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.
- Welcome to Beautiful Burleigh
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.
- A glimpse of beautiful Burleigh through the tree-lined esplanade.
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.
- Burleigh Heads beach with a view north to Surfers Paradise
- View of Burleigh south to the Burleigh Heads National Park
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.
- Get in a few extra steps whilst taking in the views
- No need for your own bike if you want to cycle near the beach
- There’s plenty of parkland to relax and enjoy yourself if you don’t want to sit on the beach all day.
- Children can play safely in the fenced playground area.
- Enjoy the free barbeque areas along the foreshore.
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.
- Enjoy great beach views and a relaxed vibe with breakfast, lunch or dinner at the North Burleigh Surf Club.
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.
- There’s a magnificent view in all directions from different points in the national park.
- You may be lucky to see a bush turkey in the scrub whilst on your walk through the park.
- View of Burleigh from the national park
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.
Ah, this beach looks amazing. I will have to add it to my list.
There’s so many beautiful stretches of beach on the Gold Coast Shameez. Hope you get to experience them some day. Therese
Ok, this is such a crazy coincidence. I met a traveller recently from Australia (like two days ago), and he told me to visit Burleigh Heads Beach when I head to Australia next year. Then I come to your blog and stumble upon this place again!
Maybe that’s a sign Nancy. I know there are lots of breathtaking beaches around the world but I love Burleigh because there is something for everyone there. Hope you make it there next year. Therese
That’s so cool that you can workout outside at this beach! And the views are pretty amazing! It looks [and sounds] like I would definitely enjoy a day at this beach. It may take me some time to get there though, since I’m in the US 🙂
Look forward to seeing you “Down Under” some time in the future Larissa. Therese