Burleigh Heads, or simply "Burleigh" to locals, sits like a cool comma between Surfers Paradise to the north and Coolangatta to the south. Burleigh Heads beach is one of the most popular beaches on the Gold Coast. Burleigh Heads beach enjoys dual popularity with those who like to swim in her protective waters and those who love to surf around the headland. On days when it might be a little choppy elsewhere along the Coast you can bet your bottom dollar there's a protected corner at Burleigh in which to dip.
Burleigh Boardriders is the longest running boardriders club on the Gold Coast where the iconic Burleigh barrel was made legendary during the 1977 Stubbies Surf Competition. The competition was the first ever to use the man-on-man format which is still used on today's professional World Surfing League Championship Tour.
For more information on Burleigh Heads especially the best places to eat visit Destination Gold Coast.
Beach usage
Every beach along our coastline is unique and used for many different activities, such as swimming, surfing and walking the dog. We've been working to understand which beaches are our most popular and how each is used by our community and visitors.
Burleigh Heads is one of the top five busiest beaches on the Gold Coast. Each year it is visited by more than 100,000 tourists and local residents. It is a quick walk to popular James Street and close to other major commercial and high density residential hubs.
More than 60% of visitors to Burleigh beach come to exercise, play and relax on the sand but it's also a favourite swimming spot.
Surfing
Burleigh Heads is part of the World Surfing Reserve and is a popular location for surfers. It's the Gold Coast's most northern point break and provides a high level of surf amenity. Burleigh Headland is for experienced board riders only but the open beach breaks offer an excellent variety of conditions. Visit our Beach cameras page for the latest beach conditions.
Swimming
The shape and orientation of Burleigh Headlands provides beach users with protection from southerly winds. Make sure you swim between the red and yellow flags which indicate that the beach is patrolled! Burleigh Heads have a patrolled lifeguard tower at Mowbray Park in front of Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park Surf Life Saving Club (corner of Goodwin Terrace and Gold Coast Highway). Patrolled between 8am and 5pm every day all year round.
Please note all beaches are patrolled during Queensland school holidays.
For more information download our Beach patrol information sheet(PDF, 1MB)
Facilities
Burleigh Heads beach is next to popular parklands that contains toilets, barbecues, tables, shade structures, playgrounds and beach showers. It's also in close proximity to a significant retail commercial area and hosts a market in the nearby parkland every second Sunday. Burleigh Heads has the following facilities for beachgoers:
For more information about accessible facilities in this area download the Burleigh Heads mobility map.
Getting there
Parking: There is a car park at the surf club and plenty of on-street parking available in the surrounding areas. Be sure to take note of any applicable parking signs and/or line markings before heading to the beach. Please note our beaches can get very busy on weekends and during school holidays, reducing the amount of available parking in the area.
Public transport: Translink buses run along the Gold Coast Highway through Burleigh. Use Translink's journey planner to plot your trip to the beach.
Active travel: Use our Walking and cycling maps for the Southern Gold Coast and surrounds to plan your walk, run or bike ride to the beach.