktails. Web: Nightjar
Iku Yakitori & Whisky Bar
Explore their extensive range of rare Japanese whisky’s, sake, shochu, Australian spirits and a carefully selected and thoroughly inspired wine list. Telephone: 07 5568 7300 Web: Iku Yakitori & Whisky Bar
Having lived in a land-locked country all my life, it was really exciting to come across my longest stretch of beach of about 4Km on the Indian Ocean Coast. However, your detailing of the 7Km Currumbin to Kirra beachfront has totally blown me away! Furthermore, I’d only been on a jet ski for less than 20minutes at a time and left thoroughly thrilled. I can only imagine what the 1Hour Safari feels like…. Thanks for a comprehensive write up Leahrae.
Thank you Mark and 20 minutes is not enough on a jet ski! LOL Although my arms feel like they are jello after an hours. Thanks for the visit and glad you enjoyed.
Wow, this is beautiful! I didn’t know how beautiful Australia is. I only know New Zealand, which has always been my country where I would have loved to emigrate. But this is so beautiful that beaches, the climate, the sea. I mean, I love to travel, and I hope that covid 19 is a history very soon so we could travel again. I would love to visit your country. You made me curious!
I thing that Australia and New Zealand are both equally beautiful for sure. Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
I was there 2 years ago for 2 weeks and I couldn’t agree more about Burleigh’s beauty! Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, Burleigh Heads and Coolangatta are just stunning places to go. I also went to O’Reilly’s near the Mount Tambourine and the place was heavenly beautiful. I cannot wait to go there again someday.
Thanks for writing about this amazing place.
Australia is truly a dream land.
Glad you I could bring back great memories for you! Thank you so much for visiting my Burleigh Heads Australia.
Hey; Australia is generally a fantastic location for holidaymakers as the seasons there in many states is kind of different from many other countries.
Take for an example: Burleigh Heads, with its amazing scenery, One would no doubt want to stay all-year-round in these parts. However, weather conditions prove unfavourable to tourist from other parts of the world.
Would you by any means recommend a holiday in Burleigh Head from June to August to anyone from America or Canada?
DorcasW
I would! This is a great time for swimming and you will see temperatures in the low 70s. I am in Florida and I sure wish we would dip down to the 70s. It is still a great time for the beach, and less crowded! Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave me comments.
Oh, boy… I’m looking forward to traveling again so badly. And places like Burleigh Heads really get me in that craving mindset. I hope that makes sense.
These beaches are absolutely beautiful. Love the views, especially the Tallebudgera beach. I don’t know, just something about it really captivates me. Other than that, I’m big on swimming but I would love to learn to surf as well. To that end, that 2-hour beginner’s surf lesson is kind of to die for. Also, I love the affordability of restaurants. I mean, the place looks absolutely ideal for the first vacation right after the pandemic. 🙂
Do you happen to know… Are sharks at any of these places a commonly reported occurrence? My wife’s not a fan, haha.
There are sharks in the area, they are further out in the water than you would go though. Just don’t swim a great distance out. They are on the look out for them though, and the beach is cleared if they are in the waters near by. It is an ideal place for a vacation after this darn pandemic for sure. Thank you for visiting my Burleigh Heads Australia guide.
Wow! It looks like Burleigh has it all! I think the jet ski safari adventure would be so much fun! How much would flights be from the American west coast? How far away is the airport from the tourist attractions and hotels? I am so in need of a vacation! I wonder if we are allowed to travel there right now with the COVID restrictions. In fact, do you know if they have a mask policy in Burleigh at the moment?
Thanks for the info!
Hi Ashley, the closest airport is going to be Gold Coast Airport which is about a 15 minute drive from Burleigh Heads. A very rough estimate from Los Angeles would be give or take $1000. It really depends on the time of year, what city you are flying out of, and how far in advance to purchase your tickets. Yes, you can travel here, and of course you will find the same COVID protections in places of business by wearing a mask. Please let me know if you have any additional questions. Thanks for stopping by.
This has certainly been a very interesting read to me. I have learned a lot of Burleigh Heads Australia. I love that I ran into this post, I just got back to my hometown from a vacation 2 days ago at the North Carolina Beach and I loved that trip so much that I wanted to go out and explore other beaches out there, this has truly been a great and useful post for me. Thank you so much!
You are very welcome. Sounds like you had a wonderful time in North Carolina. Come back when you are ready to plan 🙂
That beach in Burleigh looks so inviting! I can’t wait to start travelling again once this horrible virus is brought under control or successfully mitigated. “towering fragrant pine trees with plenty of places in which to picnic or barbecue”, I want to go now! You make it sound so inviting and so welcoming. I see you have a range of accommodation suggestions too. I see its in Queensland. I have a couple of practical questions (serious too). Is it far from Sydney airport? Is it a realistic drive and as a Chilean permanent resident (UK passport) are there any special and easier visa arrangements for visitors to Australia now?
Hi Trevor, you sound super excited! The airport in Queensland is only about 17 minutes from Burleigh Heads. Yes, you do need a Visa, but you can get an electronic one making it super easy. Please let me know i fyou have any additional questions.
Australia is a very nice country to visit, with lots of beautiful cities and festivities. Thanks for writing this article to give information about a beautiful city in Australia, Burleigh Heads. From what I have read from this article, Burleigh Heads is a very wonderful City in Australia. It also have beautiful beaches and nice locations to visit.
Yes Australia does have nice beaches! I totally agree. Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
I have always wanted to go to Australia, your article is a fine example of why, the beaches are stunning. The hotels are top notch. the various places to eat all offering different types of cuisine from around the world and the water sport activities. You have offered the complete package in this excellent post. Any one wishing to travel to Australia will have all of the information needed at their finger tips.
Yes Lisa, Australia is a great beach destination. Thank you for visiting my Burleigh Heads Australia post.
Thanks so much for sharing a great information about Burleigh Heads Australia, I know we are all waiting for a green light to go back to normal life and to have the joy to visit new places once again, Australia has been always on my wish list of places to visit, and why not, reading about beautiful places like the one you well describe on your article is a way to put our hopes for the best! I would love to visit this place as soon as we all can go back to travel again and I would love to bring my children with me, they all are young adults and I’m sure they will love to visit this place and they will get a lot of fun with the activities to do you mention on your article,
I think Australia has a lot to offer for a vacation. Whether it be a family vacation, honeymoon, romance, or just to get away. I am glad you enjoyed and thank you for stopping by.
Wow,wow,wow…this article remind me of my first day at the beach,it was awesome,I had fun,I mean real fun. Apart from the fact that is a home to towering fragrant pine trees with plenty of places in which to picnic or barbecue,is also the best place to cool out,after an ecthic day,to me is the best place I can always recommend.
Thank you.
Aluko
I totally agree! Thanks for stopping by Aluko.