Sit back and relax with 48 hours in Burleigh Heads

22nd November 2023

Welcome to the southern end of the Gold Coast, a place which is just as well-versed in shopping and dining as it is in world-renowned surf beaches. Amidst its string of villages sits Burleigh Heads, wedged between the bright lights and skyscrapers of Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta. Beloved by locals and tourists alike this beachside community has become one of the region’s most recognised for its cafes, bars, and restaurants.

Not sure how best to spend your time here? This guide to 48 hours in Burleigh Heads will show you the ropes.

Visit the foreshore

The Burleigh foreshore is home to towering fragrant pine trees characteristic of the coast and in this parkland there are plenty of places in which to picnic or barbecue. This is also an ideal spot for regular art and craft markets, where you haggle and forage along the foreshore with the ocean shouting encouragement in the background.

Friday Evening

Bid hello to your stay in Burleigh Heads with a visit to one of its many eateries for a memorable meal. One of its most celebrated is Rick Shores, which sits directly on the beachfront. The pan-Asian restaurant has garnered plenty of acclaim around the country thanks to its innovative menu (famed bug rolls included) and equally vibrant cocktails. But it’s not the only fine diner worthy of your time while you’re in the vicinity – Restaurant Labart and The Tropic are fellow foodie favourites.

Absolute oceanfront dining exists here where you’ll swear the fish on your plate has jumped straight out of the water, and there’s a burgeoning funky café culture in these parts. New designers are also starting to pepper the shopping areas and an amble along here won’t disappoint.

Head inland to West Burleigh in which a large industrial park contains some great shopping and a delicious dining scene. Perhaps this coastal point’s comma should be an exclamation mark instead.

Grab your board and take to the surf – wave chasers are no strangers to these parts. The area is welcoming of novices and advanced alike, with newbies practising in the sheltered waters of the main beach, and the more experienced taking to the reliable swell of the neighbouring headland. If the pull to join them proves strong, multiple surf schools, including pro surfer Cheyne Horan’s, are eager to show you the ropes. If you prefer to keep dry, watch the surfers from a comfortable seat, joining the bevy of locals who gather on the idyllic point for a sundowner daily.

Burleigh Pavillion

Right on the beachfront with the waves rolling in on the sand below, Burleigh Pavilion is a relaxed terrace bistro, with stairs that come up directly from the beach. The huge space seats up to 400 people, with an extensive menu which ranges from freshly shucked oysters and seared barramundi to burgers and wood fired pizza.

Find out more

Saturday morning

Kill two birds with one stone, enjoying views and exercise at once with a saunter through Burleigh Heads National Park. Follow the Rainforest Circuit, a stretch that winds its way along the wild headland through rocky foreshore and rainforest for 2.3 kilometres. Stop in for views from the Tumgun lookout, keeping an eye out for whales and sea-eagles, before making your way down to Tallebudgera where you can cool off with a dip in the creek if you’re so inclined. Post-walk, tuck into a decent breakfast at one of the region’s many brunch specialists – Social Brew, Commune, and Paddock Bakery are a trio of local stand-outs.

Saturday afternoon

Grab your picnic rug and make for a leisurely afternoon at Burleigh Point Lookout and neighbouring Burleigh Hill – a popular pastime among locals. Come weekends (and even some weekdays for that matter) the grassy knoll comes alive with groups gathering for picnics, barbecues and drinks while they take in the beachfront view. Creating a gourmet platter to accompany you isn’t hard courtesy of the number of delis present nearby, including old faithful James St Deli, where gourmet cheese and dips are the specialty.

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