Visit Tallebudgera Creek, the family paradise

Is Tallebudgera Creek the best beach for kids and families on the Gold Coast? Ask any local families or in-the-know parents who holiday on the iconic strip and they'd say “100% it is!”.  A hotspot for visitors and locals alike, it’s the place to seek a low-key non-surf beach for a quick dip, stand-up paddleboard or coffee.

Following in the footsteps of neighbouring Gold Coast beaches like Currumbin, Bilinga and Palm Beach, Tallebudgera Creek – AKA “Talle” as it's affectionately known – is having a moment, with cafes popping up faster than you can say “Did you pack the sunscreen?”

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Tallebudgera Creek.

Where is it? | How to get there | What to do there | FAQs

On the southern end of the Gold Coast, the beach at Tallebudgera Creek is halfway between Surfers Paradise ( to the north) and Coolangatta (12 km to the south). The closest beaches to Tallebudgera Creek Beach are Tallebudgera Beach – a proper coastal surf beach at the ocean end of the Talle Creek inlet – and Burleigh Beach, which is north, around Burleigh Heads. Take the Elanora exit off the M1 or follow the signs to Tallebudgera from the Gold Coast Highway.

How to get to Tallebudgera Creek Beach

Tallebudgera Creek Beach is located close to the Gold Coast Highway making access easy. If you’re using Google Maps, make sure to put in “Tallebudgera Creek Beach” and not “Tallebudgera Creek” or you could end up en route to an inland section of the creek that isn’t patrolled or a “beach”.

Why is Tallebudgera Creek Beach so popular for families?

There’s a lot to love about Talle Creek Beach. Here are five reasons why it’s a winner

• No waves: If you’ve got kids who are intimidated by the pumping barrels along some of the Gold Coast Surf Reserve beaches like Burleigh or Currumbin, Talle Creek Beach feels downright mellow. The water itself is flat, and while any inlet can be dangerous due to the current, it’s patrolled by lifeguards from September to May (9am – 5pm, subject to change).
• Accessibility: If you’re mobility impaired, have a pram in tow or just hauling a lot of stuff (which is basically the definition of being a parent, right?) Talle Creek Beach is truly a find. On weekends between September and May beach matting creates a runway down to the hard sand so you can skip the soft sand and access it on wheels, no worries. The Neptune Royal Surf Life Saving Club and Volunteering Gold Coast offer complimentary beach wheelchairs from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday. For more information check out the lifeguard tower 17.
• Parking: Finding a free car space is the worst part of going to the beach – any beach, but at Talle Creek Beach you’ll find a 150-car capacity council-run parking lot. Granted it does get packed on hot days and weekends, but it’s more parking than you’ll find at a lot of other beaches. It’s also directly behind the beach itself, meaning you aren’t hauling gear for several blocks and crossing busy roads before you hit the sand. In fact, the only thing between the parking lot and the water is a café, which is a great segue to another great feature…
• Food and drink: Sure, lots of beaches are close to a café, but the proximity of caffeine to coastline is literally footsteps at Talle Beach Creek. Neptune Kiosk serves truly excellent Marvel Street Coffee, freshly baked hot cinnamon doughnuts, smoothies, pastries and ice creams from 5:30am (until 3pm, but get in earlier if you want a mid-arvo coffee). Opposite, Custard Canteen is a local favourite with more substantial bites on offer (think sandwiches and bacon and egg rolls) and Portuguese tarts that have become the stuff of legend.
• Nature and culture: The Gold Coast is spoilt for beautiful beaches, but there is something extra special about Talle Creek. Tucked behind the southern side of Burleigh Head National Park, it feels secluded and laidback even on a busy day. There’s something magic about being sheltered behind the headland (known as Jellurga, the 'Dreaming Mountain' to the local Kombumerri people).

With the ocean roaring out to the east and the creek stretching up into the hinterland to the west, resident kingfishers and cockatoos create an ambient soundtrack and with a good chance of seeing dolphins at play, it’s no wonder this area holds special significance to the First People of this area.

Check out the Tallebudgera Creek walking track (about 900m one way) which has plenty of information about the Koombumerri peoples’ connection to land and water or take a tour with Jellurga tours (from Burleigh) to learn the epic dreamtime stories of the Gold Coast.

Tallebudgera Creek Beach FAQs

Is there parking at Tallebudgera Creek Beach?

Yes! One of its greatest assets (magical views, lifeguards and coffee aside) is the ample parking right next to the beach. No parallel to the road parking here, it’s an actual parking lot and it’s free for three hours.

What facilities are at Tallebudgera Creek Beach?

Behind the beach there is a small park with a playground, barbeques, picnic tables toilets (including disabled toilets) and showers.

Is Tallebudgera Creek Beach dog-friendly?

Dogs are not permitted at Talle Creek Beach - it is not dog-friendly and dogs must remain on leads around the park, playground and BBQ areas. At the northern end of Tallebudgera Beach, there is an off-leash dog exercise area.

Can I take a beach cabana to Tallebudgera Creek Beach?

There are no rules against it, but the stretch of sand is pretty small so if you are planning on popping up a huge sunshade, be mindful of the other beachgoers and how much prime real estate you’re using. 

What else is there to do at Tallebudgera Creek Beach?

The calm waters at Talle Creek make it a standout spot for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. Hire your kit from Action Outdoor Hire or take a lesson (departing from Burleigh) with Cheyne Horan School of Surf which is included free when you hire a stand-up paddleboard from the school.

The Oceanview Walk through Burleigh Head National Park will take you from Tallebudgera to Burleigh and back again. Explore mangrove forests, pandanus groves, grasslands and incredible basalt boulders.

The Rainforest Walk, also in the Burleigh Head National Park is another beautiful hike (which can be combined with the Oceanview Walk), culminating at Tumgum Lookout – a breathtaking vantage point with views stretching along the coast.

Where can I stay near Tallebudgera Creek Beach?

Families can’t go past the low-key chill at the Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park. Positioned right on the water with direct access to the patrolled beach this is the stuff family holiday dreams are made of, with a playground, tennis court, boat ramp and pool (complete with slides!).

Whether you’re a seasoned camper or prefer to stay in more luxurious digs, there’s plenty of accommodation options on offer. Take your pick from waterfront-powered sites, cabins, ensuite-powered sites and basic unpowered tent spots to choose from, but this place fills up fast so booking ahead is essential.

Beyond the immediate vicinity of the beach, you’re spoilt for choice with loads of family-friendly resorts dotted around Tallebudgera and its surrounding suburbs of Currumbin, Palm Beach and Burleigh.

For more sun, sea and sand, check out this local’s guide to the best beaches on the Gold Coast.