Monday 10 August 2026
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Burleigh Heads Guide: Beach, Cafes and the National Park

Burleigh Heads sits about 10 kilometres south of Surfers Paradise and has a distinctly different character, built around a surf beach, a compact village cafe strip and Burleigh Head National Park. The headland walk through the national park takes around 45 minutes and rewards with views up and down the coast. The Sunday Burleigh Heads Market draws a strong local crowd, and the strip of restaurants and cafes on James Street is among the most popular on the coast for brunch and lunch. The beach itself is one of the better surf breaks on the southern Gold Coast.

Burleigh Heads Guide: Beach, Cafes and the National Park
  1. 1

    Burleigh Heads National Park

    Burleigh Heads

    A coastal national park headland between the beach and the residential suburb, with a 2km circuit walk offering views back to Surfers Paradise and south to Coolangatta.

  2. 2

    Burleigh Pavilion

    Burleigh Heads

    A beachfront bar and restaurant on the first floor of the Burleigh Surf Life Saving Club, with 180-degree ocean views and a famous Sunday session crowd.

  3. 3

    James Street Precinct, Burleigh

    Burleigh Heads

    A boutique dining and shopping strip with specialty cafes, independent fashion, wellness studios and some of the Gold Coast's best brunch restaurants.

  4. 4

    Burleigh Heads Beach

    Burleigh Heads

    A long, north-facing beach with a surf-club restaurant, patrolled swimming, and the point break at the southern headland that draws surfers from around the world.

  5. 5

    West Burleigh Markets

    West Burleigh

    A Sunday morning fresh-produce and artisan market in West Burleigh, with certified organic growers, artisan bakers and local coffee roasters.

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