{"ok":true,"data":{"id":34,"slug":"burleigh-heads-beach-burleigh-heads","name":"Burleigh Heads Beach","country":"Australia","state":"Queensland","city":"Burleigh Heads","coords":{"lat":-28.0916,"lng":153.4536},"beachType":null,"tags":["famous","surf","scenic"],"article":{"hero":"The point break at Burleigh Heads wraps around a knuckle of 23-million-year-old lava, creating one of southeast Queensland's most reliable left-handers. You'll paddle out beside the headland where Norfolk pines tower overhead and the Burleigh Heads National Park pushes dense subtropical forest down to the high-tide mark. Between sets, surfers drift over sandy patches between volcanic reef shelves, the water shifting from jade to navy as channels deepen.\n\nWhen the swell drops, the beach unfurls northward—a long crescent of beige sand where families plant umbrellas near the patrolled zone and bodysurfers work the shorebreak. The grassy plateau atop the headland fills by mid-morning: picnickers sprawl on checked blankets, yoga practitioners face the horizon, and regulars claim the same weathered bench they've occupied for decades. Food trucks idle in the carpark, sending smoke signals of grilling fish and espresso steam into the salt air.\n\nThe walking track through the national park ribbons through bangalow palms and scribbly gums, emerging at Tallebudgera Creek to the south. You'll round the headland with the Pacific on three sides, spotting turtles surfacing beyond the break and, June through November, humpback whales blowing on their northward migration. By late afternoon, the western slope of the headland becomes a stone amphitheater for sunset, the offshore breeze carrying the scent of flowering grevillea down to the sand.","teaser":"You'll smell eucalyptus before you see the lineup—Burleigh's pandanus palms lean over black basalt boulders while green walls peel left across sand-bottomed reef. Locals stake out the grassy headland at dawn, watching swells march in from the Coral Sea as kookaburras call from the national park behind.","uniqueAngle":"A volcanic headland anchors both a world-class point break and a thriving rainforest enclave, creating rare dual wilderness in a built-up coastal strip.","accessType":"Drive-up / Walk-in","thingsToDo":[{"icon":"surf","title":"Ride the Point","subtitle":"Left-hander over sand and reef"},{"icon":"hike","title":"Headland Loop Track","subtitle":"Rainforest circuit with whale lookouts"},{"icon":"food","title":"Beachfront Fish Shacks","subtitle":"Grilled snapper on the esplanade"},{"icon":"swim","title":"Patrolled Bay Swimming","subtitle":"Gentle waves north of rocks"}],"audience":{"surfer":"The Burleigh bar produces hollow, fast lefts on north-to-northeast swells between three and six feet—anything bigger closes out or holds only the most committed tube riders. You'll find the takeoff zone tight and locals protective; earn respect by waiting your turn and knowing the inside rock section that shreds fins at low tide. Bring two boards: your everyday shortboard and a mid-length for the mellow days when the point offers long, carveable walls instead of barrels. Early mornings see the lightest crowds, and autumn swells often deliver the season's most consistent shape.","couples":"Stake your towel on the northern end where pandanus trees offer dappled shade and the headland blocks afternoon glare. As the sun drops, claim a spot on the grassy bluff—BYO wine is common, and the western sky ignites over the hinterland ranges. Rick Shores, perched on the point, serves share-plate Southeast Asian fare with floor-to-ceiling views of the break; book the outdoor terrace at golden hour. For lodging, opt for one of the low-rise apartment blocks along Goodwin Terrace where balconies catch ocean breezes and you'll fall asleep to wave-wash instead of Surfers Paradise neon.","backpacker":"Burleigh YHA sits two blocks back on Goodwin Terrace with dorm beds around $35 and a rooftop where you'll meet the entire seasonal surf crew. The beach itself is free, patrolled daily, and flanked by coin-operated showers. Hit Bluff Espresso for $6 breakfast burritos or grab Vietnamese bánh mì from the Stockland mall food court for under $9. The 760 and 777 buses run the Gold Coast Highway every fifteen minutes, connecting you to Coolangatta and Surfers—tap-on with a Go Card for the cheapest fares and skip the tourist shuttle racket entirely.","local":"Arrive before 6:30 a.m. when the carpark's still empty and you can actually find the sweet entry point beside the rock pool without dodging learners. The southern end of Tallebudgera Creek—accessible via the national park track—offers glassy conditions when onshore winds chop up the main beach. On big north swells, skip the point circus and check the beach break between the flags where sandbars sometimes sculpt surprise A-frames. For the truest local move: grab takeaway from Paddock Bakery on West Burleigh Road, then watch the sunset session from Tumgun Lookout where the headland's south face reveals who's really charging.","family":null,"party":null,"diver":null,"explorer":null},"faqs":[{"a":"Burleigh Heads Beach is patrolled by lifeguards year-round, making it relatively safe for swimmers when you stay between the red and yellow flags. The beach features both sheltered areas near the headland suitable for families and more exposed sections with stronger currents popular with surfers. Conditions vary depending on swell size and direction. The southern end near the headland typically offers calmer water, while the northern stretch experiences larger waves. Always check daily conditions, observe warning signs, and swim only in patrolled areas during patrol hours.","q":"Is Burleigh Heads Beach safe for swimming?"