Free Things to Do in Burleigh Heads
- michael60772
- Feb 6
- 4 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
You do not need to spend money to have a good time in Burleigh. Some of the best stuff here costs nothing.
Beaches and Swimming
You already know this one. North end is patrolled and good for families. South end near the headland has rock pools and fewer people. Get there early and you will have it to yourself.
If the ocean is too rough or you have got little kids, this is the spot. Calm water, no waves, no rips. Pack a picnic. SUP and kayak hire is there if you want it, but swimming is free.
Walks and Nature
If you do one thing in Burleigh, do the headland walk. It is about 2.3km, takes an hour, and you get ocean views the whole way. Wallabies, bush turkeys, and sometimes dolphins or whales if you are lucky. Full walk guide here.
Three trails:
Oceanview Walk - follows the coastline
Rainforest Circuit - shaded, goes through the bush
Tumgun Lookout - short climb, views north to Surfers
Go early morning or late arvo. Midday is too hot and too busy.
Not as famous as the headland but locals rate it. Bushland trails, birds, and it is quiet. Good for a morning run or just getting away from the beach crowds.
Right on the beachfront. Grab fish and chips, find a spot on the grass, watch the sunset. Classic.
Markets
Sunday mornings at Burleigh Heads State School. Produce, handmade stuff, food, live music. You will probably end up buying a coffee but browsing costs nothing.
First and third Sunday of the month. Arts, crafts, fashion. Good for a wander.
Window shopping is free. Get a takeaway coffee and walk past the boutiques and cafes. It is where everyone ends up on a Saturday.
Sunrise at Burleigh Headland - Tumgun Lookout, sun coming up over the water
Sunset at Justins Park - golden light over the hinterland
Miami Headland Lookout - views from Burleigh all the way to Surfers
Bring your phone.
Wildlife
Check the trees on the rainforest circuit - koalas get spotted regularly. Wallabies come out early morning and late afternoon.
June to November, you can see humpbacks from the headland. Tumgun Lookout or the ocean walk are the best spots. Bring binoculars if you have got them.
Free Fitness
Outdoor gym at Justins Park - right by the beach
Beach running - hard sand at low tide
Headland stairs - locals use them for cardio
Yoga on the grass - bring a mat, Justins Park
Free Live Music
No entry fee on Friday and Saturday nights. Live bands, street food vibe. You only pay for what you eat.
Most weekends there is someone playing near the beach or at the markets.
Romantic Walks and Sunset Spots
One of the best sunset walks on the Gold Coast. Start at North Burleigh, walk along the sand or the esplanade, and end up at Burleigh Heads as the sun goes down. About 2km, flat, easy going. Grab a drink at one of the James Street bars when you are done. Perfect for couples.
Justins Park at Golden Hour
This is where locals come for sunset. Grab fish and chips or a bottle of wine, find a spot on the grass, and watch the sky light up over the hinterland. No bookings, no crowds, just you and the view. One of the most romantic free things to do in Burleigh.
If you are up early, the headland at sunrise is something else. Watch the sun come up over the ocean from Tumgun Lookout. Quiet, peaceful, and way more romantic than fighting for a table at brunch.
Tip for couples: Weekday evenings are quieter. You will get better spots and fewer people in your photos.
Nearly Free (Under $10)
Coffee - $5-6 at most cafes
Fish and chips at Justins Park - under $15 for a feed with a view
David Fleay Wildlife Park - way cheaper than the big theme parks
Bus to Coolangatta or Broadbeach - 50c with a Go Card
Everything above is walkable or a short bus ride. No car needed to explore Burleigh.
Public Transport Options
Travel with ease using Translink integrated public transport network. Plan your trip at translink.com.au or call 13 12 30.
Buses
Route 777 - Limited-stop service from Gold Coast Airport to Broadbeach South tram station. Runs daily 5:15am to 11:30pm, every 15 minutes between 6:30am and 8:30pm. Stops right out front of the motel.
Route 700 - Connects Burleigh to Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and Coolangatta.
Route 760 - Gold Coast Airport to Varsity Lakes Train Station, every 30 minutes.
Trains
Catch Route 760 from Gold Coast Airport to Varsity Lakes Train Station for frequent trains to Brisbane City (Central Station).
Trams (G:link)
From Broadbeach South tram station, hop on the G:link to reach Surfers Paradise, Southport, and beyond. Light rail extension to Burleigh coming 2026.
All public transport in South East Queensland requires pre-paid tickets:
Go Card - 50c per trip. $10 refundable deposit plus credit. You can also tap on/off with contactless Visa or Mastercard.
Go Explore Card - $10/day adults, $5/day kids. Unlimited travel on Gold Coast buses and trams.
Where to buy: 7-Eleven, NightOwl, Gold Coast Airport (WHSmith in Domestic Arrivals), or any newsagent with the Go Card sign. WHSmith also does refunds and expiry extensions.
Bus stop is right out front of Burleigh Gold Coast Motel. Beach is 5 minutes away.
Cheap accommodation means more money for doing stuff - or just keep it free and enjoy Burleigh for what it is.
We are a budget motel 5 minutes from the beach with clean rooms, free parking, free Wi-Fi, and a pool. No hidden fees, no booking platform markups. Book direct and you will pay less than Booking.com or Other Booking Sites - guaranteed.
Rooms from $145/night. Weekday and weekend discounts available when you book direct.
Rooms fill up fast in peak season. Lock in your dates now.
📞 Phone: (07) 5576 3211
🌐 Website: burleighmotel.com.au
📅 Book Direct: burleighgoldcoastmotel.com.au/bookyourstay
📍 Location: 1908-1910 Gold Coast Highway, Miami QLD 4220
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