Sit back and relax with 48 hours in Burleigh Heads
Itinerary
By Sarah Bristow
Welcome to the southern end of the Gold Coast, a place which is just as well-versed in shopping and dining as it is in world-renowned surf beaches. Amidst its string of villages sits Burleigh Heads, wedged between the bright lights and skyscrapers of Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta. Beloved by locals and tourists alike this beachside community has become one of the region’s most recognised for its cafes, bars, and restaurants.
Not sure how best to spend your time here? This guide to 48 hours in Burleigh Heads will show you the ropes.
Friday
Evening
Bid hello to your stay in Burleigh Heads with a visit to one of its many eateries for a memorable meal. One of its most celebrated is Rick Shores, which sits directly on the beachfront. The pan-Asian restaurant has garnered plenty of acclaim around the country thanks to its innovative menu (famed bug rolls included) and equally vibrant cocktails. But it’s not the only fine diner worthy of your time while you’re in the vicinity - Restaurant Labart and The Tropic are fellow foodie favourites.
Day Two
Morning
Kill two birds with one stone, enjoying views and exercise at once with a saunter through Burleigh Heads National Park. Follow the Rainforest Circuit, a stretch that winds its way along the wild headland through rocky foreshore and rainforest for 2.3 kilometres. Stop in for views from the Tumgun lookout, keeping an eye out for whales and sea-eagles, before making your way down to Tallebudgera where you can cool off with a dip in the creek if you’re so inclined. Post-walk, tuck into a decent breakfast at one of the region’s many brunch specialists - Social Brew, Commune, and Paddock Bakery are a trio of local stand-outs.
Afternoon
Grab your picnic rug and make for a leisurely afternoon at Burleigh Point Lookout and neighbouring Burleigh Hill - a popular pastime among locals. Come weekends (and even some weekdays for that matter) the grassy knoll comes alive with groups gathering for picnics, barbecues and drinks while they take in the beachfront view. Creating a gourmet platter to accompany you isn’t hard courtesy of the number of delis present nearby, including old faithful James St Deli, where gourmet cheese and dips are the specialty.
Evening
Spend the evening exploring the Gold Coast’s favourite night-time gathering, the Miami Marketta. The laneway dining experience hosts a collection of street food stalls and live music on Friday and Saturday nights - nibble on edible delights from around the globe while you enjoy a live performance of Flamenco. Just don’t forget to drop in to the designated dessert hall.
Day Three
Morning
If you find yourself in Burleigh Heads on the first or third Sunday of the month, make way for the Village Markets. Hosted at Burleigh Heads State School, this gathering of more than 100 stalls focuses on everything from vintage clothing to food from around the globe. There’s also the Gold Coast Art & Craft Sunday Market hosted on the last Sunday of the month in Justin’s Park. Though if you’re shopping craving hasn’t yet been satisfied by some market time, meander across to James Street, where eclectic boutiques mingle with homewares stores.
Afternoon
Educate yourself on Burleigh’s past with a trip to the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre. This program was developed as a way for interstate and international visitors, as well as locals alike, to get better acquainted with the Indigenous history of the Gold Coast region. On your guided walk around magical mountain Jellurgal you’ll meet a traditional land owner and learn first-hand the Dreamtime stories associated with the district’s creation. Your experience may well also include hearing more about traditional life pre-colonisation, bush tucker, fishing, hunting and Yugambeh-speaking people’s connection to land.
Evening
Watch the sunset with a drink in hand from one of Burleigh Heads’ growing collection of bars. Take to the beachfront at Burleigh Pavilion, where you can share a cocktail jug while you watch the surfers mere metres away.
Though rooftop bars seem to be the real speciality and are a non-negotiable when it comes to spending 48 hours in Burleigh Heads. Justin Lane was the first to embrace the rooftop drinking space, joined shortly by Hellenika in nearby Nobby Beach.
More of a beer fan? You haven’t been forgotten. Burleigh is home to a growing population of craft breweries and distilleries, like Black Hops Brewing or Burleigh Brewing.
