Burleigh Heads National Park

Burleigh Heads National Park is a pocket of ancient rainforest clinging to a rocky headland, where the ocean meets the Gold Coast’s most laid-back beachside suburb. This compact park packs a punch: you can hike through subtropical vine forests, scramble over basalt boulders, and watch surfers carve waves at the famous Burleigh point break, all within a few hours. It’s a place where the bush meets the beach, and the views are pure Queensland.

Highlights & What to See

• Oceanview Track: A 2.3 km loop that takes you through towering cabbage tree palms and pandanus, with jaw-dropping lookouts over the coastline. Keep an eye out for sea eagles and migrating humpback whales (June–November).
• Burleigh Point: The headland’s rocky platform is a prime spot for photography, especially at sunrise. Watch longboarders glide along the point break – one of the Gold Coast’s most iconic waves.
• Tumgun Lookout: A short, steep climb rewards you with panoramic views from Surfers Paradise to Coolangatta. It’s a perfect picnic spot.
• Rainforest Gully: The park’s lush, fern-filled valleys feel a world away from the high-rises. Listen for the whipcrack call of the eastern whipbird.
• Burleigh Beach: The adjacent patrolled beach is ideal for swimming or a post-walk dip – the park’s trails lead directly to the sand.

Suggested Time to Spend

Half a day is enough to tackle the main walking tracks, enjoy a picnic, and dip your toes in the ocean. If you’re a keen bushwalker or photographer, set aside a full day to explore the park’s quieter corners and catch the golden light. The park is compact, so you can easily combine it with a morning coffee at one of Burleigh Heads’ many cafés.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Burleigh Heads Village: Just steps from the park, this trendy hub has excellent coffee, boutique shops, and the famous Burleigh Brewing Co.
• David Fleay Wildlife Park: A 15-minute drive north, this native wildlife sanctuary offers close encounters with koalas, kangaroos, and platypuses.
• Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary: A 10-minute drive south, this historic park is famous for its lorikeet feeding and Aboriginal cultural experiences.
• Coolangatta & Snapper Rocks: 15 minutes south, these headlands offer more stunning coastal walks and the legendary Superbank surf break.
• Gold Coast Hinterland: A 30-minute drive inland takes you to Tamborine Mountain and Springbrook National Park, with rainforest waterfalls and glowworm caves.

Please check official sources for current details.