Photo: Shiftchange / Public domain
Burleigh Head National Park is a stunning coastal reserve on the Gold Coast, offering dramatic headland walks, lush rainforest pockets, and sweeping ocean views. The park is a haven for nature lovers, with the iconic 2.3km Ocean View Walk hugging the cliff edge and providing unforgettable panoramas of the Pacific. It's a perfect spot for a short, immersive escape from the surf-and-sand bustle of Burleigh Heads.
Highlights & What to See
- Ocean View Walk: This clifftop trail is the park's star, winding through coastal heath and offering prime whale-watching (June–November) and stunning sunrise vistas.
- Rainforest Circuit: A short, shaded loop through dry eucalypt and subtropical rainforest, where you might spot brush turkeys and water dragons.
- Tumgun Lookout: A key viewpoint on the Ocean View Walk, with bench seats perfect for a quiet moment watching the waves crash below.
- Echo Beach: A small, sheltered cove at the park's southern end, ideal for a paddle after your walk.
- Aboriginal Heritage: The headland was a significant meeting place for the Kombumerri people; interpretive signs explain its cultural importance.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors spend 1–2 hours walking the Ocean View loop (allow 45 minutes one-way, plus time for stops). If you want to also do the Rainforest Circuit or relax on Echo Beach, budget 2–3 hours. The park is compact, so it's an easy morning or afternoon activity – combine with a swim at Burleigh Heads Beach or a coffee at one of the nearby cafés.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Burleigh Heads: The vibrant beachside suburb has a great café scene, the Burleigh Heads National Park walking trails, and the popular Burleigh Market on Saturdays.
- Currumbin: Just south, home to the famous Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and the stunning Currumbin Rock Pools.
- Palm Beach: A laid-back stretch of sand with a scenic oceanway path and the Elephant Rock lookout.
- Tallebudgera Creek: A calm, patrolled estuary perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking, with a popular hire spot at Tallebudgera Creek Park.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.