Nestled along the stunning coastline of the Gold Coast and far from the bustling tourist hubs you’ll find Burleigh Heads. This beachside suburb has a laid-back vibe and unique charm that is sure to leave you both entertained and relaxed. From beachfront beauties and outdoor activities, to local shopping and famous eateries, there’s no shortage of Burleigh Heads attractions. Here are our top tips on how to experience Burleigh Heads like the locals.
Get into the local coffee culture
You can’t really call it a Burleigh Heads experience without embracing the thriving coffee culture. James Street is the local hotspot for coffee lovers, where you’ll find an array of trendy cafes with the best brews and bites on the Gold Coast. Whether it’s a quick coffee catch-up with friends or a grazing-style long brunch, there’s no shortage of quality coffee at Burleigh Heads. Local favourites include Seadog, Social Brew and Quest Coffee Roasters.
Explore the national park
A walk through Burleigh Head National Park makes for a quintessential Burleigh Heads experience. The natural headland has walks through lush rainforest and along the rocky foreshore to provide stunning panoramic views of the coastline. Keep an eye out for native wildlife, including birdwing butterflies, white-bellied sea-eagles and humpback whales breaching in the coastal waters below.
Shop local
Immerse yourself in Burleigh Heads’ local shopping scene by exploring The Village Markets, the heartbeat of the Gold Coast’s creative community. Held every fortnight, at these markets you’ll find handmade and vintage goods from locals and small businesses. Burleigh Heads also has a great boutique scene. Head to James Street for eclectic fashion and unique homewares that define the local style.
Drink and dine at the pride of Burleigh Heads
No visit to Burleigh Heads is complete without a drink at Burleigh Pavilion – think beachfront views, bright décor, delicious drinks and fresh seafood dishes. It doesn’t take bookings, allowing freedom for locals to pop in for a beachside lunch break or sunset drink as you listen to the live music.
Another unbeatable Burleigh Heads attraction is Rick Shores, famous for its pan-Asian menu (you can’t go past the fried bug rolls), prime location right on the beach and the friendliest service on the Gold Coast. Reservations are required at this very popular and very cool iconic restaurant.
Unwind as the sun sets
As the day winds down, it’s time to wind down with it. Justins Park is a favourite spot for families, friends and couples to enjoy a relaxed sunset picnic as the day turns from light to dark. There are plenty of park facilities, including barbeques, picnic shelters, tables and benches, and a playground. The vantage point from Justins Park offers a breathtaking sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
Getting to Burleigh Heads
There are countless Burleigh Heads experiences to enjoy, and Airtrain can help you get there. Airtrain services travel between Brisbane Airport to the Gold Coast every 15 minutes on-peak (and 30 minutes off-peak), making Airtrain the easy and reliable airport transfer option.
Airtrain has ticket options to suit all your travel needs. To get to your Burleigh Heads attractions, consider Airtrain & Tram which takes you via the G:link tram to Southport, Main Beach, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.
Once you have arrived on the Gold Coast, it’s easy to get around. The Gold Coast is covered by an extensive network of trains, buses, and G:link trams. All public transport uses a smart card for travel, or you can purchase a paper ticket. With Smart Ticketing available on trains and trams, you can also use your Visa, Mastercard or American Express contactless debit or credit card to pay.
Short term visitors should check out the go seeQ card which allows you unlimited travel for 3 or 5 consecutive days on buses, trains, ferries and G:link trams. It also includes 2 Airtrain journeys to/from the Brisbane Airport. For longer stays, travel like the locals with a go card – just touch on at your station of departure and touch off when you arrive at your destination.