},{"a":"Burleigh Heads Beach is enjoyable year-round, with each season offering different appeal. Summer (December-February) brings warm water temperatures around 25°C and bustling beach atmosphere, though it's more crowded. Autumn and spring offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds and consistent surf conditions. Winter (June-August) sees cooler air temperatures but still mild conditions by international standards, with water around 21°C. Early mornings year-round provide calmer conditions and stunning sunrise views over the ocean. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends regardless of season.","q":"What is the best time to visit Burleigh Heads Beach?"},{"a":"Parking at Burleigh Heads can be challenging, especially on weekends and holidays. The main car park is off Goodwin Terrace, adjacent to the beach and park, with metered parking available. Additional street parking exists along residential streets like Burleigh Esplanade and Pacific Parade, though spots fill quickly. Parking meters operate daily with fees varying by duration. Arriving early morning (before 8am) significantly improves your chances of finding a spot. Alternatively, consider using public transport or cycling, as the area is well-connected to the broader Gold Coast.","q":"Where can I park at Burleigh Heads Beach?"},{"a":"Burleigh Heads offers excellent amenities and dining options within walking distance of the beach. James Street, just one block back from the beach, features numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars serving everything from casual breakfast spots to upscale dining. The beachfront has public facilities including showers, toilets, and barbecue areas in Burleigh Headland National Park. For accommodation, options range from budget apartments to boutique hotels and holiday rentals, mostly concentrated within a few streets of the beach. Several surf shops and convenience stores operate nearby for beach essentials.","q":"What food and amenities are available near Burleigh Heads Beach?"},{"a":"Yes, the Burleigh Headland walking track is one of the beach's main attractions and starts directly from the southern end of the beach. This scenic 1.2-kilometre circuit trail winds through Burleigh Headland National Park, offering spectacular ocean views, rainforest scenery, and excellent whale-watching opportunities during migration season (June-November). The track takes approximately 30-45 minutes to complete and features some moderate inclines and stairs. It's accessible from the beach or from car parks on Goodwin Terrace. The walk is particularly beautiful at sunrise or sunset.","q":"Can I walk the Burleigh Headland trail from the beach?"}]},"seo":{"title":"Burleigh Heads Beach: Queensland's Iconic Surf & Scenery","description":"Where jade waves peel along volcanic headlands and Norfolk pines frame golden sand, this Gold Coast gem draws surfers and sun-seekers to its legendary point break.","ogImage":"/api/place-photo?ref=Ab43m-tH6fKmXMqK3k2EjiSkc_iqDjXS_RFgqPffijoVqdUY5nzp1qzsmfMkYp1-zhDKdXjyN1-0fVMhDKEy8jTACV8PD-F_3No-vB5rLXj9xaLUSdpigzrhdexlJcoL3jlBJSWPXhRqSgcReYrgUiMmGRxBsqH5gnpXgUf9gbeHUtNJ8wADHIYMx7DaOVaYjSpPoFA_-1jvXbbnHdoIvx-m6Zb5mxuBdKVztyRaPYvPrDllew93eYsXMyK5B4P-Ndh6c-D49goT34k5sDS-7SKSOJDSooWHypjpHxSibvziBYb0CqUIP8sblid9Tgir_DZH-4wjSOLDfK2ao_ocYMS10YsM_BDALkblWLQjgIsk-KQDyeMV-Y7_dZT2GzBhWdLgRZZQ6apv7y9Q7uSaGy89fL_kMHipYa3r8vwu9E940yTZgQ&w=1600"},"images":[{"id":"486312","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/4308/35264719004_f0d2a0531e_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/4308/35264719004_f0d2a0531e.jpg","alt":"Burleigh Heads at Sunset"},{"id":"486313","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/2593/32744351520_d0979c4ddd_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/2593/32744351520_d0979c4ddd.jpg","alt":"Gold Coast at sunrise"},{"id":"486314","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/5610/15150241353_fc0eda0e59_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/5610/15150241353_fc0eda0e59.jpg","alt":"Our Future Still Looks Bright"},{"id":"486315","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/1703/24116927842_0d7d8d8a8a_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/1703/24116927842_0d7d8d8a8a.jpg","alt":"Gold Coast Skyline viewed from Burleigh Heads National Park"},{"id":"486316","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/7393/11884875643_9a25a268b8_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/7393/11884875643_9a25a268b8.jpg","alt":"All Summer Long"},{"id":"486317","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/674/32310581393_990b466b88_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/674/32310581393_990b466b88.jpg","alt":"Sunrise on Gold Coast"},{"id":"486318","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/2927/33927574336_36b09d5b02_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/2927/33927574336_36b09d5b02.jpg","alt":"Walking in Burleigh Head National Park, Gold Coast, August 1960"},{"id":"486319","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/3868/14672508841_cabc54304c_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/3868/14672508841_cabc54304c.jpg","alt":"Artefact B19 #burleighheads #australia"},{"id":"486320","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/7324/11962939976_a2bf777e62_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/7324/11962939976_a2bf777e62.jpg","alt":"Tower 19"},{"id":"486321","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/3903/32969721222_1fc0de1c28_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/3903/32969721222_1fc0de1c28.jpg","alt":"Sunrise on Gold Coast"}]}}