Top Things to Do in Burleigh Heads

michael60772
May 1
6 min read

Updated: 12 hours ago

Beach, headland, markets, food, and day trips — most of it walkable from the motel.

Burleigh punches well above its size. Here is what is worth doing, from a motel that has been here for over a decade.

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Most guests arrive expecting a nice beach and leave surprised by how much there is to do. Burleigh Heads is not just a beach suburb — it is a headland national park, a food scene that punches well above its postcode, markets, live music, and an easy jumping-off point for the rest of the Coast. Here is what is worth your time.

Family dining outdoors at a Burleigh Heads café — things to do in Burleigh Heads Gold Coast

Burleigh Beach

Start here. Burleigh Beach is a 5-min walk from the motel — golden sand, reliable surf, and the iconic headland at the southern end. It is patrolled, family-friendly, and one of the best beaches on the Gold Coast. Come early for a swim before the day crowds arrive, or late afternoon when the light goes gold.

The North Burleigh Surf Life Saving Club at the northern end serves breakfast and cold beers with ocean views. Good value, great spot. See our guide to beaches within walking distance of Burleigh.

Burleigh Head National Park and Headland Walk

The headland walk is free, takes about 30 minutes, and loops through coastal rainforest with ocean views the whole way. Start at the south end of Burleigh Beach and follow the track around the point. Spot koalas in the fig trees. Watch surfers carve up the break from above. No car needed — walk straight from the motel.

Worth combining with the lookouts: North Burleigh Lookout (10-min walk from us), Miami Hill Lookout (5-min walk), and Burleigh Hill Lookout (15-min walk). All free. All worth it. See our full Burleigh Heads walking trails guide.

Miami Beach

Miami Beach is 400m from the motel — closer than Burleigh Beach and a lot quieter. No patrolled flags, but great for a morning swim, a sunset walk, or just getting away from the weekend crowds. The light here at dusk is something else.

Sunday Markets at Burleigh Beach

Burleigh Markets run every Sunday at the beach. Local produce, handmade goods, street food, live music. Walk there from the motel in 10 minutes — no parking dramas. Village Markets at Burleigh run the first and third Sunday of each month up on James Street. Fashion, art, independent designers. See our Burleigh Heads local markets guide for dates and what to expect.

Where to Eat and Drink

James Street is the main strip and it is packed. Everything below is within walking distance of the motel. See our full where to eat and drink in Burleigh Heads guide and our budget dining in Burleigh guide.

Paddock Bakery — 150m from the motel. Wood-fired sourdough, pastries, all day breakfast. Open from 6am. Get in early or queue. Worth it every time.
Rick Shores — beachfront Asian fusion right on Burleigh Beach. One of the best restaurants on the Gold Coast. Book well ahead — weeks, not days.
Justin Lane — rooftop pizza, handmade pasta, and cocktails with ocean views. Great for a long lunch or a big night.
LiTO — Italian café and bar on James Street. Wood-grilled mains, hand-rolled pasta, espresso from early.
Local Burleigh — beer garden under a giant poinciana tree. Lobster rolls, cold tins, dog friendly. Good for a lazy afternoon.
The Commune — coffee and all day dining. Local favourite, relaxed vibe.
Burgster — smash burgers done properly. No fuss, just good food.

Bars, Breweries and Nightlife

See our full Burleigh Heads nightlife guide.

Granddad Jack's Craft Distillery — Gold Coast's first craft distillery, 2-min walk from North Burleigh Beach. Tours, tastings, and make-your-own gin experiences. Family and dog friendly.
Burleigh Pavilion / The Tropic — beach bar and restaurant perched above the headland. Sunset drinks here are hard to beat.
Club Burleigh — cold beers, live sport, dining, and entertainment on the Gold Coast Highway. Good value meals.
Precinct Brewing Co — craft beer in an industrial space. Relaxed, no pretence.

Miami Marketta

Miami Marketta runs every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday night. Street food from around the world, live music, and local culture. It is a short walk or bus ride from the motel and one of the best nights out on the Gold Coast without spending a fortune. See our Miami Marketta night out guide.

Tallebudgera Creek

Ten minutes south by car or bus. Calm, clear water — great for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, or kayaking. Families love it. The water is warmer and gentler than the surf beach and the setting is genuinely beautiful. One of those spots that reminds you why people move to the Gold Coast.

Wildlife

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is 10 minutes south. Feed lorikeets, cuddle koalas, see crocodiles. Genuinely good for families and worth a half day. David Fleay Wildlife Park is closer and quieter — native animals in a more bush setting. See our free family activities in Burleigh Heads guide for more.

Free Things to Do

You can fill several days in Burleigh without spending much at all. See our full free things to do in Burleigh guide.

Swim at Burleigh Beach or Miami Beach — both free, both a short walk
Walk the headland track — free, 30 minutes, worth every step
Burleigh Hill Stairs — free outdoor workout with ocean views
Watch sunrise from the lookouts — best before 6am in summer
Browse the Sunday markets
People watch on James Street with a coffee
Walk to Tallebudgera Creek

Getting Around Without a Car

The bus stop is right at our front door. Three routes cover most of what you need. See our full guide to getting around Burleigh without a car.

Route 700 — runs the length of the Coast. Surfers Paradise in about 25 minutes
Route 777 — direct to Gold Coast Airport in 25 minutes, 50 cents with a Go Card
Route 765 — to Robina train station for connections to Brisbane

Day Trips from Burleigh

Burleigh is a good base for the whole Coast and beyond. See our Gold Coast hinterland day trips guide and Burleigh to Coolangatta itinerary.

Harbour Town Premium Outlets — 20 minutes north. Over 200 stores, up to 70% off. Grab a feed at Crafty's after
Coolangatta and Kirra — 15 minutes south. More surf breaks, Greenmount headland, and the airport nearby
Tamborine Mountain — 40 minutes west. Rainforest walks, wineries, glow worm caves, and Gallery Walk
Springbrook National Park — waterfalls, ancient forest, and lookouts. About an hour west
Byron Bay — 45 minutes south. Lighthouse walk, beaches, and the famous town vibe
Surfers Paradise — 14km north. Catch Route 700 from our door, about 25 minutes

Couples and Romantic Stays

Burleigh is genuinely one of the best spots on the Coast for a couple's trip. See our romantic getaway in Burleigh Heads guide and affordable couples adventures on the Gold Coast.

Sunrise swim at Burleigh Beach
Breakfast at Paddock Bakery
Headland walk — 30 minutes, ocean views the whole way
Lunch at Justin Lane rooftop
Afternoon at the pool
Sunset drinks at Burleigh Pavilion
Dinner at Rick Shores — book well ahead

Family Activities

See our guides to free family activities in Burleigh Heads and school holiday accommodation in Burleigh.

Burleigh Beach — patrolled, safe, shallow enough for young kids
Tallebudgera Creek — calm water, perfect for little ones
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary — koalas, lorikeets, crocs. Half a day well spent
Burleigh Hill Park — playground and picnic area
Sunday markets — kids love the food stalls and music
Theme parks — Sea World 20 mins, Movie World 25 mins, Dreamworld 35 mins

What's On in Burleigh 2026

Book early around events — we fill up fast. See our Budget Gold Coast Accommodation 2026 guide for all event dates.

Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro — WSL surfing at Snapper Rocks. May 2026. 15 minutes from our door
Gold Coast Film Festival — April to May
Cooly Rocks On — June. See our Cooly Rocks On accommodation guide
Gold Coast Marathon — July
School holidays — June, July, September, December
Supercars Gold Coast 500 — October