Airline Girl

The list of great destinations all over the world to visit on holiday is endless – whether it be to a South Pacific island a few hours flight away for some well needed relaxation or a European adventure on the other side of the world. However, for many of us there are also places much closer to home that can still give you that change of scenery you need without the hours of travel to get there plus also save you the additional cost of airfares.

One of these places we love to visit is Burleigh Heads Beach on the fabulous Gold Coast – just over an hour’s drive south of Brisbane. With an abundant supply of apartment accommodation, a variety of cafes and restaurants, a boutique shopping village, a national park with fabulous vistas and of course, that glorious beach, Burleigh is a great alternative to the busier and more well-known Gold Coast destination of Surfers Paradise – about 25mins drive North.

What makes Burleigh my favourite beach on the Gold Coast? Here are my 5 top reasons.

1. A beach to suit everyone

Of course, the main reason to visit any beach area is the actual beach itself. Burleigh has a fantastic stretch of beach, with views to Surfers Paradise down one end to the National Park at the other. The beach is patrolled in various areas all the way down by the wonderful lifesavers from the Burleigh and North Burleigh Surf Clubs and the southern end is popular with surfers.

2. Parkland along the esplanade

The parkland just off the beach, scattered with Norfolk pines for shade, has free barbeques, covered seating areas, a range of fitness equipment for those wanting a little more than just a leisurely stroll along the promenade plus, for the little ones a couple of playgrounds to have fun in once they’ve tired of all that sun and sand. The parkland area also hosts the Burleigh Art & Craft Markets on the last Sunday of every month.

3. Restaurants and Cafes

The surf clubs at either end of the beach and the local pub have a good range of meals and often have live music on the weekends, plus the best beachfront views. The short walk to the shopping area gives you a range of cafes and restaurants that cater for all – with both healthy and other options – (but you’re on holiday, right so don’t worry about those calories too much). One of our favourite cafes for breakfast is The Pantry Café – both the service and the food are great. I highly recommend the zucchini and sweetcorn fritters with smoked salmon, asparagus and hollandaise sauce – filling and delicious.

4. Shopping

The main shopping street of James St has a variety of boutiques, homewares, food and other necessities like banks and a supermarket. If you’re wanting to seriously make a dent in your credit card, you have the major shopping malls of Pacific Fair and Robina Town Centre not too far away by car but if you’re just wanting to browse some more unique shops or need the necessities, this is a pleasant little shopping strip with a village atmosphere.

 

5. Burleigh Heads National Park

The National Park is down at the southern end of Burleigh. You can go for a short 10 minute walk up to the point to watch the surfers do their thing or venture further along the winding walking trail to Tallebudgera Creek, keeping an eye out for bush turkeys and other birdlife on the way. You’ll find many of the locals here just meeting up for a coffee or picnic and taking in the view. Definitely one of my favourite spots to chill at Burleigh.

Just writing this post has made me want to return to Burleigh sooner rather than later. So if you’re in need of a break and maybe don’t have the funds for an overseas adventure, have look at what the special spots closer to home have to offer.